Invisible to Invincible: Homeless Youth in Los Angeles

The Power of Stories is an archive of projects submitted every year to Building Healthy Communities (BHC) Statewide Convening. It showcases work created throughout California highlighting the power of individual and collective efforts to promote health and demonstrates how stories have the power to re-imagine and transform our communities. Produced in partnership with the California Endowment.

Project submitted by: Jovenes, Inc.

Project summary: "Invisible to Invincible" tells the story of 6 homeless youth in Los Angeles and their journey to end their personal cycles of homelessness.

BHC site: Boyle Heights

The Invincible to Invincible Campaign is Jovenes' Inc. initiative to raise awareness of youth homelessness in Los Angeles. There are many stereotypes regarding homeless youth, and the facts about homelessness in our region. Labeling homeless people as "invisible" is an emerging trend. What is missing is the recognition of the resiliency they possess, the dreams they have, and the fact that they can be invincible.

Our youth recently made a documentary entitled "From Invisible to Invincible" which tells powerful stories of how they became homeless and highlights their resilience. The Invisible to Invincible Campaign will utilize this film, along with our research and policy report, to educate our community and empower our youth to create change.