Texting is often seen as a frivolous exercise; an indulgence of an easily distracted, constantly connected culture. But the ubiquity of cell phones, paired with young people's technological virtuosity, present opportunities beyond idle chatter. | "Txt 4 Help" is a new initiative of National Safe Place, which provides havens for young people in crisis. When they text the word "safe" and their current address - street number and name, city, and state - to the number 69866, they receive the location of the closest Safe Place site. In Rochester, these young people are then met at the Safe Place location by a representative of the Center for Youth Services. | "We're there within 20 minutes," says Elaine Spaull, the Center's executive director. | The service is for youth ages 12 to 21, and is available 24 hours. | There are approximately 300 Safe Place locations throughout the Rochester area, including YMCA sites, recreation centers, libraries, small businesses, the firehouse at Monroe Avenue and Alexander Street, and 250 Regional Transit Service buses. | "You just get on a bus and say, ‘I need help,' Spaull says. "The point is you've got resources all over the city."