About Us
Marsha and Marian's Neighbors is a shared housing program that provides homes, education, research and resources for 20 youth and young adults experiencing homelessness in the Richmond, VA, region. Administered by the Center for Youth-Engaged Research to Prevent & End Youth Homelessness (C-PEYH) at the VCU School of Social Work and in partnership with community partners Advocates for Richmond Youth, Nationz Foundation, and St. Joseph’s Villa, our program serves 20 pregnant or parenting youth or LGBTQ+ youth, some of whom will be at the intersection. The program is supported by a grant from The Virginia Housing Trust Fund and the Bob and Ann Lou Schaberg Foundation.
In a year-long research effort, young adults with lived experience in housing insecurity and their community partners developed the program to fit their needs and interests. Residents are offered quality rental homes, a holistic roommate matching process, as well as classes, presentations, and resources to empower young people to achieve their goals. Marsha and Marian's Neighbors is managed by three full-time staff, two full-time VCU School of Social Work faculty members, and an advisory board made up of youth with lived experience with housing insecurity.
In a year-long research effort, young adults with lived experience in housing insecurity and their community partners developed the program to fit their needs and interests
The Meaning Behind a Name:
Our organization is named after Marsha P Johnson, a prominent figure in the Stonewall uprising and Marian Wright Edelman, one of the nation's strongest voices for children and families through her Children Defense Fund. Marsha & Marian’s Neighbors is valued in serving those who identify as LGBTQ+ and families which is what both Marsha and Marian represent. Lastly, the word “Neighbors” comes from our goal of creating a community with and for one another.
Our Values
We are committed to providing safe, equitable, and comfortable housing to youth in the Richmond area
We operate with integrity and remain fully transparent about what we can and cannot do. We welcome all kinds of feedback, both positive and negative and are committed to adapting based on such.
We respect and honor the lived experienced and identities of all individuals in the program and expect all residents and staff to do the same.
We firmly believe in the Platinum Rule: treating people the way they want to be treated
We strive to promote empowerment by respecting and lifting up lived experience, while remaining cognizant of balancing power between us and those we serve as they increase their self sufficiency and are actively involved in all decision making processes
We understand that we all have our own internal biases that we need to work through but commit to not allowing that stand in the way of affirming others without judgement. All staff and residents alike are expected to extend empathy and effort in maintaining this.
Meet the Team
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Van Vox, MSW
(she/they)
Program Specialist
Hey hey! My name is Van and I use she/they pronouns. I've been in the work for a hot minute and found myself exhausted by systems that continually failed our youth. I'm honored to be here and be able to use my passion, lived experience, and skillset to do the change work needed to really make a difference in the lives of our cities most vulnerable.
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Jae Lange
(they/them)
Direct Service Specialist
Hi!! My name is Jae and I use they/them pronouns. I am a direct service provider, advocate, mother, student, and small business owner. I am passionate about housing instability and youth empowerment because I overcame homelessness as a young adult and I know that possibilities are endless when you knock down your barriers.
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Camryn Bosko, MSW
(she/her)
Direct Service Specialist
Hey ya’ll! I’m Camryn (or you can call me Cam if you want) I use she/her pronouns. I recently graduated with my M.S.W. so I'm new to the game, but not new to M&MN. I know what it is like being a youth in the world today and hope to empower our young people to grow and develop the skills they need to navigate it themselves.
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Ava Hull
(she/her)
Peer Navigator
Greetings to all, my name is Ava. I am the Peer Navigator at Marsha and Marian's Neighbors. I am a new edition to the family! It is an absolute pleasure of mine to be a support to individuals who would like my help. I am an individual who loves ALL things that involve community, especially people. As we are all deserving of a positive and loving support system and my hope is that I will provide that to anyone who is need of it. Leading with love is always my focus. Peace and love always.
