As one of Berkeley’s two key agencies serving homeless youth, and in our role as an interfaith organization, Youth Spirit has been deeply engaged in the battle to oppose Measure S, the reactionary ballot measure being considered by voters in November, which would make it illegal to sit on commercial area sidewalks. Measure S would greatly impact homeless youth, who have no place to go during the day in Berkeley until Youth Spirit opens at 3:30pm. Fifty two local clergy & religious leaders have thus far signed on to the letter YSA initiated to make voices of the religious community heard on this issue. On October 16th Youth Spirit young artists and local clergy held a rally at Berkeley City Hall unveiling the letter and the list of signers. A procession of giant puppets of saints and prophets delivered the letter to youth artists and others gathered at City Hall where the letter was read. Following this YSA young leaders processed with the giant puppets into Berkeley City Council chambers to make their voices heard asking for $50,000 to be able to open our program during daytime hours so that youth would have a place to go indoors–rather than face rain, ticketing, and arrests. Stay tuned for more on our campaign to gain funds to be open all day to serve homeless youth in downtown Berkeley through ART JOBS and jobs training!