LSS Safe House

Safe House is an emergency shelter for youth ages 16-20 years old. We shelter youth in a single-family home in a quiet Saint Paul neighborhood.

Safe House is more than just a place to stay. We provide a safe and supportive environment where youth can work alongside staff to build stability, develop skills, and move toward their own goals.
Our program includes support with things such as connecting to resources, education and employment, independent living skills, and planning for safe and sustainable long-term housing.
Because we are a structured program and share a living environment, there are a few important expectations that help create a safe and respectful space for everyone:
• Education or employment: Youth are expected to be attending school, working, or actively working with staff toward one of these goals. This is a non-negotiable part of our program and is intended to support long-term stability and independence.
• Safety and program expectations: Following staff direction and program rules is an important part of maintaining a safe environment. We recognize that trust and relationships take time, and our goal is to communicate expectations clearly and work through challenges with youth respectfully.
• Shared living responsibilities: Youth are expected to care for their personal space and clean up after themselves. Everyone also participates in a weekly chore. These responsibilities are part of learning and practicing independent living skills.
• Independent living skills: Youth work with staff on practical skills that can support greater independence, such as managing responsibilities, maintaining a living space, budgeting, planning, and preparing for future housing.
• Case management: Youth meet with their case manager weekly to check in, talk through any needs or barriers, review goals, and identify next steps. These meetings are meant to provide support and accountability while allowing youth to have a voice in their own plan.
We understand that everyone comes to Safe House with their own experiences, strengths, challenges, and goals. We do our best to meet youth where they are, listen to what they need, and support them without judgment while also helping them take steps toward greater stability and independence.