KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine — It started as a free tool for Mainers trying to break free from domestic violence and crises.
More than four years later, over 10,000 people have downloaded the Safe House app, which is available nationwide. Volunteers are now working to provide help and resources with just a few taps anywhere in the world.
The Safe House app puts resources in Maine and across the country—domestic violence, elder abuse, suicide, mental health, and human trafficking—at your fingertips.
Eliza Conley-Lepene, a survivor of domestic abuse, created the app to connect people in seconds when they are ready to make that call.
"It's a free resource for anybody to download," Conley-Lepene explained. "It's a free resource for any agency to get uploaded."
Eliza is now setting her sights on getting Safe House QR codes posted in airports across the U.S. and on cards that can be passed out by airport staff, all trained to spot signs of human trafficking and domestic violence.
"Sometimes it is hard to remember the number to call or who to go to. Safe House can be a discreet way to give someone the app and it has all the national resources," Eliza said.
Eliza wants to take the platform worldwide but needs volunteers, especially those who speak another language, to collect data on crisis agencies in different countries.
"If you do go to Europe, and you need help, you will be able to have those resources at your fingertips," Eliza added.
The app was a lifeline for Phoebe Caron.
"When you are in a crisis, you think there is no solution," Phoebe said earnestly.
The mother of three young children, she escaped an abusive marriage after finding refuge in a shelter.
The Farmington resident now serves as vice president for the nonprofit mysaferplace.org, which oversees the app. She is also a case manager for mental health services, connecting people in crisis to resources on the app.
Phoebe was recently honored as a Purple Ribbon Award winner, after being selected as a 2024 Volunteer of the Year by DomesticShelters.org. The organization is the first and largest online and mobile searchable directory of domestic violence programs and shelters in the U.S. and Canada.
"You have to have that village backing you up when you go through a hard time," Phoebe said.
Connections and support that are helping save and rebuild lives.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, there are resources right here in Maine that can help navigate through those thoughts and find a path to hope.
Maine Crisis Hotline: 1-888-568-1112
Maine teen text support
This peer support text line is for Maine youth 13 to 24 years old and is staffed by individuals 18 to 24. Talk about your feelings and get support from another young person. Daily from noon to 10 p.m. EST at 207-515-8398.