New ‘Safe Place’ for youth in crisis on Big Island

The Salvation Army Family Intervention Services in Hilo has become another designated Safe Place for youth in crisis on the Big Island.

It is part of the National Safe Place Network that operates in 38 states with more than 20,000 participating community businesses and organizations.

More than 1.5 million youth in the United States run away from home annually due to abuse, neglect, family conflicts and other issues. The Safe Place program is an option for young people who feel they have nowhere to turn.

Salvation Army Family Intervention Services will display the yellow and black Safe Place sign, which signifies immediate help and safety for youth. These signs also are installed on all 55 Hele-On buses operating across the island.

The expansion on the Big Island is in partnership with Hawaiʻi County’s Mass Transit Agency, which runs the county’s Safe Place initiative.

“Ensuring our keiki have places where they can feel safe and protected is integral to a sustainable Hawaiʻi Island where our keiki can thrive and succeed for generations,” Hawaiʻi County Mayor Mitch Roth said. “That’s why we made our buses safe places and why we’re proud to partner with organizations islandwide that have a proven track record of providing critical services for our community. Our partnership with The Salvation Army Family Intervention Services exemplifies that.”

Big Island Safe Place locations:

• On all Hele-On buses, islandwide
• The Salvation Army Family Intervention Services, 1786 Kinoʻole St. in Hilo
• Mo’oheau Bus Terminal, 329 Kamehameha Ave. in Hilo
• West Hawai’i Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy, Bldg. D in Kailua-Kona
• Mass Transit Agency Baseyard, 2299 Ho’olaulima Rd. in Hilo

The mission of the Salvation Army Family Intervention Services is to provide youth with skills for a healthy lifestyle and instill purpose, hope and vision to youth and their families.

“We are excited to partner with Hele-On and Hope Services to help our keiki find a safe place to live in while we assist them with finding other resources in the community that may be beneficial for the youth and their families,” said Roxanne Costa, executive director of the Salvation Army Family Intervention Services.

For Safe Place and Hele-On information on the Big Island, call 808-961-8744 or visit www.heleonbus.org.

For information about the National Safe Place program, call 502-635-3660 or visit www.nationalsafeplace.org