For many individuals facing housing insecurity and homelessness, the holidays can be a complicated time, often bringing up memories of loss, instability or family separation. My Friend's Place serves as a comfort spot for young adults experiencing homelessness.
"My Friend's Place is a community that offers growth and opportunity to young people impacted by homelessness," said Erin Parker, Associate Director of Community Engagement and Corporate Relations.
"Our name came out of safety. I can remember when things were unpleasant at home, I would go to my friend's place. Everybody has that same idea of what that would be like in their head. We definitely embrace that in our culture."
My Friend's Place is a drop-in resource center where people ages 18 through 24 can receive access to crucial housing and wellness services.
"We've been around for quite some time," said Parker. "We started in a back of a pick-up truck. Two young men distributing homemade sandwiches to young folks that they've met in Hollywood boulevard."
Festivities at the center are expected to support more than 350 individuals currently receiving services, as well as their children and pets and alumni who remain a vital part of the community.
"The population of young folks has changed and we've evolved," she Parker. "At our core since day one, we have always been relationship focused."
The organization serves over 1,150 young people annually, providing what they need to move toward stability and a permanent exit from homelessness.
Computer access and assistance, skill building groups, art workshops, animal companion care and a clothing closet are just some of the services offered here.
The center makes a point to celebrate the holidays, uplifting individuals during hard times and providing much needed comfort and support.
"The holidays can be tough on young folks," she said. "What we do for the holiday season, not only are we trying to source the items that young folks are asking for the most...we are also creating a tradition."
At My Friend's Place, the community holiday party includes photos with Santa, a hot meal and distribution of holiday gifts, including cold weather supplies and other small comforts.
Parker mentioned that the most popular items requested are by their clients are sweatpants, headphones, sleeping bags, and masculine clothing and shoes.
"We ask our community to contribute to our wish list," she said. "This year we have a fresh list of the most requested items. No surprise, number one most requested item from the young folks is sweatpants. It's the thing that's least likely to get donated as a clothing contribution."
Help ensure every person feels celebrated and cared for by supporting their Holiday Event, hosting a drive to collect essential items or by contributing to holiday meals.
"In 2024, our young people-per-year count had gone up 40 percent, this past year it's grown eight percent," said Parker.
My Friend's Place is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m, and is located at 5850 Hollywood Blvd.
You can email clothingcloset@myfriendsplace.org or visit myfriendsplace.org to fulfill their wish list this holiday season.