Roots to Grow South, Mar Vista

Roots to Grow North, Westwood

Safe Place for Youth (SPY) and Venice Community Housing (VCH) are dedicated to providing young adults with housing and critical resources that support long-term stability. The lack of available housing programs for youth in West Los Angeles has been a significant challenge in preventing or abating experiences of homelessness. To combat this, SPY and VCH have launched a new transitional housing program, Roots to Grow across two sites in Mar Vista and Westwood. The Roots to Grow program provides short-term housing for 20 youth between the ages of 18-24 experiencing homelessness, for periods of up to 36 months.

Program Model:

  • Transitional Housing: Youth can stay in the program for up to 36 months, accessing housing, meals, and much needed support and resources as they search for more permanent housing solutions.
  • Live-In Resident Coordinator: A Resident Coordinator lives at each site provide general oversight of the property and its residents, crisis response, and resident safety.
  • On-Site Case Management: A Case Manager supports all residents with the housing search, securing employment and saving, and meeting personal goals.
  • Education & Employment Services: Residents have access to a robust educational and employment programs, providing pathways to a diploma or equivalent, college enrollment, job training, internships, and leadership development.