Safe Haven
We provide young people impacted by homelessness with the essentials — food, clothing, showers, phone access, and help with transportation — in a safe and welcoming space where they can find respite from the daily demands of survival and be supported in the moment-to-moment challenges.
If you’re a young person impacted by homelessness, learn more about the free resources, care, and community My Friend's Place offers.
Intake
Assessments
When a young person visits us for the first time, we begin with a conversation to get to know them and understand what support feels the most urgent to them.
Together, we explore needs related to housing, substance use, mental health, education, employment, physical health, and crisis intervention — and then connect them to the right resources, either within My Friend’s Place or with trusted partners in the community.
Every step is voluntary and driven by the young people themselves.
AVAILABLE SERVICES
More than meeting basic needs, our Safe Haven program offers dignity, care, and a chance to step away from the daily pressures of survival, so young people can rest, recharge, and begin preparing for what comes next.
Two meals a day + snacks, food for special occasions, and additional meal resources.
Shoes, clothing, fresh socks, and underwear plus and children’s items. Our clothing services are designed so young people can express their identities and style.
A safe place to use the bathroom or take a shower in a private and gender inclusive environment — essentials that make a big difference in health and confidence.
Access to hygiene and personal care items to be used onsite or take on-the-go.
Onsite access to technology including phone, computer, and internet access, as well as charging stations, for young people to maintain connections, explore opportunities for work, and access additional services.
Education about caring for a pet, dog training, supplies, and veterinary services are available for young people.
Monthly special events including birthday parties, plus holiday and cultural celebrations to build community and connection.
Safe and welcoming space where young people can find community and respite from the challenges of daily survival.
Resources, supplies, and individualized support for pregnant and parenting young people and their children.
These 2025 stats reflect real moments of growth, connection, and hope.
Insights
Discover our latest thinking, research, and data on addressing and ending youth homelessness.
This 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 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.
When I walked through the front door of My Friend’s Place, I honestly didn’t feel homeless anymore. I felt like I was going to be able to get the help that I needed."
