Youth Voices for Housing Stability in Los Angeles: Perla’s Story
Perla doesn’t talk about youth homelessness from a distance.
She’s seen it up close.
I do have family members who are experiencing this unwanted thing of homelessness here in Los Angeles because of high rent and substance abuse.
For her, housing instability is not a headline. It’s personal.
In Los Angeles, rising rent can mean one missed payment changes everything. Young people feel the impact immediately, in school, in their safety, in their stability.
Housing insecurity isn’t rare. It’s becoming normalized.
Perla refused to accept that.
Through her work with Para Los Niños, Perla joined other young leaders to make sure youth voices shaped the conversation.
- Youth shared their lived experiences.
- Youth documented community needs.
- Youth became paid peer navigators — supporting other young people facing housing instability.
“We share peer navigators to help support the policies o further engagement for Para Los Niños.“
As a result, youth leadership through Para Los Niños turned into action resulting in:
- 20 youth trained and employed as peer navigators.
- More than 600 young people connected to support.
- Listening sessions held with youth.
Youth perspectives make sure programs and policies are effective and relevant to our focus.
Perla is now pursuing business administration at Los Angeles City College, committed to continuing her advocacy and service for youth.
Her story is bigger than one program.
Housing policy works best when youth are at the table.
Youth are not waiting, they are building.
Support youth-led change now. Back the brilliance of young leaders. Build thriving communities across California.