Through a partnership with Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development, Valley Metro has designated four new light rail stations in central Mesa as safe places for teens that are homeless or wandering the streets with nowhere to turn.
“With the extension of light rail into central Mesa, Valley Metro is extending its commitment to the community through Safe Place,” said Steve Banta, Valley Metro CEO. “Light rail stations are a community asset that is designed to provide a safe space for everyone, most notably our youth.”
Two vulnerable teenagers recently received the assistance they needed at light rail stations in Phoenix. A 16-year-old Nevada runaway received much-needed help from a Valley Metro security officer. The pair called Safe Place from the light rail station at Thomas and Central, where the frightened teen connected with Tumbleweed and received support in less than one hour. The second teen connected to Safe Place through the emergency call box posted at 19th Avenue and Montebello.
“Safe Place is designed to do exactly that – provide a safe place for teens in crisis,” said Cynthia Schuler, CEO of Tumbleweed. “Because of the training Valley Metro has done with its front line staff and the visibility of Safe Place at light rail stations, Tumbleweed staff was able to provide the teens with immediate housing and basic needs.”
With the opening of the Central Mesa light rail extension on Aug. 22, a total of 32 light rail stations now serve as safe places. An additional three light rail stations will be designated Safe Place contact spots when the Northwest Extension opens in spring 2016.
