Dr. Seth Pickens Talks the Importance of Building People, Not Just Buildings

In this emotional and unflinchingly honest episode of YP2F, host Tonny St. James welcomes writer, filmmaker, and journalist Loe Renee for a conversation about what it means to survive—and thrive—after the foster care system.From early experiences in group homes to a professional journey through film, journalism, and advocacy, Loe shares their story with striking vulnerability and clarity. Together, they unpack what it means to be a “shadow youth,” the unspoken gaps in the system, and how reclaiming childhood joy—through bouncy balls, Connect Four, and creativity—can be a radical act of healing.This episode is a testament to the power of listening, the complexity of systemic inequity, and the dignity every young person deserves.Topics Discussed in this Episode:What it means to be a "shadow youth" and why so many foster youth remain invisibleNavigating group homes, legal ID numbers, and early adult responsibilitiesWhy trauma-informed care must be more than a buzzwordTransitioning from survival to expression through film and journalismThe systemic failure of programs that aren’t led by or informed by lived experienceEmbracing joy, play, and community as survival toolsReimagining youth care: dignity, trust, and real support over performative fixesConnect with Loe Renee:Published Work: The Imprint – Loe ReneeInstagram: Coming soonYouTube (Launching Soon): Late Night Loe

In this latest episode of YP2F, hosts Tonny and Robin sit down with Dr. Seth Pickens; a pastor, researcher, and Managing Director of the Homelessness Policy Research Institute (HPRI) at USC and explore the powerful intersection of spirituality, data, and homelessness policy. From his journey in ministry to launching trauma-informed, human-centered pilot programs for housing-insecure youth, Dr. Pickens unpacks why building people up is just as vital as building housing. The conversation dives into systemic gaps, the role of equity in research, and how personal empowerment can change the narrative around homelessness in LA and beyond.Topics Discussed in this Episode:Dr. Seth Pickens’ personal and professional journey from ministry to research leadership at USCHow trauma-informed, goal-oriented programs can lead to sustainable housing outcomesThe balance between spiritual truth and empirical data in solving complex social issuesYouth homelessness prevention through early education, community care, and empowermentBridging cultural gaps in faith-based and secular spaces to drive systemic changeConnect with Dr. Seth Pickens and the Homeless Policy Research Institute (HPRI):https://www.instagram.com/drsethpickens/hpri.usc.edu

In this episode of Young People to the Front, Tonny, Robin and Fatine are joined by Christian Quijano and Chino Quinlan to discuss their shared work in youth homelessness advocacy and how their friendship and professional collaboration evolved from a West Coast convening event. Christian, Associate Director at My Friend’s Place, and Chino, a youth advocate with lived experience working at Safe Place for Youth and the LA LGBT Center, reflect on the intersection of data, storytelling, and personal history. They explore the complexities of transitioning from receiving services to providing them, navigating professional relationships formed through shared experience, and the essential role of belonging and community in healing and empowerment. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of youth voice in program design, the challenges of burnout, and how success and validation are defined differently depending on background and culture.Topics Discussed in the EpisodeNavigating professional relationships between former service recipients and providersYouth-led advocacy and the Young Adult Steering Council (YASC)Nonlinear paths to success and redefining metrics of achievementThe role of belonging and community in healing and program engagementProvider responsibility, burnout, and the importance of representation in service organizationsConnect with My Friend’s Place:https://www.myfriendsplace.org/https://www.instagram.com/myfriendsplace/?hl=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/my-friend's-place

In this episode of Young People to the Front, the hosts Tonny, Robin and Fatine welcome guest Ashley Bennett, Director of Homelessness at the Los Angeles City Controller’s Office. The conversation explores Ashley’s personal journey from experiencing homelessness as a youth to becoming a community organizer and later transitioning into government work. She discusses her work with Ground Game LA, her pivotal role during the Echo Park Lake encampment, and her transition into the Controller’s Office under Kenneth Mejia. Ashley provides a detailed look at the importance of transparency in city budgeting, especially concerning homelessness, and highlights new tools like the Homelessness Dashboard and Build My City Budget. The episode underscores the need to spotlight youth homelessness as a distinct and often underrepresented issue in city planning and services.Topics Discussed in the Episode:Ashley’s lived experience with youth homelessnessFounding and organizing with Ground Game LAEcho Park Lake encampment and community defense strategiesTransparency and budgeting tools in the Controller’s OfficeThe need for youth-specific homelessness data and resourcesConnect with Ashley Bennett:https://controller.lacity.gov/https://www.facebook.com/lacontrollerhttps://www.instagram.com/lacontrollerhttps://www.tiktok.com/@lacontrollermejiahttps://twitter.com/lacontrollerhttps://bsky.app/profile/lacontroller.bsky.socialhttps://homelessdashboard.lacontroller.app/https://shelterbeds.lacontroller.app/

