Kibler Fowler & Cave is proud to recognize Managing Partner Mike Kibler, who was recently featured in Forbes for his leadership and advocacy in support of the Affordable-For-Youth Housing (AFYH) initiative of Covenant House California (CHC).
In a Forbes article titled “Social Innovation At Covenant House: Affordable Housing for Youth,” Mike spoke about the evolution of the AFYH model and the critical role the CHC’s Board of Directors played in bringing it to life. “It was Bill’s [Bedrossian, President & CEO, Covenant House International] vision to expand the continuum to affordable housing because, arguably, the biggest societal problem in Los Angeles is the lack of affordable housing,” Mike told Forbes. “Once our board saw the impact, it snowballed. They stepped up with $2 million to support the next wave of projects.”
Mike, who has served on the CHC Board since 2013 and was elected Board Chair in 2022, has been at the forefront of this transformation. His leadership helped guide CHC’s development of Linden Commons, which opened in 2023 with 12 affordable units, and Olive Tree Commons, which added 16 more affordable units in 2024. “Our two sites in LA that are online now are both fully occupied with youth who went from street outreach to emergency shelters through the entire continuum,” said Mike. “Now they have stable lives in these affordable housing units that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford.”
The AFYH model departs from transitional housing by combining long-term affordability, flexibility, and supportive services to youth who are often left behind by conventional systems. With rent set at roughly 30% of a youth’s income and no time limit, AFYH helps young people move from survival to stability and growth. The AFYH model is already inspiring new developments in cities across the U.S. and Canada.
Beyond his board service, Mike and KF&C have been consistent supporters of CHC. During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, the firm donated a percentage of its profits to support emergency services for unhoused youth. In addition, KF&C proudly sponsors CHC’s annual Executive Sleep Out, which in 2024 raised more than $1.2 million that went directly to help youth experiencing homelessness get off the streets and into stable independent living. Mike and his KF&C colleagues also participate in the annual sleepout, giving up their beds for one night to help raise money and awareness of CHC and its critical mission to eliminate youth homelessness.
“CHC’s work isn’t just changing lives—it’s saving them,” said Mike. “We’re proud that our firm has been able to contribute to something so impactful, both through service and financial support.”
To read the Forbes article, please click here.