ENDING YOUTH HOMELESSNESS
Since 2012, Urban Street Angels has helped homeless youth to develop the essential life and job skills they need in order to leave the streets for good.
Our CHALLENGE
50% of California’s unhoused population had their first experience with homelessness between the ages of 18 and 25. Known as opportunity youth, this critical demographic has the potential to leave the streets behind for good when provided with the support needed to make a change in their lives. Today, in San Diego alone, there are over 1,500 young people struggling to break the cycle of homelessness.
Hungry, cold, shelterless, and unsure, how would you persevere? Using supportive resources and essential job and skills training, we know our youth can.
Urban Street Angels has made it our mission to serve this under-supported group, and in so doing, make meaningful progress toward ending homelessness in San Diego and beyond.
2024 Victories
418 UNIQUE YOUTH SERVED IN OUR PROGRAMS
200 Young adults attained 1st-time employment
215 Young adults leased their first apartment
We have helped over 7000 young adults.
Our Programs
In 2023, our employment programs helped over 200 youth transition off the streets.
It is with joy we continue to see flows of our youth graduate from the streets to independent job holders. When we provide supportive environments and employment opportunities for our youth, they grab hold of skills that set them up for success in life.
YOUR COMMUNITY NEEDS YOUR HELP
Donate today or sign up for monthly contributions to support a young adult’s journey away from homelessness.
Join our collaborative community of helpers. Volunteers help to serve, mentor, and support youth in Urban Street Angels programs.
Have an idea, resource, or other valuable information, or want to learn more about what we do? We’d love to hear from you.
NEWS FEED
Our La Mesa building got a beautiful refresh thanks to our friends from the Church of Rancho Bernardo! Not only did they brighten up our space, but they’ve also been showing up weekly with warm breakfasts for our youth 🥞❤️ Your generosity has uplifted so many spirits, and we’re beyond grateful! #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #communitylove #communitysupport #churchcommunity #loveinaction #giveback #nonprofit #lamesa
🚨 Calling all community heroes! 🚨 We’re experiencing a food shortage and need meal donors for the next month to help feed about 160 youth. We’re looking for individuals, local restaurants, businesses, churches, and community groups who can step in to help. 🍲 Home-cooked, catered, or sponsored meals — every bit of support makes a huge difference. 💌 Email meals@urbanstreetangels.org or DM us if you can help. 🙏 Know someone who can? Please tag them or share this post! Your support means the world to us ❤️ #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #mealdonations #donationsneeded #pleasehelp #urgent #fooddonation #sandiegocommunity #communityheroes #pleaseshare
Have you heard the news??? Together with the City of Vista and Lucky Duck Foundation, we’ve opened VisTAY House—North County’s first transitional housing for youth experiencing homelessness🏡 A huge step forward in filling a critical gap in services for our region! At VisTAY House, youth will find more than a roof over their heads. They’ll receive meals, life skills training, career support, and the encouragement of peers who’ve walked similar paths. Every piece is designed to help them heal, grow, and thrive 💗 #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #changinglives #youthempowerment #transitionalhousing #youthprogram #vistacalifornia #sandiego #nonprofit
What a great day yesterday with our team! 🌟 We started with a full day of staff training and wrapped up with our annual night at the ballpark. It’s always nice bringing everyone together to connect, recharge, and stay focused on supporting our youth ❤️ Thank you to our incredible team! #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #stafftraining #teamwork #workingtogether #padresgame #staffnightout #sandiego #petcopark
It’s been an incredible week celebrating the opening of VisTAY House — Vista’s first transitional housing program for youth experiencing homelessness! 🏠💚 Through a partnership with the City of Vista and Lucky Duck Foundation, this 12-bedroom home will provide housing, support, and career pathways for youth ages 18–24. With space for 16 residents at a time, VisTAY will serve 30+ young people each year as they work toward stability and achieve self-sufficiency. As our Founder & CEO Eric Lovett-Maerz shared: “VisTAY will be a safe haven first and foremost, and secondarily a launching pad for healing, growth, and independence.” Huge thanks to the City of Vista, Mayor John Franklin, and Lucky Duck Foundation for making this possible — and to KUSI News for covering this milestone! #urbanstreetangels #luckyduckfoundation #cityofvista #endyouthhomelessness #grandopening #transitionalhousing #changinglives #vistacalifornia #communitypartners #sandiego #nonprofitorg
