CATA Safe Place Program

CATA is a designated Safe Place® partner. We provide immediate help and safety for youth under 18 in crisis. Our vehicles and facilities serve as safe, accessible locations for those in need

A safe place for all in need

CATA is licensed through the National Safe Place Network to operate Safe Place®, a national program for vulnerable youth. CATA is the first transit agency and the only Safe Place partner in Michigan. Our vehicles and facilities serve as safe places for anyone under 18 experiencing a crisis.

What is the Safe Place program?

The Safe Place program helps youth find safety from abuse, bullying, family problems, depression, suicidal thoughts and other crises. If you are in danger, the nearest Safe Place site can connect you with help.

Safe Place works with local businesses and organizations like CATA to make help available to vulnerable youth. Sites marked with the Safe Place logo offer immediate help and connect people with local resources.

CATA Safe Place locations

All CATA Vehicles
Downtown CATA Transportation Center (420 S. Grand Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933)
Capital Area Multimodal Gateway (1240 S. Harrison Road, East Lansing, MI 48823)

These locations are clearly marked with the Safe Place logo, making it easy to find help when you need it.

How it works

Anyone can board a CATA vehicle free of charge by letting the driver know they need help. Any CATA employee or security staff can also respond to requests for assistance. CATA will work with local authorities to provide help and a safe location.

TXT 4 HELP

For teens in crisis, TXT 4 HELP is a fast, confidential way to access support through the Safe Place program.

How to Use TXT 4 HELP

Text the word “SAFE” and your current location (street address, city, state) to 4HELP (44357).
You will receive a message with the closest Safe Place site and contact info for a local youth agency.
For immediate help, reply with 2CHAT to connect with a trained counselor by text.

TXT 4 HELP is free and available around the clock. Messaging and data rates may apply. If no Safe Place site is available in your area, you will receive information on the nearest youth service organization.

Working together for a safer community

CATA works with the National Safe Place Network, local law enforcement and service agencies to connect youth with resources such as Gateway Youth Services Division through Child and Family Charities. Together, we make sure those in crisis can access help fast. This work strengthens our community and ensures no one is left without support.

Get help now

If you are in distress, please ask for help. CATA provides a safe, supportive environment.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you are waiting for a bus and do not feel safe, wait inside a nearby business until the bus arrives.

For additional support, consider reaching out to these national hotlines:

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: Call 988 or text 988.
National Human Trafficking Hotline: Call 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733

In addition to supporting youths through the Safe Place program, CATA will continue to provide assistance to anyone in need of help within its service area.

CATA's adoption of the Safe Place program underscores its commitment to community safety and support for vulnerable individuals. Visit our Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Campaign webpage for more information.

For general inquiries, contact CATA's Customer Experience at 517-394-1000 or info@cata.org.