In partnership with the University of Southern California Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, LensCo, My Friend’s Place, Safe Place for Youth, and the Los Angeles LGBT Center, we set out to better understand the role drop-in centers play in the lives of young people experiencing homelessness. What we found was clear: ending youth homelessness is about relationships.

Highlights from our recent study show:

• The majority youth accessing drop-in centers reported at least one positive relationship with a staff member.
• Frequency and duration of drop-in center use were significantly associated with forming positive staff relationships.
• Youth with a positive staff relationship reported significantly higher rates of using employment services.
• Unsheltered youth were significantly less likely to know their housing options or how to access emergency shelter.

These findings confirm what we see every day: supportive staff relationships can open doors to stability, opportunity, and housing. Drop-in centers aren’t just places to rest — they’re lifelines.