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Costa Mesa students present Save Our Youth homelessness project and organize blanket drive; council members praise youth engagement
Summary
High school students from the Save Our Youth (SOY) Leadership Program presented a 10‑week project on homelessness, outlined plans for a blanket drive April 21–25 at SOY (2045 Myers Place) and asked for city partnership; councilmembers and the mayor pro tem praised the students and encouraged community support.
Students from the Save Our Youth (SOY) leadership program briefed the council on April 15 about a 10‑week class project focused on homelessness and community support. Student presenters described research, community impacts and a plan for immediate action: a blanket drive scheduled for April 21–25 at SOY’s headquarters (2045 Myers Place, Building E) with donations to be delivered to the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter.
What students said and propose: Students described homelessness as a complex, multi‑faceted issue affecting quality of life, safety perceptions and local businesses. Presenters proposed a community blanket drive, offered a rationale for volunteer engagement and explained logistics: the week‑long drive would accept new or lightly used blankets during SOY hours (3 p.m.–7 p.m. daily) and distribute donations to the shelter; youth also plan outreach and educational efforts.
Council response and staff follow‑up: Councilmembers praised the student work and youth engagement; several council members offered to help publicize the drive and encouraged residents to donate. Mayor Pro Tem Manuel Chavez and Councilmember Lauren Gameros specifically commended SOY mentors and said city staff would coordinate as feasible with the nonprofit to support logistics and safety.
Why this matters: The student project highlights local civic engagement and addresses a short‑term need (blankets) while exposing youth to policy contexts and community services related to homelessness. The presentation also underscores how schools and youth programs can partner with city and nonprofit service providers.
Ending: The students invited residents and council members to the April blanket drive; councilmembers urged residents to volunteer and to follow SOY’s outreach for drop‑off details.