Yesterday we celebrated the grand opening of VisTAY House in partnership with City of Vista, CA City Hall and Lucky Duck Foundation! 🎉 This marks the first transitional housing program for youth experiencing homelessness in Vista—and our very first North County facility. VisTAY will provide safe housing, meals, wraparound case management, peer support, and career pathways through our trade school program 🌱 We’re so grateful for the outpouring of love from the Vista community and for all the incredible partners who helped make this dream a reality. Here’s to brighter futures ahead! 💚
Big shoutout to our Occupational Therapy team for leading some amazing groups with our youth recently! ✨ In our Sensory Exploration group, youth made their own slime and DIY stress balls — personalized tools to help manage stress and stay calm and focused. 🌿 Our Wellness in Nature group took a peaceful walk through a nearby park, learning how being outdoors can boost wellness. 🤝 And in our Peer-to-Peer Leadership group, United Changes, youth built skills in self-advocacy, communication, and leadership. We’re so proud of our OT team and the incredible work they do every day! 💙 #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #occupationaltherapy #youthgroups #sensorytools #naturewalks #youthleadership #lifeskills #teamwork
Our youth had such a fun outing to Coronado! We took the Flagship Ferry across the bay — a first-time experience for many — and spent the day enjoying the beach, playing volleyball, going in the ocean, and just hanging out together! 🌊🏐☀️ #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #youthouting #beachouting #daytrip #summerfun #ferryride #coronado #sandiego
Our VisTAY House is officially open and our youth are all moved in! 🏡✨ They’re settling in beautifully and already loving their new home. This week, we shared our first meal together — complete with fresh passion fruit straight from our garden! 💛 #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #newhome #welcomehome #movedin #vistaca #sandiego #housingprogram
We’re honored to be chosen for the Youth Workforce initiative! This valuable grant helps young San Diegans — especially those facing barriers — access paid internships and apprenticeships that lead to long-term and rewarding careers 🙌 We’re deeply committed to the success of our young people. Through our Trade School Program, we remove financial barriers and equip youth with valuable skills to build a strong foundation for a successful future. Congratulations to all the grantees this year and, most of all, to the youth of San Diego who will gain new skills and a path to economic stability! Learn more about our mission by visiting our website — www.urbanstreetangels.org 💫 #urbanstreetangels #prebysfoundation #endyouthhomelessness #youthsuccess #youthworkforce #tradeschool #breakingbarriers #changinglives #grateful
Our team is in place, our space is ready, and this week we open the doors to our brand-new Vista location! We’re thrilled to expand our programs and give even more young people a chance to find safety, stability, and hope! 💙🏠 Special thanks to the City of Vista & @luckyduckfoundation for making this happen! #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #newlocation #expanding #vistacalifornia #welcomehome #sandiegononprofit #sandiego
Last week, some of our youth had the chance to visit the zoo — not just to see the animals, but to attend a job panel with several zoo managers! It was so cool to learn about the different roles that keep the zoo running. Who knows… we might have some future zookeepers in our midst! 🐾🦁🐒 #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #careerexploration #youthopportunities #employmentopportunities #zootrip #sandiegozoo
Cooking up confidence in the kitchen! Our youth crushed this week’s class making creamy mac & cheese with a fresh side of peppers, chickpeas, and snap peas — all spiced up with garlic powder, paprika, and a little red pepper heat! 🌶️🫑🫛 Learning to make your own meals is a key step toward self-sufficiency, and we love helping our youth build those skills one dish at a time 🧑🍳 #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #cookingclass #learningtocook #cookingskills #lifeskills #mealtime #instafood
Huge shoutout to Home Depot for lending us a helping hand as we put the finishing touches on our new VisTAY House! 🧡🔨 Thanks to your support, everything’s looking amazing, and we’re so excited to open our doors next week and welcome our new youth home! 🏠✨ #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #youthhousing #newprogram #homedepot #communitysupport #gratitude #vistacalifornia #sandiego
Summer movie night with our youth!! 🎥🍿🍬 Nothing better than getting cozy, relaxing, and enjoying a good film with some classic movie theater treats! #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #movienight #summerfun #summervibes #sitbackandrelax #cozynights #goodtimes
Last week, some of our amazing youth and staff teamed up with @laspatronas_sd to help set up for their annual Jewel Ball at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club! ✨💎 We’re proud to give back and so grateful for the continued support of this incredible organization 💙 #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #communitysupport #givingback #sandiegocommunity #sandiegononprofit #jewelball #laspatronas #volunteerspirit
