In this episode of the Young People to the Front, hosts Tonny, Fatime and Robin reflect on recent milestones, including the success of Measure A in Los Angeles County, which secures $1.2 billion in funding for homelessness initiatives. The team discusses their participation in the West Coast Convening, a collaborative effort among service providers addressing youth homelessness across Pacific Standard Time states, and explores the unique challenges and achievements in homelessness services during the pandemic. 

Special guest Mark Markarian, Regional Coordinator for Service Area 3 (San Gabriel Valley), shares his journey into the field, the importance of collaboration in service delivery, and insights into how the homelessness response system can better serve young people. This episode dives deep into practical solutions, the resilience of communities, and the need for systemic changes to support youth facing housing instability.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• Measure A and its impact on homelessness funding in Los Angeles.
• Insights from the West Coast Convening and regional collaboration.
• Mark Markarian’s journey into youth homelessness services.
• The role of community colleges in addressing housing insecurity for students.
• Challenges and successes of providing services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Connect with Mark Markarian and Sycamores:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-markarian/

https://www.sycamores.org/

https://www.facebook.com/SycamoresABetterLife

https://www.instagram.com/sycamoresabetterlife/

https://www.youtube.com/user/HathawaySycamores