YAB has given me the opportunity to connect with agencies across the Valley that work within the youth homelessness system. Together, we build partnerships and strengthen advocacy for youth experiencing homelessness. 

With the skills I’ve built through the YAB, I’ve felt empowered to create a co-op in my community that has reached over 150 people across Arizona. The skills and experiences I gained from the YAB, like reviewing and creating grant applications, facilitating workgroups, allocating tasks among a team, and networking with organizations, directly helped me build and support this new community. I’ve always wanted to help people through the work I choose to do, and now I feel like I’m truly contributing to those most affected by turbulence and instability in our state. I’ve gained just as much as I’ve given, both through the YAB and the co-op I’ve helped build, and I feel that my perspective is valued and valuable. 

As a YAB member, I am inspired to create positive change in my community. I strive to reduce stigma and initiate creative, upstream solutions, both locally and beyond. Fostering understanding and driving changes that impact youth experiencing housing instability is a personal goal of mine. Whether I’m advocating in person, sharing my own experiences, or connecting people to resources, I feel privileged to connect with those around me. 

I wanted to make a difference in our community by raising awareness of youth homelessness based on my personal experience with it. I also wanted to be able to share my personal story about youth homelessness.