In this episode of Young People to the Front, Tonny, Fatime and Robin sit down with members of Water Drop LA to explore their work addressing water access issues in Skid Row and beyond. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic, Water Drop has grown into a critical lifeline, distributing over 2,000 gallons of water weekly to unhoused residents. 

This week’s guests, including USC researchers Erik and Jordy and community advocate/skid row resident, Tony, highlight the challenges of water scarcity, the devastating impact of sweeps, and the systemic neglect of basic human needs like water and shelter. We discuss the barriers to permanent solutions, the importance of community advocacy, and the organization's mission to one day no longer need to exist. 

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• The origins and mission of Water Drop LA in addressing water access in Skid Row.
• The harsh realities of water scarcity and its impact on the unhoused community.
• Systemic issues, including sweeps and the lack of quality housing solutions.
• Advocacy efforts for increased water access points and sustainable solutions.
• How listeners can get involved in mutual aid and support Water Drop LA.

Connect with Water Drop LA:

www.waterdropla.org

https://www.instagram.com/waterdropla/

https://twitter.com/WaterDropLA

https://www.facebook.com/waterdropla/

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.

• 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

In this powerful episode of Young People to the Front, we sit down with Madin Lopez, founder and executive director of Project Q, a nonprofit focused on empowering queer and trans youth of color through haircuts and community support. Madin shares their journey from navigating the foster care system and the challenges of homelessness to creating an organization that combines self-expression with social justice. 

Project Q’s mission goes beyond hair; it’s about providing a safe and affirming space for marginalized youth to feel seen and celebrated. Madin discusses the importance of educating parents, policymakers, and communities on LGBTQ+ issues and shares moving stories about resilience, self-discovery, and the power of supportive spaces.

This episode also explores the intersections of identity and social justice, highlighting Madin’s experience as a Black, queer individual working toward systemic change. Madin delves into Project Q’s cross-country work, their advocacy for trans and reproductive rights, and their broader vision for fostering empathy and education to end the foster care-to-prison pipeline. 

Join us as we unpack vital topics on advocacy, allyship, and the power of self-expression for LGBTQ+ youth.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• Madin's journey through foster care and how it shaped their mission.
• The founding and mission of Project Q to empower LGBTQ+ youth.
• Challenges in accessing healthcare and advocating for reproductive and trans rights.
• Community-based support for Black and Brown queer youth facing housing insecurity.
• Fostering allyship and advocacy amid political challenges.

Connect with Madin:

ProjectQ
(@project_q_) • Instagram photos and videos
http://www.facebook.com/projectq.info
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQ52-4R8BBE

PROJECTQ (@project_q_) / X

Welcome back to Episode 29 of The Young People to the Front Podcast! In this lively and insightful conversation, we are joined by Monae Dale, a native Angeleno and social worker, to discuss her experience working in social services, especially with homeless youth in Los Angeles. 

Monae brings her unique perspective as a program officer at the California Community Foundation, offering a behind-the-scenes look at her journey from providing direct services as a clinician to working in macro-level advocacy. We dive into the mental health challenges of working with unhoused youth, the systemic issues in homelessness services, and how important community and peer-based models are in supporting vulnerable populations. 

This episode is a candid reflection on the emotional and personal toll of social work, and Monae offers practical advice on self-care, burnout prevention, and the importance of staying grounded in this critical field. Whether you're interested in youth development, mental health, or community work, this episode is full of valuable insights.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• Transitioning from direct social work to macro-level advocacy
• The mental health challenges and burnout faced by social workers
• The role of community in addressing homelessness and supporting youth
• The importance of peer-based support and lived experience in mental health services
• Systemic barriers to housing, including working with landlords and the housing process

Connect with Monae:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/monae-dale-061355130/

Looking for ways to shift public perception and advocate for meaningful policy changes in the fight against homelessness? Join us as Jerry Jones explores the role of storytelling, the impact of major events like the Olympics, and the need for inclusive decision-making in creating a more compassionate Los Angeles.

In this episode of the Young People to the Front podcast, hosts Tonny and Robin are joined by guest Jerry Jones, who leads the Greater LA Coalition on Homelessness. They discuss the importance of advocacy in addressing homelessness and the need for a united front of organizations and advocates. Jerry dives into the details of Measure A, a citizen-led ballot measure aimed at providing funding for homeless services and affordable housing. The conversation touches on the misconceptions surrounding homelessness, the role of coalition building, and the need for accountability and reform in contracting. 

Interview begins 00:08:17 

Topics discussed in the episode:

- Jerry Jones' background in homelessness advocacy

- The importance of advocacy in addressing homelessness

- The details and significance of Measure A

- The need for accountability and reform in contracting

- The misconceptions surrounding homelessness and the importance of shifting public narratives

Connect with Jerry and the Greater LA Coalition on Homelessness

https://glach.org/

https://www.instagram.com/greaterlaunited/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557974560968

https://twitter.com/GreaterLAunited

https://www.linkedin.com/company/greater-la-coalition-on-homelessness/

https://www.pinterest.com/GreaterLAunited/

In a continuation from episode 25, hosts Tonny and Robin discuss with Alissa Walker the implications of hosting the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028. There are various concerns surrounding the event, such as the impact on the city's homeless population, the need for improved public spaces and infrastructure, and the importance of prioritizing the well-being of the community. They point out the potential challenges of security, police presence, and the influence of political leaders. 

