At 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.

Surveys were available in both English and Spanish, and participants received a $10 Target gift card to encourage diverse participation. The findings give us a powerful look into how young people experience My Friend’s Place, and how belonging shapes their journeys toward stability and growth.

What We Learned

• Strong Sense of Belonging: Young people reported an average belonging score of 41 out of 52, indicating a moderately high sense of belonging (n=72).
• Belonging Across Identities: Scores were consistent across race, ethnicity, gender identity, and sexual orientation, showing that belonging at My Friend’s Place extends across diverse experiences.
• Engagement Matters: Young people who were more involved in our services and events reported higher belonging scores. This highlights the importance of active participation in programs that build connection and community.
• Length of Stay Trends: While visit frequency didn’t significantly impact belonging, there was a downward trend for young people who had been visiting for longer stretches of time, particularly those attending for 6 months or more.

Why Belonging Matters

The research affirms what we see every day: belonging grows through connection. When young people engage deeply with services and community at My Friend’s Place, their sense of being seen, valued, and supported increases.

This aligns with broader research, including the U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory on the healing effects of social connection, and national studies showing that drop-in centers and trusted staff relationships are critical to ending youth homelessness.