Safe Place for Youth

Dear Friends, 

Youth-specific funding is crucial now more than ever, as it's at risk of being cut from Measure A recommendations, potentially causing a $7,000,000 loss for organizations like Safe Place for Youth, which serve transition-aged youth (12-25). A USC study found that over 50% of individuals experiencing chronic homelessness had their first episode as a youth. These young people need safe, youth-specific services to break the cycle of homelessness. Cutting this funding undermines efforts that have led to a 16% decrease in youth homelessness -- progress born from the systems Safe Place for Youth and other service providers have implemented for the youth we serve. Preserving this funding is not just an investment in young people’s futures, but also a strategic move to prevent chronic homelessness in LA County. Follow the instructions below to advocate for our youth. 

How to help: 

1. 1. Visit https://appcenter.gis.lacounty.gov/districtlocator/ 
   2. Enter your address to find your Supervisorial District 
   3. Copy the letter below these instructions 
   4. Email all of your Supervisorial District Representatives found below the letter. 

All letters must be submitted by Sunday, March 23, 2025 to be seen by March 24, 2025. 

Letter: 

SUBJECT: Restore Measure A Funding for Youth Homeless Services!

[Date]

Dear Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors,

My name is [NAME] and I am [add something descriptive about you eg. a parent/teacher/business owner etc.] and I care about youth homelessness because [REASON]. I am writing to urge you to restore the funding for youth homeless services that was cut in the Homeless Initiative’s Measure A recommendations. Youth need supports that are tailored to meet their unique needs and services that are provided in environments where they feel safe. It is because of youth-focused programs that youth homelessness is decreasing, and we cannot afford to go backwards now. If youth programs are cut, and funding is not set aside specifically to serve young people, there is no guarantee that services will be available that meet their unique needs.

By ensuring that funding is restored for youth homeless services, you are giving young people the opportunity to thrive, and preventing them from experiencing homelessness as adults and families. Prevention of chronic homelessness is crucial to ending the homelessness crisis. I hope that you will stand in support of ensuring that youth are not overlooked in the implementation of Measure A.

Sincerely,
[Name/affiliation]

Contact List:

Homeless Deputies

• • SD1: Daniella Urbina ([email protected]) 
  • SD2: Isela Gracian ([email protected]) 
  • SD3: Amy Perkins ([email protected])
  • SD4: Ivan Sulic ([email protected])
  • SD5: Lilit Bagdzhyan ([email protected]) 

Chiefs of Staff

• • SD1: Cindy Chen ([email protected])
  • SD2: Fredericka McGee ([email protected]) AND Kirk [email protected]
  • SD3: Estevan Montemayor [email protected]
  • SD4: Mark Baucum ([email protected])
  • SD5: Anna Mouradian ([email protected])

Additional Legislative, Human Services and Child Welfare Deputies

• • SD1: Anthony Cespedes ([email protected])
  • SD1 Aaron William Fox ([email protected])
  • SD2: Marina Escobedo ([email protected])
  • SD3: Savannah Portillo ([email protected])
  • SD4: Maral Karaccusian ([email protected]) AND Nick Holden ([email protected])
  • SD5: Monica Banken ([email protected])

District Emails

• • SD1: [email protected]
  • SD2: [email protected]
  • SD3: [email protected]
  • SD4: [email protected]
  • SD5: [email protected]