Resources for Teens

If you’re having trouble at home, running away may feel like the only way to escape. Most teens who run away do so because they are facing a problem too difficult to handle alone.  Leaving home seems like the best option.

But running away doesn’t solve the problem; it just creates more. There are people who can help. If you’re thinking of running away, have a friend who is, already have, or if you’ve been kicked out of home – there are resources to help.

The Fairbanks Youth Advocates shelter is open nightly from 9pm til 8am.  All youth aged 12-21 are welcome – no questions asked.  Youth can access shelter through the Cushman Street entrance (at the intersection of 7th ave and Cushman) any time after 9pm. For information, call the shelter at 328-9949 (after 9pm).  Call Safe Place (374-1627) if you need help getting to the shelter.

Youth – Frequently Asked Questions

What will happen when I get there?

• You’ll be are greeted at the door by a staff member.
  • Every night, we have at least three adults supervising between 9pm and 12am, and two from 12am-8am.
• When you arrive, you’ll be asked:
  • What is your name?
  • How old are you?
  • Who can we call in case of an emergency?
  • Do you need a ride to school?
• You will be shown the shelter space. This includes:
  • a cot or mat to sleep on,
  • basic snacks, canned soups, etc.
  • a shower and shower supplies
  • information about other resources in the community
  • an area to hang out and read, play games, or talk
• You can read, sleep, eat, shower, play games, or talk until lights out. If you can’t sleep, you may do quiet activities.
• Lights are shut off between 11 and midnight and turned on at 7am to give you plenty of time to sleep.
• If you’re in school, we’ll arrange a ride for you.

Are you going to call my parents/the cops?

This is a safe place. We want you to trust us and feel safe coming here. We will never tell anyone you are here without your permission, and we will not call your parents. We encourage you to tell your family where you are, and will try to work through your conflicts.

I need more help. What other kinds of services do you provide?

We are connected with all sorts of community agencies and programs! If you have a specific need, just ask – if we can’t help, we probably know someone who can.

Other Fairbanks Resources

Fairbanks has a drop-in center for runaway & homeless youth located at 530 7th Ave, the Street Outreach and Advocacy Program (S.O.A.P.)  SOAP is open Monday thru Friday from 2-6pm, but are staffed from 9am-6pm, in case of emergency.  Their phone number is 374-9913. They can connect you to what you need.

Have you seen these signs around town?  On the bus, on store fronts?  This sign means you can talk to one of their employees.  They have been trained to connect you with a Safe Place volunteer who will come to where you are and help get what you need.  Safe Place is also connected via text – from anywhere, you can text your location, plus the word SAFE to 69866, and they will direct you to safety. You can also call 374-1627.  Safe Place is designed for runaways and teens in crisis, and can help you decide what to do.

In association with Safe Place, Careline Crisis Intervention takes calls 24-7 and can direct you to the nearest Safe Place, connect you with resources, or just be an open ear when you need one. Calls are caring and confidential. Call 452-4357 in Fairbanks, or toll-free statewide at 877-266-4357 or 800-273-8255.  Their website also offers live chat help.