How do organizations such as libraries (academic and public), nonprofits like the Alexandria House, and LMU’s service organizations contribute to a person’s stability in their lives and therefore provide them with space to embark on their educational and career pathways?

Libraries, both academic and public, provide physical safe spaces and access to technology and resources for the homeless/houseless whether they are from the public or among the student body. The Alexandria House provides stable housing for women and children and helps them get permanent housing and provide educational and enrichment opportunities. LMU’s service organizations focuses on the academic success of students especially those who were/are in foster care or homeless/houseless. In so doing, they ensure students experiencing instability in their lives such as homelessness receive the support they need so they can participate and succeed in their own educational and career pathways. How can these organizations improve upon their services with this sector of the community?

Jamal Epperson, Assistant Director for DEI Initiatives, Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (Moderator) - https://resources.lmu.edu/dei/

Yadira Enciso, Assistant Director for Student Engagement, Pam Rector Center for Service and Action - https://studentaffairs.lmu.edu/activities/centerforserviceandaction/

John Frank, Senior Librarian, Venice-Abbot Kinney Memorial Branch, Los Angeles Public Library - https://www.lapl.org/branches/venice

Nicole Murph, Reference & Instruction Librarian, William H. Hannon Library - https://library.lmu.edu/

Judy Vaughan, Founder and Director, Alexandria House - https://www.alexandriahouse.org/