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
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
Bowling, laughter, and a little friendly competition — let the good times ROLL! 🎳 #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #youthwellness #bowlingfun #getactive #goodtimes
CONGRATS Trade School Scholarship recipients!!! Our first youth cohort for 2025 are prepared & excited to begin their trade programs to become certified in a career that allows for sustainable living! 👏👏👏 And special shout out to our Career Services Specialist, Lauren, who runs our trade school program and does the most amazing job making sure our youth are prepared and set up for success! 🌟 #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #tradeschool #scholarshipprogram #gettingprepared #youthempowerment #careergoals #sandiego
Getting our January Trade School Scholarship Program recipients ready for the new year with their uniforms, school supplies, and tools! 💪🏼🚜👷🚑🏥🛠️🪚🧰 Thanks to our awesome team for putting these together!! #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #tradeschool #scholarshipprogram #readyforthenewyear #careergoals #sandiego
Future Dental Assistant!! 🦷 This youth came to Urban Street Angels with ambitions to work in the medical field. She had the work ethic & ambition to build a successful future for herself, but never had the opportunity. Now, through our Trade School Scholarship Program, she is starting her Dental Assistant Certification Program! ☺️☺️ We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you! #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #tradeschool #dentalassistant #opportunityknocks #careergoals #providinghope
We had such a wonderful holiday dinner last night at our downtown center! 🎄 Thank you so much to our community partners who made it extra special — @sharphealthcare Mesa Vista for volunteering and providing gift cards, @intuit for gift cards, @cymbiotika for hygiene kits & supplies, and @gillispieschool for holiday stockings! We are so grateful for your kindness and generosity 💕 #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #homelessyouth #holidaydinner #givingback #kindnessmatters #happyholidays #sandiegocommunity
Congratulations on graduating from our “Just Be U” Program! This program was specifically put into place to help youth with a serious mental illness to get the support and services they need. It’s always incredible to watch their progress & growth along the way ❤️ #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #mentalillness #supportmentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #supportservices #providinghope #sandiegononprofit
These youth just completed their Welding Program and they’re now getting ready to begin full-time positions as iron workers!! 👨🏭 This is why our Trade School Scholarship program was created; to provide an alternative path for our youth from homelessness to obtaining successful, sustainable careers! So proud of these hardworking young men! 👏👏👏 #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #breakthecycle #tradeschool #welding #careergoals #sustainability
Thank you so much to Sycuan Casino Resort for their generosity to so many great organizations during their annual Holiday Gift Giving Ceremony! 🎁💝 We are honored to be recognized and supported by Sycuan and their amazing team — and a special shout out to Devere Jones for really believing in the work we do for our youth! Happy holidays! #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #homelessyouth #holidaygiftgiving #happyholidays #sycuan #givingseason #donation #sandiegocommunity
Your donation this Giving Tuesday will help our youth with job-training, education, and employment. All donations made today will also be matched! Click the link below to make a donation today! 💕 https://handup.urbanstreetangels.org/campaign/peer-to-peer-campaign/c634787 #UrbanStreetAngels #EndYouthHomelessness #GivingTuesday #GiveBack #PleaseDonate #SupportOurYouth #NonProfitOrganization
During this season of giving thanks, we would like to express our gratitude to our founder & CEO, Eric Lovett-Maerz. Twelve years ago, he had a vision of how to help homeless youth, and through hard work and perseverance, he has turned that vision into reality and helped save more lives than we ever could have imagined 💙 Of course, none of this would be possible without all of our amazing and dedicated team, as well as all of YOU who have supported us over the years. We are so grateful to everyone who has been a part of our story so far; we look forward to the future and saving many more lives! Please click the link below to find out more about how you can help our cause: https://handup.urbanstreetangels.org/campaign/peer-to-peer-campaign/c634787 #UrbanStreetAngels #EndYouthHomelessness #GivingThanks #FounderStory #ThanksgivingWeek #GivingTuesday #Grateful #NonProfit
