SteppingForwardLA.org
One of our signature programs is our Housing Initiative, designed to help former foster youth find safe, affordable, and sustainable housing.
Since January 2024, we have helped 177 former foster find housing. We asked them to share one word that describes how they feel now that they are housed?
Every year, 1,500 young people age out of the foster care system in LA County.
As many as 60% face housing insecurity.
We are changing those bleak statistics one young adult at a time.
We currently are working with 128 young adults - including students, young parents and unemployed former foster youth. They show up, do the hard work and find housing. We’re incredibly proud of our team and the young adults in our programs.
Meet Our Housing Team
Pat Conlon
Director of Programs
Naomi Jimenez
Program Manager
Melika Tawakuly
Data & Evaluations
Bailey Simien
Housing Coordinator
Brandy Harvey
Housing Coordinator
Jasmine Jordan
Housing Coordinator
Rezi Perez
Housing Coordinator
Yeri Rodriquez
Housing Team Leader
Our housing team shares why they chose to be part of this work and how their lived experiences strengthen the support we offer.
What Makes Us Different
87% of our staff are former foster youth.
We support youth before, during,
and after they
get housed.
We work with landlords and
coach the young adults throughout
the process.
We help with move-in costs through partners like Change Reaction & Cash LA.
We don’t turn anyone away.
What We Do
Outreach
& Assessment
We receive referrals from partners, word-of-mouth and direct contact from the foster youth.
Action
Plan
We build a personalized roadmap for housing, budgeting, and resources that aligns with each young adult’s goals and readiness.
Coaching
& Mentorship
Our team provides one-on-one support, workshops and ongoing check-ins to ensure progress and confidence.
Housing Placement
& Impact
Secure safe housing through SFLA partnerships, assist with move-in costs, and track outcomes through follow-ups and surveys to measure stability and success.
Our Housing Partnerships
Housed Candidates
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I’m deeply appreciative of the support and motivation that helped me pursue my goals and achieve housing for the first time.
Truly grateful for Stepping Forward LA. I don’t think I would be where I am right now if I hadn’t found them.
Honestly I’ve felt more heard by this team than I ever have by anyone in my whole life.
Working with SFLA, I was able to gain my hope and confidence back, knowing there are people who care.
Now I am thriving, housed and hopeful for whats to come.
I know I say this often, but you helped me come so far. When I met you, I was living out of my car. Now I'm in my own apartment and I have you to thank.
I'm so grateful to people like Pat Conlon who were there for me every step of the way. I owe major gratitude to them and the program for their service!
Want to Help Young Adults Get Housed?
