Since 2001, the National Runaway Safeline has designated November as a time to raise awareness for youth experiencing homelessness and showcase local resources that provide support, shelter, and safety for youth in need. This month, Zepf Center joins hundreds of agencies throughout the country to celebrate Youth HOPE Month and highlight these vital local resources, including the agency’s own Safety Net Homeless & Runaway Youth Shelter. 

Previously known as National Runaway Prevention Month, this annual observance underwent a rebrand this year to better reflect the broader issues currently impacting youth. Youth Homelessness, Outreach, Prevention, and Education (HOPE) Month brings awareness to homelessness, family conflict, abuse, and mental health challenges that impact many young people across America. With a goal to build understanding within the community, Youth HOPE Month partners inspire community members to take action through volunteering, advocating, or simply spreading awareness.

To celebrate Youth HOPE Month, Zepf Center Safety Net will be hosting the following community events:                                                                                                                                                       

Shining a Light on Youth Homelessness – Virtual Presentation

• November 14, 5-6 p.m., via Zoom Video or Facebook Live

Light the Night Community Walk

• November 21, 5:30-6:30 p.m., 2005 Ashland Ave.

Central Catholic vs Start HS Girls Basketball Game

• November 23, 3:30 p.m., Central Catholic Highschool

In Ohio alone, over 24,000 youth experience homelessness each day. This lack of secure housing not only impacts a young person’s daily life but puts them at an increased risk for human trafficking, violence, and threats to their physical and mental well-being. As the only shelter for runaway and homeless youth in Northwest Ohio, Zepf Center’s Safety Net provides hope, stability, and safety for youth ages 12-17. 

The Safety Net Runaway Youth Shelter is a critical lifeline for young people in our community and throughout Northwest Ohio. Designed to provide temporary shelter for runaway, homeless, or at-risk youth, Safety Net also provides care coordination for mental health and primary care services, life skills development, and academic support.

Critical resources are also available through the agency’s Street Outreach Program (SOP) for youth who are unable or do not wish to stay at Safety Net. The SOP team hosts a Drop-In Center three times per week, giving youth access to hot meals, showers, laundry, and community connection. The team also conducts weekly outreach campaigns to connect with youth in the community and raise awareness about Safety Net and available support.

"In this country, over 4 million youth experience homelessness each year," said Zepf Center CEO Deb Flores. "We are proud to operate the area’s only shelter for homeless and runaway youth, providing crucial hope and support for young people in our community.”

As we celebrate Youth HOPE Month this November, we are reminded that our youth need support, compassion, and safe spaces to heal and rebuild their lives. With local resources like the Safety Net Runaway Youth Shelter and Street Outreach Program, we can create lasting change and offer young people the guidance, resources, and safety they deserve. 

For more information about Safety Net, please visit zepfcenter.org/safety-net. If you or someone you know is under the age of 18 and in need of a safe place to stay, call or text 419-206-0926.

To learn more about Youth HOPE Month and help raise awareness for youth homelessness, visit 1800runaway.org/prevention-education/youth-hope-month