Thank you ABC 10 News for sharing Nic’s story. We believe every young person has a chance to overcome homelessness! “If you believe in yourself, anything is possible” ❤️ #UrbanStreetAngels #EndYouthHomelessness #EndingHomelessness #YouthEmpowerment #BelieveInYourself #AnythingIsPossible
HomeAid San Diego 6th Annual STEP UP! Walk to End Homelessness! 🫶🏼 We loved being a part of this wonderful event and getting to share about our organization, while working together toward our common goal of ending homelessness in San Diego! #UrbanStreetAngels #EndYouthHomelessness #EndHomelessness #FundraisingEvent #SanDiegoNonProfits #SanDiegoCommunity #SanDiego
Nothing beats the joy of seeing youth graduate from our program and step into a brighter future with stable housing 🌟 We love being able to help them shop for what they need, provide essentials, and make sure they have everything to start this next chapter! Every success is a step closer to their dreams, and we’re grateful to be part of their journey! #UrbanStreetAngels #EndYouthHomelessness #GivingHope #YouthEmpowerment #YouthSupport #NewBeginnings #Grateful #NonProfitWork
We had such a wonderful time at Sip & Shop this past weekend! 🎁❤️ Loved getting to meet so many people and raise awareness about youth homelessness, while selling our 8 West soap, with all proceeds going toward our organization! Thank you to @new_beginnings_fund for connecting us with @thethursdayclubjrs for this event! 🤝☺️ #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #endinghomelessness #homelessawareness #sipandshop #sandiegocommunity #sandiegononprofit
Pumpkin painting just in time for Halloween tomorrow!🎃👻 #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #happyhalloween #halloweenfun #pumpkinpainting #pumpkinseason #artsandcrafts
So proud of our youth who attended the DoubleTree Hotel Job Fair! They are utilizing the resources made available to them and they’re determined to find employment 🙌💼 #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #homelessyouth #jobfair #networking #jobopportunities #youthempowerment #sandiego #SanDiegoEvents
A little throwback to our Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser which helped raise money for our Trade School Scholarship Program! 🏌️♂️⛳️ Thank you so much to Oakwood Escrow for supporting our cause and featuring us in your Community Spotlight! 💚 We had such a fun day out on the course with everyone and we can’t wait to do it again next year! #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #golftournament #golffundraiser #charitygolf #partnership #sandiegocommunity #sandiegononprofit
Thank you to the volunteers from Sports4Kids for coming by yesterday to help prepare and serve a delicious lunch to our youth! You serve as great role models and examples of kindness in our community 🥹❤️ #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #volunteering #volunteers #servingothers #rolemodels #kindness #givingback #sandiegocommunity
HUGE congrats on earning your G.E.D. !!!!! 👏🏼👏🏼 This youth believed in herself & her dreams and is motivated to continue achieving them! Along with this accomplishment, she also just enrolled in the Pharmacy Technician Program through our Trade School Scholarship Program! 🫶🏼 #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #feelingaccomplished #achievinggoals #dreamchasing #waytogo #congratulations #futureisbright
Ringing the bell of opportunity in celebration of getting a full-time job & securing her very own apartment!! 🎊🔔 We love seeing our youth shine in moments like these and we loved hearing her say “I’m so overjoyed to finally have a place of my own to call home. 13 year old me and 23 year old me are so proud.” 🥹 We are SO proud too! #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #homelessyouth #youthempowerment #believeinyourself #changinglives #proudmoment
It was an honor to attend the Lucky Duck Foundation Showcase Soirée and have the opportunity to speak about our Trade School Scholarship Program! Lauren, our Career Development Specialist, and Ashton, one of our graduates, were able to shed light on the importance of the program and Ashton was able to share his personal experience successfully graduating to become an EMT! 🙌🏼 It was a great night and we want to thank Lucky Duck Foundation for being such an amazing partner in the community and supporter of our organization! #urbanstreetangels #endyouthhomelessness #tradeschool #scholarshipprogram #changinglives #luckyduckfoundation #sandiegononprofit #nonprofit #partnership
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Stay Connected
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.