Young people in Wake County experiencing crisis situations now have a new support resource available at all public library locations. Through a partnership between Wake County Public Libraries and Haven House Services, every one of the county’s 23 libraries has been designated as an official Safe Place site.
The initiative began rolling out in November, with each library displaying Safe Place signage and staff undergoing specialized training. The goal is to provide immediate help and safety for youth who need it, making libraries a visible part of the community’s safety net.
“Libraries have long been trusted spaces in our communities,” said Wake County Commissioner Susan Evans. “By becoming Safe Place sites, they’re taking an important step to ensure that any young person in crisis can find safety and support when they need it most.”
Safe Place is a nationally recognized outreach program that connects young people in need with caring adults and community resources. In Wake County, Haven House Services serves as the licensed Safe Place agency certified by the National Safe Place Network. The organization partners with more than 100 local sites to deliver services. When a youth seeks help at a library, Haven House coordinates with staff to ensure a trained responder arrives within 30 minutes.
Library staff will offer welcoming environments and work closely with Haven House responders to assess needs and connect young people with appropriate services such as temporary shelter or counseling.
“This partnership with Wake County libraries expands our reach to every corner of the community,” said Patricia Cardoso, Haven House Services Chief Operating Officer. “By making Safe Place sites more accessible, we’re ensuring that any young person in a crisis situation knows that they are not alone, and help is never far away.”
Tammy Baggett, director of Wake County Public Libraries, noted that this effort aligns with their mission to strengthen community connections and provide safe environments for youth: “Libraries are much more than places to borrow books,” she said. “By becoming Safe Place sites, we’re reinforcing our commitment to our community’s youth and letting them know that if they need help, they can walk into any of our libraries and find someone who cares.”
This collaboration aims to make support more accessible for young people across Wake County by integrating social services directly into public spaces.
