Advocacy
“In SPY Squad, it was so nice to meet people who are like-minded, and have a space where they let you say what you do or don’t like. For me, coming from homelessness makes you feel like nobody cares. When you come into SPY, people show that they care. It’s something that they want to do.” - Stefan, SPY Squad Member
SPY Squad trip to DC
Safe Place for Youth’s Advocacy & Organizing Program advances systems-level change to address the root causes of youth homelessness. Through policy advocacy, coalition leadership, and community organizing, SPY mobilizes youth, staff, and partners to influence decision-making at the local, county, and state levels. SPY strives to build and maintain relationships with county officials, and unlock funding for homelessness services and programs. Learn more about our advocacy successes here.
SPY Squad is a coalition of youth who have experienced homelessness and offer insights to service providers, community members, and county officials to drive system and service improvement. This intensive program strengthens leadership skills, provides policy education, and encourages youth to take initiative and use their voices to enact meaningful change.
The Venice Youth Network (VYN) is a monthly meeting that brings together unhoused youth and community members to learn about policy systems and shape SPY’s organizational strategy and public messaging.