2025 SD Pride Party! 🌈❤️🥰🏳️🌈 Celebrating Pride means celebrating every young person’s right to be seen, heard, and loved exactly as they are. When our youth feel safe to be their true selves, they thrive! #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #sandiegopride #pridecelebration #lgbtqyouth #prideweekend #youbelong #loveislove #pridematters #sandiego
🚨 We’re hiring — and growing! 🚨 Urban Street Angels is looking for passionate individuals to join our team at multiple locations: 📍 Downtown San Diego • Case Manager 📍 La Mesa • Residential Service Coordinator 📍 Opening soon: Vista • Case Manager • Housing Navigator (2 openings) • Residential Service Coordinators (3 openings) PLUS — we’re also looking for amazing volunteers to help cook meals at our Vista location 🍽️ If you’re ready to make a difference in the lives of transitional-age youth, send your resume (and cover letter if you have one!) to jobs@urbanstreetangels.org. You can also find and apply for our open roles on Indeed.com. Let’s build something meaningful together 💙 #NowHiring #UrbanStreetAngels #SanDiegoJobs #VistaJobs #NonprofitJobs #JoinOurTeam #MakeADifference #VolunteerOpportunities
Spent the most magical day in Disneyland with our youth! A once-in-a-lifetime experience for them! 🪄💖 #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #disneyland #disneymagicmoments #magicalday #onceinalifetime #summerfun #youthtrip
Huge thanks to AJ and Arman for coming out to our new Vista property, VisTAY House, and helping us clean up! 🏠 They hauled away a whole truckload of stuff for free and now we are one step closer to opening! You guys are awesome!! 😎👏👏 #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #housingprogram #vistacalifornia #junkremoval #sandiegocommunity #sandiegobusiness #grateful #thankyou
Huge thanks to these incredible staff members from Veterans Village of San Diego who volunteered their time to help us prepare our new Vista property for its grand opening next month! 🙌 It truly takes a VILLAGE, and we’re so grateful to have you in ours 💙 #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #vvsd #communitysupport #teamwork #ittakesavillage #housingprogram #vistacalifornia #sandiegocommunity
A peaceful day surrounded by beauty 🌸🦋🌺☀️🌷🌿 We took a trip with our youth to the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park and it was the perfect opportunity to slow down, reflect, and enjoy the serenity of nature! #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #youthouting #balboapark #friendshipgarden #naturewalk #onewithnature #peaceful #natureheals #serenity
Another amazing youth has officially graduated our program and moved into housing! 🙌 We are so proud of the strength and determination she has shown throughout this journey and we’re cheering her on every step of the way in this next chapter! 💖 #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #youthsuccess #graduate #newbeginnings #milestonemoment #ringthebell #congratulations
We’re proud to announce the upcoming launch of VisTAY, our newest housing program for youth, opening next month in partnership with Lucky Duck Foundation and the City of Vista! 🏡✨ VisTAY will offer safe, welcoming housing for up to 21 youth at a time, complete with cozy beds, homemade meals, peaceful outdoor space, and 24/7 onsite support. It will be more than just a place to stay — it’s a place to heal, grow, and plan for the future ❤️ With access to emergency and transitional beds, job training, education, vocational programs, and occupational therapy, VisTAY provides the wraparound services youth need to thrive 💪🏼 We’re so excited to expand our reach and help even more young people break the cycle of homelessness! #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #endhomelessness #newhousingprogram #savinglives #changinglives #hopeinaction #vista #sandiego #community
🎓🏠 Big congratulations to one of our amazing youth who just graduated and moved into her very own place! Watching her step into this new chapter is what it’s all about — growth, strength, and fresh beginnings 💪✨ Here’s to the journey ahead! #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #endhomelessness #youthsuccess #newbeginnings #newchapter #congratulations
Big News: The Iron Ranger Foundation is STILL matching all donations up to $50,000! 🙌 That means every dollar you give goes twice as far in supporting our youth! There’s never been a better time to give—your contribution today helps us reach our goal of 80 trade school graduates this year. We’ve already seen incredible outcomes from this program, and with your help, it can grow even more 💪 Make twice the impact! Donate now —> https://handup.urbanstreetangels.org/campaign/672139/donate #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #tradeschool #scholarshipprogram #donationmatch #doubleimpact #donatenow #nonprofitfundraising #sandiegononprofit #sandiegocommunity #communitypartners
Rolling through a great afternoon! 🛼 Huge thanks to Ringer’s for donating tickets and making this outing possible. Our youth had an incredible time on the rink—it was a joy to see them unwind, connect, and create lasting memories 💛 #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #youthouting #skateday #rollerskating #rollerrink #communitypartner #sandiegocommunity
