About the Nonprofit
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Safe Place for Youth (SPY)'s Mission and Impact: Our mission is to empower young people experiencing homelessness to thrive by providing lasting, community-driven solutions that address racial and social inequity. SPY's lifesaving work provides case management, mental health, education, employment, shelter, housing and more. Safe Place for Youth prioritizes low barriers for entry, harm-reduction, a trauma-informed approach, and the provision of a safe, supportive environment. The need is urgent, with homelessness among youth reaching epidemic proportions. SPY addresses this crisis through a robust continuum of care, and in 2023 served over 1,700 youth. Safe Place for Youth was founded by Alison Hurst in 2011 along with a group of dedicated volunteers, offering hot food, clothing, and socks to homeless youth in Venice Beach from their cars. Since those humble beginnings, we've been driven to give youth opportunities to transform by multiplying our services, building our programming, and strengthening our partnerships. With incredible support from Board Members, donors, volunteers, and partner organizations, SPY has grown from a 100% volunteer-led organization to a professional staff of over 100 employees, whose skill set has strengthened our programs.
