Erika Hartman

Erika Hartman is the Executive Director for Safe Place for Youth (SPY) a 501c3 nonprofit organization.  

Safe Place for Youth was founded by Alison Hurst in 2011 along with a group of dedicated volunteers, offering hot food, clothing, and socks to homeless youth in Venice Beach from their cars. Since those humble beginnings, they have been driven to give youth opportunities to transform by multiplying their services, building their programming, and strengthening their partnerships. With incredible support from Board Members, donors, volunteers, and partner organizations, SPY has grown from a 100% volunteer-led organization to a professional staff of nearly 80 employees, whose skill sets have strengthened their programs. 

To inspire change in a young person’s life, the staff at Safe Place for Youth engage, build trust, and provide care and support to youth experiencing homelessness, so that the youth, not their situations, define their lives. Their programs include case management, drop-in services, education & employment, street outreach, health & wellness, advocacy, healing arts, and a youth coordinated entry system including youth and young adults ages 15-25.