SPY Squad: Youth Voices Enacting Change
Congratulations to our recently graduated cohort!
Members as pictured (left to right): Brenda, Daniel, Mitchie, Nate, Stefan, Phoenix
SPY Squad members not pictured: Gabi and Coral
Meet the SPY Squad
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.
SPY Squad offers members who are at risk of or facing homelessness, a chance to share feedback on services, discuss policy, and represent their peers in their communities. From day one, the work has been about the power of a collective voice. “I learned that our voices can create change,” shared Phoenix, an early cohort member. “If we can advocate and share our experience and knowledge, we can create positive change in the system.”
For our youth, SPY Squad is not just a program. It provides a path for self-discovery, strengthens trust in their voice, and offers leadership training. During bi-monthly meetings, they share personal stories about finding shelter, using services at the Drop-In Center, and case management. They also discuss getting permanent housing, education, and employment support. These meetings spark discussion surrounding change they'd like to see for themselves and their peers.
Finding Strength As An Advocate
For some of our members, joining this cohort was life-changing. We spoke with Stefan, a long-time initial member of the group. “It helped me get housing, understand how homeless economics work, and how to advocate for myself. I found mentorship in Jessie and all the staff who always look out for us.”
Stefan and Nate, after two years of involvement, shared a memorable experience. They traveled to Oregon for the West Coast Convening. There, they discussed homelessness and policy with other service providers and youth advocates.
“We connected with resources at the conference – it was a convening where everybody came from different organizations and you got to learn about their programs and what they do to solve homelessness,” said Nate describing the Oregon gathering.
For Nate, SPY Squad was a starting point for personal growth and development. "My main takeaway from my time in SPY Squad was becoming a leader. I found my voice to advocate for housing and policy change."”
This group of 6 members just graduated. Now, a new set of youth can share fresh ideas. They will find more ways for youth-centered organizations to create change. When asked, each member encouraged the next cohort to fully commit and to believe in their voice.
“If you’re someone considering joining SPY Squad, and you want to participate in improving homeless services for young people – go for it!”
“Just give it your all, don’t be afraid to be yourself and make changes that are important to you.”
“It may take time to get used to SPY Squad and for you to see growth, but it’s rewarding for sure.”
We Are Stronger Together: A Recent Advocacy Triumph
Our young advocates came together and provided public comment at the Board of Supervisors meeting held on March 25, 2025. This meeting was crucial as it would decide the fate of youth-specific funding for homeless services. Transitional Age Youth (TAY) services were at risk of losing $7,000,000 in funding.
SPY Squad members showed enthusiasm to speak up and make their voices heard. Gabi, a recent SPY Squad graduate, spoke of her personal goals and how she achieved them by receiving supportive services through specific TAY systems. “Programs designed for young people have helped many youth access housing, education, jobs, and mental health support. Today, I'm going on three years housed. I have improved my mental health, I got my high school diploma, and I've built a community.”
Other members emphasized that solving chronic homelessness starts with ending youth homelessness. “Youth make up nearly 10% of Los Angeles' homeless population and without intervention, over 50% will experience chronic homelessness as adults,” said Daniel R.
Mitchie, another SPY Squad youth who has experienced homelessness on and off since she was a child, followed this. She stated, "When I experienced homelessness firsthand, I received services from SPY. I saw how much they were willing to connect us to supportive and secure stable housing as well as therapy services. We cannot heal our youth or help them if we keep putting them in the same circumstances. To end and prevent youth homelessness in our city we must prioritize funding these programs.”
Thanks to SPY staff, members of SPY Squad, and all other TAY providers in Los Angeles County who addressed the Board of Supervisors, we restored funding for TAY services in the allocation of Measure A funding!
But internal work is just as crucial as larger county-wide policy. SPY Squad advocates encourage our members to provide feedback to the structures that serve them, whether within our programs or in LA local government. Our members’ experiences and perspectives on homelessness and youth needs are vital. This feedback guides our mission for a just and equitable world. We aim for all young people to thrive and have a safe place to call home.
“It’s important to tell those who have the power to make structural changes about our lived experience,” Phoenix said. “I’m an immigrant; others come from foster care, but everyone has their own experiences.”
How to Get Involved With SPY's Advocacy Work:
If you’d like to support SPY’s advocacy initiatives consider joining our Venice Youth Network (VYN) meetings. VYN is a community meeting that creates opportunities for education, collaboration, and connection in order to achieve support, health and wellness for young adults experiencing or at risk of homelessness and trauma.
All are welcome and we encourage you to join our meetings in person. If you're interested, please email: dextero@safeplaceforyouth.org
Making a donation: Your donations will go directly into supporting SPY Squad and other programs. With your gift, we can continue sending our youth advocates to convening and other events to further their advocacy efforts.