


Our Insights
Find out what we’re thinking, doing, learning, and collaborating on in our efforts to end youth homelessness.
Find out what we’re thinking, doing, learning, and collaborating on in our efforts to end youth homelessness.
Subscribe to our e-newsletter for updates on how we're supporting young people facing homelessness and how you can be part of the impact.
Sign UpDrop-in centers are safe havens for youth experiencing homelessness. We examine drop-in centers within a positive youth development (PYD) framework to explore the role social connections with staff on the psychosocial development and stability of youth experiencing homelessness.
Read MoreIn this episode of Foster Care, Adoption, and Beyond: Untold Stories, Christian Quijano of My Friend’s Place and Chino Quinlan of the LA LGBT Center share powerful stories of resilience and insight into how dedicated staff and lived experience drive real change.
Read MoreThis election season, My Friend’s Place supported young people in becoming active participants in our democracy. Through our voter education efforts, more than 30 young people registered to vote in California—including 17 first-time voters. Their enthusiasm and commitment to shaping their futures inspires us and underscores the importance of making civic engagement accessible for all.
Read MoreIn this inspiring video, Chef Shane Tavarez opens up about his incredible journey from My Friend’s Place to a meaningful cjourney in the culinary world. Watch as he shares how food became a way to honor his family, his community, and the memory of his late wife, Stephanie. Joined by Everytable’s Chef Tim Reardon, Shane prepares a holiday meal that’s rich in tradition, resilience, and purpose.
Read MoreAt My Friend’s Place, we know that belonging is at the heart of healing. When young people experiencing homelessness feel safe, accepted, and part of a community, they can begin to imagine—and build—a brighter future. To better understand how we’re fostering belonging, our Data & Impact team conducted surveys with young people at My Friend’s Place from January 8–12, 2024.
Read MoreMy Friend's Place is extending the safety net for Transition Age Young Adults (TAYA) ages 25-30 experiencing homelessness, providing developmentally appropriate care to prevent disconnection and meet these young people's unique needs so that TAYA can heal, resolve their experience of homelessness and reach their full potential.
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