🚨 WE’RE HIRING – URGENTLY! 🍳🚐 We are looking for a Full-Time Food Services Worker to join our team IMMEDIATELY! 👨🍳 Half the day in the kitchen cooking 🚛 Half the day picking up food donations 💵 Pay: $21–$23/hr 📆 Schedule: Thurs–Mon (Tues/Wed off) ⏰ 40 hours/week 📍Must have: ✅ Valid CA Driver’s License (2+ years) ✅ Clean driving record ✅ Comfortable driving a large refrigerated van 📩 Send your resume to: hr@urbanstreetangels.org 📣 Tag someone who’d be perfect for this! #NowHiring #JobAlert #FoodServiceJobs #UrbanStreetAngels #KitchenJobs #SanDiegoJobs #FullTimeWork #MakeADifference #KitchenHelp
Had the best day at Belmont Park with our youth! Seeing them come out of their shells and enjoy these moments is so heartwarming! 🤗💕 And a little bit of ice cream never hurts!! #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #youthtrip #belmontpark #havingfun #enjoylife #sandiegofun #sandiego
Beautiful hiking experience by the beach with our youth! So calming to sit and watch the waves roll in and the clouds passing by 🌊☀️ #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #hikingtrail #beachhike #onewithnature #calming #relaxing #sandiegohiking
Spring vibes and community connections! ☺️🌼☀️🙆💛 Our Spring Resource Fair was a hit — from our Easter egg hunt to our amazing community resources like Youth Assistance Coalition, Cal Coast Credit Union, Family Health Center, MAAC Project, and Legal Aid Society of San Diego. Plus, we raffled off gift cards and bikes! Grateful for everyone who came out and made it special! 🙏🏼 #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #springfair #resourcefair #communitylove #helpeachother #sandiegocommunity #partnership
We are so proud of Lilli for being one of just three panelists at the 2025 Padres Breaking Barriers Forum! She courageously shared her story with local high schoolers—opening up about her past experience with homelessness and the various challenges she faced at a young age. Her story of resilience, bravery, and finding hope with the help of our organization moved everyone in the room. Thank you to the @padres for giving Lilli the platform to inspire others who may be facing their own battles. Her strength is a reminder that even through fear and uncertainty, you can still rise! 🙌💕 #UrbanStreetAngels #EndYouthHomelessness #BreakingBarriers #YouthEmpowerment #Resilience #Inspiration #HomelessnessAwareness #OvercomingObstacles #CommunitySupport #BraveStories #WomenWhoInspire #SanDiegoPadres
Huge thanks to The Iron Ranger Foundation for believing in our mission & supporting our Trade School Scholarship Program! 🤝👷🎓 Their generosity is helping us change so many lives—empowering youth with the tools, skills, and opportunities they need to build a brighter future. Together, we’re paving pathways to success! #UrbanStreetAngels #EndYouthHomelessness #IronRangerFoundation #Gratitude #TradeSchoolScholarship #YouthEmpowerment #ThankYou #CommunitySupport #SkilledTrades #FutureReady #ChangingLives
Wide eyes, loud laughs, and a pocket full of arcade tickets! Such a fun day with our youth! 🤩🕹️👾 #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #arcadefun #arcadegames #funtimes #goodvibes #sandiego
Our amazing supporter, Iron Ranger Foundation, is now matching contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $50,000! 🙌 RIGHT NOW is the time to donate and double the impact it has for our youth! Help us reach this year’s goal of 80 trade school graduates. We have already seen so much success with this program and we want it to grow even more this year! Donate here —> https://handup.urbanstreetangels.org/campaign/672139/donate #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #tradeschool #scholarshipprogram #donationmatch #donatenow #raisingmoney #changinglives #sandiegononprofit #sandiegocommunity
Taking a step into nature for a clearer mind and a healthier soul🌲✨ Hiking with our youth is a reminder that sometimes the best therapy is simply being outdoors! #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #hikingforthesoul #natureheals #sandiegohiking #mentalhealthmatters #naturetherapy
There’s truly no better feeling than helping a young person find their place to call home. We’re so grateful to be a part of their journey towards stability and a brighter future! ☺️💫 #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #endinghomelessness #youthempowerment #changinglives #homesweethome #welcomehome
Part Two — Alex’s courage in sharing her story and passion for writing is truly inspiring. Turning life’s challenges into creativity is a powerful gift, and we can’t wait to see how far her journey takes her. The best is yet to come! 💕 #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #findingyourvoice #youthvoice #youthempowerment #inspiration #poetry #writingforhealing #writinginspiration
Meet Alex: a powerful voice rising from the depths of struggle. In her heartfelt poem, she shares her journey of growing up homeless, navigating the chaos of a parent’s addiction, and the paradox of having a house but never truly feeling ‘at home.’ Writing has been her way to express her feelings and reclaim her power. She has found strength, healing, and growth in the process and her journey is a true inspiration! ✨🦋 Stay tuned for part two coming soon! #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #youthspotlight #poetryslam #poetry #youthvoice #writingforhealing #findyourpower