Key topics discussed in the episode include:

- Discussion on hosting the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028

- The coffee shop wars brewing in the Virgil Village neighborhood

- Concerns about the impact of the Olympics on the homeless population

- Need for improved public spaces and infrastructure

- Importance of prioritizing the community's well-being

- Challenges of security and police presence

- Influence of political leaders

- Historical context of previous Olympic events

- Emphasis on thoughtful planning and long-term benefits

Connect with Alissa:

https://www.torched.la/

https://www.facebook.com/alissawalker

https://twitter.com/awalkerinLA

https://www.torched.la/latest/rss

https://www.instagram.com/awalkerinla/

https://www.threads.net/@awalkerinla

https://thelapod.com/

In this episode of Young People to the Front, the hosts, Tonny, Laura, Fatine, and Robin, discuss the findings of the annual youth count, a project that estimates the number of homeless youth in Los Angeles. 

Here are the key points covered in the episode:

- The youth count takes place over the last ten days of January and aims to estimate the number of unsheltered and sheltered youth in Los Angeles.

- This year, there was a 17% decrease in the overall number of youth counted compared to the previous year, reflecting a shift towards more young people being housed.

- The count revealed that 20% of the youth estimated had experienced chronic homelessness for over two years.

- Significant percentages of youth were identified as having serious mental illness (22%), substance use disorder (15%), and developmental disabilities (11%).

- The count also highlighted the disproportionate impact of youth homelessness on young people of color, with 40% being Black/African American and 41% being Hispanic/Latino.

Tonny, Robin, Fatine and Laura also discussed the challenges of conducting the youth count, including the large area to cover, the timing of the count in January, and the difficulty in accurately capturing the hidden nature of youth homelessness. They emphasized the importance of community support and engagement in addressing youth homelessness and using the count's findings for advocacy and resource allocation.

Curious about how the city of LA is preparing for the security and population challenges of hosting the Olympics, and the concerns that have been raised by community members and activists?

In this episode of Young People to the Front, hosts Tonny and Robin are joined by journalist and host of the LA Podcast, Alissa Walker. They discuss various topics related to the Olympics in Los Angeles, including the history of the 1932 and 1984 Olympics, the impact of the Olympics on the city, the over-policing and security concerns, the use of private contractors for security, and the challenges of hosting major events in terms of infrastructure and community impact.

Key topics discussed in the episode include:

The history of the 1932 and 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles and the transformation of the city during those times.

The impact of the Olympics on residents, particularly in terms of security and over-policing.

The role of private security contractors and their potential impact on communities.

The challenges of hosting major events like the Olympics, including infrastructure and community concerns.

The upcoming World Cup and Super Bowl in 2026 and 2027, and the potential implications for security and community impact.

Connect with Alissa:

https://www.torched.la/

https://www.facebook.com/alissawalker

https://twitter.com/awalkerinLA

https://www.torched.la/latest/rss

https://www.instagram.com/awalkerinla/

https://www.threads.net/@awalkerinla

https://thelapod.com/

Learn about the impact of Sage's advocacy work on a local, national, and statewide level in the fight against youth homelessness and how Sage is using their expertise to shape policies and initiatives aimed at addressing youth homelessness in California.

In this episode of YP2F, hosts Tonny and Robin are joined by guest Sage Johnson. They discuss Sage's personal journey of experiencing homelessness as a young person and their transition into advocacy work. 

Here are the main topics discussed:

- Sage's entry into the youth homeless system and their experience of couch surfing and housing instability.

- The importance of advocacy and the need for young people with lived experience to be involved in shaping policies and programs.

- Sage's involvement in various advocacy organizations and their work on a national level, including their role in the California statewide study of people experiencing homelessness.

- The challenges and progress in creating opportunities for young people with lived experience to work within the system and provide support to their peers.

- Sage's reflections on the impact of their advocacy work and the importance of creating opportunities for a better future.

Connect with Sage:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagejohnsonspeaks/

https://www.instagram.com/whatitdosagie/

Discover the power of knowing your rights and staying safe at protests with Di Barbadillo from the National Lawyers Guild. Learn about the challenges faced by legal observers and gain valuable insights into protecting yourself and others during demonstrations.

In this episode of YP2F, hosts Tonny and Robin are joined by guest Di Barbadillo. They discuss a variety of topics related to activism, protests, and knowing your rights. 

Here are a few key points covered in the episode:

- Di's background and how she got involved in community organizing and activism.

- The role of legal observers in protests and their responsibility to document any violations of First Amendment rights by law enforcement.

- The importance of knowing your rights and how to assert them when interacting with the police.

- Challenges faced by legal observers, including the need for more volunteers and the potential conflicts of interest for those working in certain professions.

- The work of the National Lawyers Guild in providing Know Your Rights trainings and supporting advocacy groups in legal matters.

Connect with Di:

https://linktr.ee/dibarbadillo

https://instagram.com/deeeeezzyyy

https://x.com/deeeezyy

https://www.instagram.com/filledmarket/

https://www.instagram.com/usapanorg/

https://www.instagram.com/nlg.la/