Urban Street Angels - San Diego, California

Kayy M.

I was able to work a regular job and save money for several months' worth of rent during my brief two-month stay at Urban Street Angels before finding a place to rent. Peer support also transported us to (outings) every week beach , movies , bowling , amusement parks on urban expense .. Case managers and peer support are really helpful, and they were always there for me. Urban offer young people all the tools they need for success; however, should they fail to make an attempt to better themselves, they will remain in the same situation over which many youth complain about not getting further in life .. urban gives them the tools but some of the youth are to entitled , lazy and cry babies , then become upset when they see other youth moving to their own apartments , purchasing a vehicle or even receiving a award for their accomplishments .. I, along with a number of other youth , practice Islam. We are Sunni Muslims The cafeteria staff's accommodating nature in substituting pig (pork) with plant-based or beef meals was really appreciated. My only issue with Urban is that it isn't quite urban. The Allied Security overnight security guard JEFF declined to serve us breakfast each morning during Ramadan, when Muslims are required to fast (not eat or drink anything from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Urban notified the security on March 10 that this will take place until April 10 about this, and it will happen every morning. The cafeteria staff repeatedly told Jeff where our breakfast food is so that we may eat at 5 a.m. before the sun comes up. Jeff refused, and my friend and I had had arguments with jeff about it every day for a week . Since we couldn’t get our breakfast at 5am that forced us to eat food although the day even though we suppose have fasted from 6am-6pm then Jeff had the nerves to file a complaint and sent emails to urban about us because he didn’t do his job .. he didn’t respect our religion.. then he asked us one day did we have a bomb in our pockets my friend complained and nothing was done We take our religion very seriously. And that truly breaks my heart but that’s not urban fault that’s allied because they are a separate company I complained to allied several times
But besides the Jeff situation Urban is a good start for youth 18-24 to receive free education , trades and help with free and affordable housing to help them start their life in a wonderful way I appreciate every staff member that helped me while I was here thank you all I’m forever grateful

Joshua U.

I recently visited the building to donate a skateboard and discuss some future projects to help lift kids self esteem as they work towards independence. The staff was very friendly. The walls were filled with information and I could tell there were clear boundaries being set for program participants.

It would be great to see Urban Street Angels expand as I know there are many young people who are in need of their support.

I will continue to develop my understanding of their organization's efforts and help spread the word, support their initiatives, and give a helping hand to those they serve.

Mary E.

Incredible place assisting homeless youth 18-24. Counseling, job training, education, rehab then real jobs. Cafe. On site as well.

Josh P.

They kicked me out and I became homeless for several months earlier this year, just because I had told a biological girl that I didn't understand why she wanted to transition. She got upset and complained, and I was put out. Apparently hurting people's feelings is a greater offense than the people who openly vape inside the dorms. Besides this, I felt that everybody at Urban hated me - so I genuinely HATE Urban Street Angels and DON'T recommend them to ANYONE.

Alterra C.

I am a former resident of the Urban Street Angels organization I must say that I had a great experience. This is not to say everything were “peaches and cream” —however, because I put myself in the position to be helped, the staff were greatly supportive. I appreciate everything that they did for me. They invested time in me for the betterment of my life. I will forever be thankful and grateful to have been apart of such an organization.

Jesse &. B. M.

I am a parent who loves his son deeply. My son was on a program who suggested Urban Street Angels to provide care, guidance, and skills to my son. Based on what I heard and read on their website and speaking to the Urban Angels Staff I thought this was going to be a positive changing point for my son and my family. All I have to say is Urban Angels is worst program I have come across. All I know is they do not promote counseling or truly help your child. They had a counselor call my family once in the first 30 days he was there stating they were going to do family counseling on top of doing counseling with my son and that was the last we hear from someone. We called to follow up on when this was going to take place and no return calls. They do not promote your child to get a job or fix the underlining issues as to why they are there, or work with bringing them closer to family instead they instead pull them away from you and it is almost like they turn you child against you. They sent my son into an apartment on his own, but two days prior my son was taken to a hospital because he was suicidal. They would not put me in contact with my son, they will not tell me if he is alone, they will not tell me anything, so now I worry if he is truly ok. Since they did not get him counseling or help with his depression or underling conditions, I worry every day. The staff does not return calls and no one seems to understand it troubles me that they had my son come to the house and turn over his cell phone to me and that was the only communication I had with him, and they bought him his own cell phone, which I don’t understand this neither. All I know if this place should not get any public or state funding because they are doing nothing to get our children on the right track, you should just try to do it on your own even though you are not a doctor or professional.

Rider 8.

I live down the street from this place. Some of their 'clients' like to hang out in my neighborhood and smoke pot and feel each other up in public. The place is staffed by former 'clients', so it's like inmates guarding inmates. What a waste. I'll add some pics of them in the near future. Their parents will be overjoyed I'm sure.

Liz P.

This place is a mess ! There is always screaming going around has me wonder what goes on here. The city needs to put a stop on the times their speakers can go off. Even with windows closed you’ll be able to hear these teen play basketball past 11pm or early morning. Lots of arguing here for sure