Streets to Suites Program

Our Streets to Suites program is a vital lifeline for individuals who find themselves without a safe place to spend the night. In collaboration with Motel 6 in Lancaster our program with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department – Lancaster Station, this initiative offers temporary accommodations, bridging the gap between homelessness and stable housing. We don't just provide a one-night reprieve; we offer support services and connect clients with essential resources to help them on their journey to stability.

When all other options have been exhausted, our program steps in to provide immediate support to those in need. Working closely with the Lancaster Sheriff's Department, we aim to swiftly remove community members from dangerous situations and offer them a temporary safe haven. Our focus is on alleviating the stress, despair, and hopelessness that often accompany homelessness.

Through the Streets to Suites program, we strive to be a beacon of hope and a catalyst for positive change in the lives of those facing overwhelming difficulties. Our approach involves creating a safe space where individuals can find solace and support while navigating challenging circumstances. We are committed to working tirelessly during business hours to secure sustainable solutions for each person or family through our network of community partners.

The program was born out of a conversation with Deputy Laurence Green and Sergeant Shane Chapman of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, who expressed a critical need for support in assisting families who arrive at the station or who deputies come in contact with while on patrol, with nowhere else to go. They spoke of a poignant story of a single mother with two children, fleeing domestic violence and stranded at the station, highlighted the urgency of the situation.

In response to this pressing need, Voices of Our Youth sprang into action and collaborated with Deputy Green, Motel 6, and the Sheriff's Department to establish the Streets to Suites program. Since its inception on January 24, 2024, the program has garnered a positive reputation and expanded beyond its initial emergency voucher offering due to overwhelming demand for assistance.

As we move into Phase 2 of the program, which focuses on interim housing, we aim to provide continued support for individuals and families beyond the emergency voucher stage. This phase offers additional assistance as clients work towards transitioning into transitional, semi-permanent, or permanent housing. Our goal is to provide lodging for up to 90 days, with the aim of moving clients into more stable housing within 30 days.

Clients in the interim housing phase will be given weekly vouchers and set achievable goals that they must meet to receive the next week's voucher. By actively working towards these goals, clients are taking steps to remove barriers to self-sufficiency and are accountable for their progress. Failure to meet these goals may result in the withholding of the next week's voucher, emphasizing the importance of commitment and effort in the program.

Join us in creating a community that values diversity, prosperity, and integrity, and together, let's make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need. Visit our website at voicesofouryouth.org to learn more about how you can support our mission.

At Voices of Our Youth, we believe in the profound impact that programs like Streets to Suites can have on both our homeless population and our law enforcement officers. This innovative initiative not only supports individuals experiencing homelessness but also equips law enforcement officers with valuable tools to enhance their ability to serve and protect the community.

By providing officers with resources to assist residents in need, Streets to Suites plays a crucial role in reducing the reliance on the use of force and unnecessary arrests. This proactive approach not only benefits the community at large but also contributes to the overall well-being of law enforcement officers. When officers are empowered to support individuals in crisis, it not only enhances public safety but also safeguards the mental health and resilience of those who serve on the front lines.

The emotional toll of being unable to assist someone in need can weigh heavily on an officer's psyche. Over time, this sense of helplessness can lead to biases and negative reactions that may impact interactions with the community. Through the Streets to Suites program, we aim to restore a sense of purpose to law enforcement officers, enabling them to fulfill their duty to help, protect, and serve with compassion and effectiveness.

By empowering officers through this innovative program, we are not only enhancing community relations but also fostering a sense of partnership and collaboration between law enforcement and residents. Streets to Suites serves as a bridge between different segments of society, promoting understanding, empathy, and positive engagement that benefits everyone involved.

Through the Streets to Suites program, Voices of Our Youth is proud to support the holistic well-being of both our community members experiencing homelessness and the dedicated law enforcement officers who work tirelessly to ensure public safety. Together, we can create a more inclusive, compassionate, and harmonious society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the greater good.

Streets to Suites was created in response to a request from the Lancaster Sheriff's Department, and we initially launched the program there for a trial period. Each time a voucher has been utilized, it has presented a unique and distinct situation, providing us with valuable insights to enhance and expand the program. We are now prepared to introduce the program at the Palmdale Station starting in January 2025. We understand that neighboring cities may face similar challenges, yet their specific needs differ, requiring tailored approaches. Our goal is to gradually extend the program to all 23 stations within the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department as funding grows and the initiative becomes more established.