The SPY Report is our dedicated blog and storytelling hub, offering a deeper look into the daily work of preventing and ending youth homelessness. From frontline program updates to critical advocacy alerts, we use this space to highlight the systemic issues affecting our youth and the innovative solutions we are building to solve them.
Youth housing success
How to support our newest housing site
SPY at the Hollywood Bowl
Notice to communications changes
On the week of her 25th birthday, Joseline arrived in Washington, D.C., preparing to advocate for her community.
Ways to support our new housing site
Exciting youth successes
Youth leadership in advocacy
A letter directly from our youth
On one October morning in 2025, I decided it was time to make a change.
I was struggling with depression, overwhelmed by poverty and unemployment, and I found it hard to get out of bed each day. I told myself I would start small, so I sat on the porch of the shelter where I was staying and did my hair in the sunshine. It was a small act of care for myself but it led to a conversation that changed the trajectory of my life.
Learn about the intake process and how one conversation can change a life
A Pathway Home
SPY’s Corporate Opportunities
Community Collaboration with CITYPAK
Have you ever wondered what it takes for a young person experiencing homelessness to find their way to stable housing? For every youth who walks through our doors, it starts with the same first step: intake.
Join us at The Penmar’s Sunset Session
A Pathway Home
Evening of Inspiration Recap
Secure your ticket to Evening of Inspiration
A Pathway Home
Lucy Dacus Visits SPY
Community Appreciation Recap
You’re Invited: Evening of Inspiration
A Pathway Home
Volunteer Appreciation Month
Annual Report
Our LA 5K Recap
Trivia Night Recap
Pathway Home Highlights
Big Huge Canvas
NextGen Trivia Night
Joining Team SPY for the LA 5K
Pathway Home Highlight
Board Member Highlight
Run with SPY at the LA 5K
Pathway Home Highlight
Gift Giveaway Recap
The Big Huge Canvas, a 5x3ft collaborative multi-media art piece, hangs against the main wall of our Drop-In Center’s open work area. This space functions as the living room, where members can work independently on computers, meet with staff, read, study, listen to music, socialize, etc. It only feels right to perch this piece, that so many hands have touched, above the hypothetical mantle.
New members join our Board of Directors and Advisory Council
Holiday events and wishlists
Pathway Home successes
The LA 5k to support SPY
Jelani, who describes himself as naturally shy, was instantly successful in this role. He brings a unique, gentle empathy to his daily work. But his success stems from a deeper place. Jelani first connected with SPY several years ago when he was experiencing homelessness. His path to stability began in one of our most unique resources: the Spiegel Family Healing Arts Studio.
Join our Campaign to End Youth Homelessness
A Pathway Home housing success
Gift Drive and Wrapping Event
Advocacy push
Men’s Clothing Drive
A Pathway Home housing success
Beer + Coat Drive @ Firestone Walker
Advocacy Push
Young people experiencing homelessness need youth-focused interventions to help them break the cycle of poverty and housing insecurity. General adult homeless policy doesn’t cut it for our youth. As of today, there is no dedicated youth-specific funding set aside with LACAHSA (Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency), one of the newest and largest providers of homelessness services funding.
Milestones of our housed youth
Self-care at SPY
SPY’s first ever Fall Fest at The Penmar
Ways to advocate for youth in your community
At the core of Safe Place for Youth’s services is a team of dedicated Youth Advocates that go by the name of SPY Squad. This youth-led group is shaping the future of homeless services in Los Angeles. SPY Squad members draw on their lived experiences to take action. Their goal is systemic change.
Meals That Matter Campaign
SPY @ UCLA
A Pathway Home housing success
SPY Squad supporting the community
At Safe Place for Youth (SPY), volunteers provide more than just a helping hand. Our volunteers provide community to our members built on care, compassion, and connection. Whether they're serving a warm meal, beautifying the community garden, or leading a workshop, SPY volunteers are part of a deeply empathetic mission: to support young people navigating the challenges of homelessness and help them build brighter futures.
At Safe Place for Youth (SPY), every young person who walks through our doors is met with caring staff, expansive programs, and opportunities to grow. We know that our youth may be navigating various challenges, whether it be trauma, life-transitions, or housing instability, our Clinical Program is one of the many vital ways we provide both immediate and long-term support.
For a young person experiencing homelessness, an invested adult can make the difference between a night spent outside or taking their first steps toward stability.
We spoke with Senior Director of Programs, Jessie Brown, and SPY Squad Member, Stefan, about their friendship, and how access to individualized support helped Stefan achieve success.