Arts & Crafts group! Looks like we have some artists on our hands!! 🎨👩🎨 #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #youthactivities #artsandcrafts #artistherapy #gettingcreative #creativityflow #artists
This youth graduated from our program last week and has moved into his new apartment! 🎊 It’s so inspiring to see his hard work pay off. Another beautiful reminder of the power of second chances and the impact of a supportive community! Congratulations to him for this major milestone! 👏👏👏 #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #endinghomelessness #providinghope #changinglives #secondchances #milestone #newapartment #congratulations
🌟 We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of the Lucky Duck Foundation! 🌟 Thanks to their generous contribution, our hotel voucher program has been able to provide essential shelter to those in need during the challenging winter months. This partnership, alongside our work with Youth Assistance Coalition San Diego and Serving Seniors, is making a real difference for so many in our community! Together, we’re helping those facing difficult times stay safe, warm, and supported. Thank you, Lucky Duck Foundation, for being such an amazing ally! 🍀💚 #UrbanStreetAngels #EndYouthHomelessness #CommunitySupport #Partnership #LuckyDuckFoundation #MakingADifference #SanDiegoNonprofits #SanDiegoCommunity
A little over one year ago, Sergio spoke at an event about his experience with homelessness and his struggles with cancer, which he was diagnosed with at 17 years old . At the time, he was waiting for his physical health to get better so he could join our program and be able to go to school and hopefully get his own place. We are SO happy to say, not only is Sergio cancer-free, but he has now secured permanent housing and is working hard to finish school so he can become an interpreter! 🥹☺️👏❤️ #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #changinglives #inspiringstory #youthempowerment #cancerfree #resilience
New milestone for one of our youth who just graduated from our program and moved into her new apartment! 🏡🎓 It’s an honor to have been part of her journey, providing the support she needed, including household essentials, to make this new chapter even brighter. Here’s to new beginnings and a future full of possibilities! #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #endhomelessness #newbeginnings #graduationsuccess #youthempowerment
Interested in partnering with us for a donation match? Please email info@urbanstreetangels.org to get connected! 🤝 Let’s change more lives in 2025! 💕 #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #partnership #donationmatch #changinglives #sandiegocommunity #raisingmoney #sandiego #nonprofit
After seven months of classes and 600 hours of training, this youth has successfully graduated through our Trade School Scholarship Program, and is now officially a state-certified Esthetician!! Through his hard work & dedication to this program, along with the support of our amazing team, he is now ready to start his new career and build a better future! 🙌🙌🙌 #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #tradeschool #scholarshipprogram #licensedesthetician #estheticianschool #newcareer #careergoals #buildabetterfuture
Geared up and ready to begin his Welding training! 🧑🏭 Through our Trade School Scholarship Program, we were able to provide this youth with his entire uniform — welding mask, fireproof jacket, work boots, work pants, respirator, gloves, and tools. Your donations are a big reason we are able to cover these expenses for our youth and they’re able to have the opportunity to build a future for themselves! We are so grateful for everyone who has supported. Please click the link in our bio if you’d like to make a one-time donation or sign up for recurring monthly donations! 🫶🏼 #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #tradeschool #scholarshipprogram #welding #weldingstudent #buildingafuture #donatetoday #supportouryouth #donations
A group of our staff had a very nice visit to The San Diego LGBT Community Center this week! 🏳️🌈 We learned a lot about some of their new initiatives and we’re excited to collaborate with them moving forward to help our LGBTQ+ youth! They are a great resource for support and services! 🩷❤️🧡💛💚 #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #lgbtq #lgbtqsupport #communitypartners #sandiegocommunity #supportservices
A beautiful day at the beach! So grateful for the moments spent with these incredible individuals, creating memories and building hope! 🌊💛 #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #youthempowerment #creatingmemories #buildinghope #beachday #sandiegobeach #funinthesun
Getting the creative juices flowing with a little “Clay Creations” Day! Love to see what everyone comes up with! 🎨😊 #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #claycreations #arttherapy #artfun #gettingcreative #instaart
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The Urban Street Angels quarterly newsletter is a great way to stay informed about our mission to end youth homeless in San Diego and beyond. Just click the link below to connect with us and learn about our ongoing mission.