On this week's episode, Tonny sits down with Will Sens Jr. from the Echo Park Research Collective. The two discuss his non-traditional route to becoming part of a research project. Will shares his journey from being a resident of Echo Park Lake to participating in a research project alongside UCLA students. They explore the power of community and belonging, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who genuinely support you rather than those who exploit your expertise. Discover firsthand experiences of participating in community-based research, how data collection becomes an act of empowerment, and ways to revolutionize the research field through meaningful youth engagement.

In this episode of Young People at the Front, hosts Tonny, Robin and Fatine welcome Emmett Liljegren, President of Trojan Shelter, a student-led organization at USC dedicated to providing housing for college students experiencing homelessness. Emmett shares his journey from volunteer to president, the challenges of running a student-run shelter, and the often-overlooked issue of student homelessness at prestigious universities.The conversation explores the stigma surrounding housing insecurity on college campuses, the difficulties students face in accessing resources, and the ways Trojan Shelter is working to provide support. Emmett also discusses the importance of trauma-informed care, how USC students and faculty have responded to the shelter, and his personal experiences balancing academics, work at CHLA, and leading a nonprofit initiative.This episode highlights the unseen struggles of students facing housing insecurity while pursuing higher education and the grassroots efforts being made to address the issue.Topics Discussed in This Episode:The founding and mission of Trojan Shelter at USCThe hidden crisis of student homelessness on college campusesFunding struggles and the barriers to financial supportThe stigma surrounding housing insecurity among studentsEmmett’s personal journey balancing academics, work, and nonprofit leadershipConnect with Emmett and Trojan Shelter:IG: @trojanshelterhttps://www.trojanshelter.org/Trojan Shelter’s Crowdfunding Campaign: https://pages.donately.com/studentmojo/campaign/trojan-shelter-holiday-fundraiser

In this episode of Young People to the Front, hosts Tonny, Robin and Fatine welcome Ben Kay, a dedicated leader in Los Angeles’ homeless services sector and co-creator of the Homeland Podcast. Ben shares his personal journey from moving to LA for graduate school to volunteering on Skid Row just two days after arriving — a transformative experience that sparked his lifelong commitment to addressing homelessness. Together, Tonny and Ben dive into the complexities of working within the homeless services system, balancing frontline realities with funder expectations, and the importance of storytelling in shifting public narratives around housing insecurity. Ben also opens up about navigating burnout, maintaining personal wellness, and the critical role of community support in sustaining this challenging work. This conversation highlights the importance of elevating authentic voices — from people with lived experience to frontline workers — in efforts to build more compassionate and effective solutions to the housing crisis in Los Angeles and beyond. Along the way, they also discuss the power of storytelling, the nuances of disaster response in the wake of recent California wildfires, and how frontline staff often face housing insecurity themselves.Topics Discussed in the Episode:Ben Kay’s personal journey into homelessness advocacy, starting with volunteering on Skid Row.The creation of Homeland Podcast and the importance of centering authentic stories from people experiencing homelessness.Navigating relationships with funders, policymakers, and frontline workers to better align policy with community needs.The impact of the 2025 California wildfires on housing insecurity and disaster response.Mental health, burnout, and the importance of finding personal and professional balance in nonprofit and advocacy work.Connect with Ben:https://ourhomeland.us @thehomelandpodcast

