A Safe Place for those in crisis
Friday, June 27, 2025
Categories: Blog
For some, safety can feel like a distant hope — especially for youth facing a crisis with no place to turn. With the launch of CATA’s Safe Place program in March 2025, assistance is now just a bus ride away.
CATA is the first transit agency in Michigan — and the only Safe Place partner in the state — licensed through the National Safe Place Network to operate Safe Place®, a national outreach and prevention program for vulnerable youth. Through this designation, CATA’s vehicles and facilities serve as safe spaces for individuals under 18 experiencing crises such as abuse, neglect, violence, bullying, trafficking or stalking.
Safe Place locations are available on all CATA vehicles, at the downtown CATA Transportation Center and the Capital Area Multimodal Gateway, each marked with easily recognizable signage. Individuals can board a CATA vehicle free of charge by letting the driver know they need assistance. Any CATA employee or security personnel can also respond to requests for assistance. CATA will coordinate with local law enforcement and service agencies to provide support.
The impact of the program is already evident. Shortly following the launch, a young woman, visibly shaken and seeking help, approached a CATA employee at the information desk. She was facing a dangerous situation and the employee quickly reached out to the police ensuring she received support. This coordinated response demonstrates how the program can help by connecting vulnerable individuals to timely assistance.
In addition to supporting youths through the Safe Place program, CATA will continue to provide assistance to anyone, regardless of age, in need within its service area. By offering a safe and supportive environment, CATA is not only addressing urgent needs but also strengthening its mission to provide innovative solutions for the communities it serves.
Find out more at the Safe Place webpage.
Related Stories:
This content has been published in the 2025 Community Report.