Heaven's Story

Heaven’s Story

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. 

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Lise Pixler
July 2026 SPY Report

July 2026 Newsletter

  • Learn about the intake process and how one conversation can change a life

  • A Pathway Home

  • SPY’s Corporate Opportunities

  • Community Collaboration with CITYPAK

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Lise Pixler
48 Hours After Intake

48 Hours After Intake

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.

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Lise Pixler
The Big Huge Canvas

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. 

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From SPY Member to SPY Staff: Jelani's Story

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.

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Lise PixlerYouth Story
Advocate for Youth-Specific Funding

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.

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Lise PixlerAdvocacy
SPY Squad: Youth Voices Enacting Change

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. 

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Lise PixlerAdvocacy