March 2026 SPY Report
Hi Friend,
Spring is in the air, and SPY is in full bloom! This month, we’re excited to showcase our recent events and their impact, housing successes, and new developments at our Drop-In Center. Read below to learn more about:
Our LA 5K Recap
Trivia Night Recap
Pathway Home Highlights
Big Huge Canvas
la 5k recap
WHAT A RACE! Team SPY showed up and showed out at Dodger Stadium for the LA 5K, and changed lives while doing it. Together, we raised over $11,500 to bring basic necessities, housing support, clinical care, and pathways toward stability for unhoused youth in LA.
Our youth runner, Elijah, has been a member at SPY for a year. He consistently engages in Drop-In Center resources and is currently participating in our interim housing program.
“SPY is a safe haven. When I go over there, I know I’m good. I know I always have a place I can shower, eat, and find resources. I always have people I can talk to and a place to go to if I have an emergency. I really appreciate that. I’m running for SPY to show my gratitude.” - Elijah, SPY Youth Member
We’re grateful for all our runners, as well as our sponsor, Matern Law Group, our staff, and all of the supporters who helped us reach our goal. Because of your support, we’ll continue to reach youth like Elijah, and provide life-saving resources to ensure no young person in Los Angeles faces homelessness alone.
trivia night recap
Our community came to play! Last month, SPY’s NextGen Board hosted their 2nd annual Trivia for a Cause event at Club Joyful in Venice. The competition was fierce as teams battled it out over pizza, drinks, and prizes.
Huge thank you to everyone for bringing their A game and helping us hit our fundraising goal to support youth health and wellness, education and employment pathways, Drop-In Center resources, and more!
Want to get involved with SPY and learn more about NextGen, our junior advisory board? Email volunteer@safeplaceforyouth.org!
a pathway home: february
8 SPY youth exited to permanent housing in February! An amazing way to close out the winter season.
Congratulations to SPY member Ashton for moving into his brand new Permanent Supportive Housing unit!
Ashton has been living at SPY’s interim housing site, the Meadow at Melrose, and has consistently engaged in our therapy and case management services. He remained determined and gracious throughout the housing process, and was absolutely thrilled when he secured his own place. Ashton’s resilience is truly inspiring, and we couldn’t be happier to see him thrive!
Welcome home, Ashton!
big huge canvas: a work of heart & community 💙
“[The Big Huge Canvas] was one of the times when I thought, ‘Wow, this is community’. Just being able to add together and see it all come together, making this masterpiece.” - Kevin, SPY Youth Member
At the Drop-In Center, something magical has been unfolding: The Big Huge Canvas, a 5x3 ft collaborative multi-media art piece created by members of our Healing Arts Program.
Neal Morell, our Healing Arts Coordinator, collected figurines and materials for members to decorate the colorful canvas and to express themselves tangibly. Over two and a half weeks, the canvas became a reflection of our members’ personalities, creativity, and stories through color, texture, and imagination. Every piece and detail turned the canvas into a collective expression of community, healing, and self-discovery.