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COVID-19 Resources

National Safe Place Network (NSPN) recognizes the many challenges and tribulations that organizations are facing in light of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic. NSPN and its partners have provided resources for youth-serving agencies navigating the impact of COVID-19. NSPN hosted a discussion for Safe Place Coordinators on responding to COVID-19 and collaborated with our partner agencies, National Network for Youth (NN4Y) and National Runaway Safeline (NRS), to facilitate an exchange among executive leaders across the country on the impact of COVID-19 on homeless youth and how the field is responding. We appreciate all who have contributed to the conversations thus far and recognize that our work is far from over. Below are a few ways you can keep up with NSPN, and our national partners, during this global pandemic

Join the Conversation at the NSPN Connect Forum

NSPN has opened up the Connect Forum to the public in order to share resources, advice, and best practices in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the resources currently available on the forum include:

  • Using Community Meetings to Meet the Needs of Your Organization During Crisis (A trauma-informed approach),
  • Ideas and Resources for Families When Schools are Closed,
  • Covenant House Alaska's COVID-19 Response Plan,
  • Virtual Learning Enrichment Activities,
  • COVID-19 Resources for Youth and Family Service Providers,
  • and many more.

 

Share NSPN's COVID-19 Infographic

In response to many providers who indicated youth were not practicing proper social distancing and were not taking the pandemic as seriously as they should, NSPN created a COVID-19 Infographic that can be shared with youth.

Join NSPN, National Network for Youth (NN4Y), and National Runaway Safeline (NRS) for Virtual Office Hours

NSPN, with national partners NN4Y and NRS, are hosting Weekly Virtual Office Hours every Wednesday through April 29th. These Virtual Office Hours are intended to bring providers together to discuss topics like:

  • Changing how we engage with young people (e.g. using remote-based platforms or using social media);
  • Adapting strategies for street outreach or drop-in centers;
  • Partnering creatively with community-based organizations and merchants to increase support;
  • Assisting collaborative partners during this crisis;
  • Changing your teams, meetings, and communication (e.g. having more virtual meetings, etc.); and
  • Working with funders to change grant requirements.

If you're interested in joining the discussion, register at: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1588706746964361483

Available Resources for Youth

TXT 4 HELP and NRS continue to provide support to youth 24/7. TXT 4 HELP is a nationwide, 24-hour text-for-support service for teens in crisis. TXT 4 HELP works anywhere in the US and extends access to safety for teens. TXT 4 HELP can be used for the same reasons a young person may go to a Safe Place site - abuse, bullying, family problems, depression, suicidal thoughts, and others. TXT 4 HELP counselors can provide support via text and can offer additional suggestions for immediate help regardless of where youth are.

Here’s how it works:

  • Text the word “safe” to 4HELP (44357).
  • Within seconds, you will receive a message with the closest Safe Place site and phone number for the local youth agency.
  • For immediate help, reply with “2chat” to text interactively with a trained counselor. 

It’s quick, easy, safe, and confidential. TXT 4 HELP is a free service offered to all youth in crisis.
*Messaging/data rates apply.

NRS provides crisis intervention, support, and connections for youth ages 12-21 and their families to resources such as food banks, shelters, counseling, etc., through their 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) hotline and through their live chat, emails, and forums at 1800RUNAWAY.org.  All services are provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.

Your NSPN team continues to work through this pandemic. If you are in need of support, please contact us at [email protected] for the quickest response. We will get through this. Together We Can!