Each November, Zepf Center joins organizations across the country to celebrate Youth HOPE Month, raising awareness for youth homelessness, shining a light on local resources and inspiring community support for this underserved population.
Previously recognized as National Runaway Prevention Month (NRPM), this annual observance was rebranded to reflect more accurately on the issues impacting youth today. Now known as Youth HOPE Month, HOPE stands for Homelessness, Outreach, Prevention and Education.
As the only shelter for runaway and homeless youth in northwest Ohio, Zepf Center’s Safety Net team will be hosting several internal events throughout the month, along with the agency’s annual Light the Night Community Walk on Thursday, November 13, at 5:30 p.m. It will be held at 2005 Ashland Avenue (meet near Safety Net Mural on Woodruff Avenue side), Toledo.
“Last year, Safety Net provided care and shelter for over 200 youth in our community,” said Director of Youth Services Andrea Murdock. “Our team works tirelessly to ensure these young people have a safe, supportive place to stay, with connection to vital community resources that help them thrive.”
Safety Net at Zepf Center provides 24/7/365 emergency shelter and counseling services for youth experiencing homelessness in northwest Ohio. In 2024 alone, Safety Net oversaw 279 youth admissions, on pace with the previous year. In addition to Safety Net, Zepf Center provides a wide range of youth mental health and crisis services, including the agency’s new Our Haven Youth Crisis Stabilization Unit. These services are available 24/7 for youth and families throughout the community.
“For local youth facing homelessness, Safety Net is a lifeline,” said Zepf Center CEO Deb Flores. “By raising awareness about youth homelessness and educating our neighbors about available resources, we can continue to provide support and safe spaces for youth in need.”
Providing these services would not be possible without support from community partners. Special thanks to Toledo Lucas County Homelessness Board, Lucas County Mental Health Board, Lucas County Job and Family Services, Lucas County Children Services, City of Toledo, Toledo Public Schools, University of Toledo Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute, Toledo Public Libraries, Cherry Street Mission, Juvenile Court, and Northern Ohio REACH for their continued support and dedication to our programs.
For more information about Youth HOPE Month or youth services at Zepf Center, call 330-257-8603 or email cmorrow@zepfcenter.org.