In this episode of Young People of the Front, hosts Tonny, Robin and Fatine talk with Tai Jones, an Intensive Supporting Senior Case Manager at The People Concern in SPA 5 and entertainer who has performed on prestigious stages like The Wiltern Theatre and in major studios, including ABC. Dedicated to uplifting young people and addressing homelessness prevention, Tai shares her journey from a childhood immersed in the arts to a career in social services, inspired by her mother’s nonprofit work. She discusses the challenges young people face in navigating social support systems, the need for better assessments and case management, and the systemic changes required to make long-term housing stability a reality. Tai also provides insights into setting professional boundaries in advocacy work, the importance of financial literacy, and how to create spaces where youth feel empowered to seek help. Topics Discussed in the Episode:Tai’s transition from performing arts to youth advocacyThe impact of growing up in Los Angeles has on her work in social servicesBarriers young people face in accessing stable housing and supportThe importance of financial literacy and self-advocacy in maintaining housingHow case managers and social workers can create sustainable change while maintaining personal well-beingConnect with Tai Jones:https://www.instagram.com/youthlednation/More about Tai Jones:Tai Jones is an Intensive Supporting Senior Case Manager at The People Concern in SPA 5, specializing in supporting individuals and families diagnosed with mental health conditions. She provides housing navigation services and housing retention assistance to ensure stable housing for people of all ages throughout Los Angeles County. In addition to her role at The People Concern, Tai serves as a SPA 8 Youth Advocate for Youth Led Nation, an organization dedicated to empowering and supporting young adults facing homelessness in Los Angeles County. Through advocacy, policy reform, and resource navigation, she works to raise awareness, create systemic change, and inform funders and organizations dedicated to serving unhoused youth.Outside of her advocacy and housing support work, Tai is deeply passionate about the performing arts. Born and raised in Inglewood, California, Tai’s love for theater developed during her grade school years. She later expanded her talents to competitive athletics as an all-star cheerleader, competing across California. In 2016, Tai was accepted into the House of Blues Music Forward Foundation's Emerging Artist Program, in partnership with Live Nation, where she began performing on prestigious stages like The Wiltern Theatre and in major studios, including ABC and Fox News.

In this episode of Young People to the Front, hosts Tonny, Robin and Fatine sit down with Alexis Obinna, a dedicated community advocate, social worker, and consultant. Alexis shares her powerful journey from an affluent upbringing to the foster care system, and how her lived experiences shaped her commitment to social justice. She discusses the challenges of navigating higher education while experiencing homelessness, the systemic barriers within social services, and the urgent need for policy changes to better support youth aging out of foster care. Alexis also provides insights into her research work, highlighting the importance of making data accessible for advocacy and policy reform. Topics Discussed in the Episode:Alexis' Journey Through Foster Care and Homelessness – How her personal experiences led to her becoming a community advocate.Barriers in the Social Services System – The challenges young people face when transitioning from foster care to stable housing.The Role of Research in Advocacy – Why data transparency is crucial for policy change and how young advocates can use research in their work.Navigating Higher Education While Homeless – The difficulties of balancing school, work, and survival without stable housing.Holding Nonprofits and Agencies Accountable – The need for better resource allocation and support systems for youth in crisis.Alexis Obinna is a dedicated social worker, advocate, and businesswoman with a lifelong commitment to community service. From a young age, she has volunteered her time and expertise to address critical issues such as racial equity, housing, and child welfare. As a social worker, Alexis has empowered communities.  Her advocacy extends to influencing government legislation and collaborating with nonprofit organizations to promote social justice and transform lives.  Through her multifaceted efforts, Alexis continues to make a significant impact on the well-being of individuals and the broader community.Connect with Alexis:InstagramLinkedin

In this episode of Young People to the Front, Tonny, Robin and Fatine sit down with members of Water Drop LA to explore their work addressing water access issues in Skid Row and beyond. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic, Water Drop has grown into a critical lifeline, distributing over 2,000 gallons of water weekly to unhoused residents. This week’s guests, including USC researchers Erik and Jordy and community advocate/skid row resident, Tony, highlight the challenges of water scarcity, the devastating impact of sweeps, and the systemic neglect of basic human needs like water and shelter. We discuss the barriers to permanent solutions, the importance of community advocacy, and the organization's mission to one day no longer need to exist. Topics Discussed in the Episode:The origins and mission of Water Drop LA in addressing water access in Skid Row.The harsh realities of water scarcity and its impact on the unhoused community.Systemic issues, including sweeps and the lack of quality housing solutions.Advocacy efforts for increased water access points and sustainable solutions.How listeners can get involved in mutual aid and support Water Drop LA.Connect with Water Drop LA:www.waterdropla.orghttps://www.instagram.com/waterdropla/https://twitter.com/WaterDropLAhttps://www.facebook.com/waterdropla/