There are many elements that can be attributed to the current homelessness crisis and accordingly nonprofits work to stem the inflow as well as get individuals off the streets – each which presents its own complications and specifics. Regardless of the logic model that the nonprofit may use, there are many really wonderful nonprofits in Los Angeles serving our community. Since we’re often asked for a list, the following are a number of organizations in Los Angeles that are serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness:
People Assisting the Homeless, or PATH, is ending homelessness for individuals, families, and communities. PATH does this by building affordable housing and providing supportive services throughout California.
Catholic Charities of Los Angeles
At programs in Long Beach, Covina and Los Angeles, Catholic Charities tackles the root causes of homelessness to transform the lives of men, women and children, through emergency shelter and bridge and crisis housing programs, homeless prevention programs, which typically include case management and financial assistance, and through counseling, education, job training and support, to those who were once homeless in order to help prepare them for independent futures.
My Friend’s Place assists and inspires homeless youth to build self-sufficient lives. In collaboration with the leading social services providers and educational institutions in the region as well as over 500 volunteers, My Friend’s Place offers a free and comprehensive continuum of care that combines emergency necessities with therapeutic, health, employment and education assistance, and creative arts services.
The mission of Upward Bound House (UBH) is to eliminate homelessness among families with children in Los Angeles by providing housing, supportive services, and advocacy. UBH strives to reduce the number of homeless families with minor children who are hungry and living on the streets of Los Angeles, by helping them access basic resources and successfully transition into their own homes with the capacity to remain there permanently.
Home L.A. Fund through the California Community Foundation
The Home L.A. Fund is one of L.A.’s most effective funders of permanent supportive housing. The California Community Foundation has committed $1.5 million over three years to more than triple the production of permanent supportive housing in Los Angeles, building 1,000 units per year. By giving to the Home L.A. Fund, you fund grants to L.A.’s most effective affordable housing developers, ensuring more Angelenos have a home to call their own.
Jovenes helps youth, ages 18-25, end their cycle of homelessness. They are located in Boyle Heights and serve communities throughout Southeast LA County. Jovenes goes deep with youth focusing on not only their needs for housing, but also healthcare, education, employment and trauma recovery. Jovenes’ mission is to help homeless youth become active and integrated members of our community.
Homeless Not Toothless is raising the pride and dignity of the homeless, foster youth, and underserved through quality dental services. Homeless Not Toothless has provided more than $3 million in services and partners with nearly three dozen dental offices in the greater Los Angeles area.
Covenant House California (CHC) is a nonprofit youth homeless shelter that provides sanctuary and support for homeless and trafficked youth, ages 18-24. CHC believe that no young person deserves to be homeless; that every young person in California deserves shelter, food, clothing, education and most importantly, to be loved. Now serving over 3,200 youth a year, CHC has served over 190,000 homeless youth since they have opened their doors. CHC provides a full continuum of services to meet the physical, emotional, educational, vocational, and spiritual well-being of young people, in order to provide them with the best chance for success in independence.
Food on Foot is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting the poor and homeless of Los Angeles through programs that provide nutritious meals, clothing, work opportunities and ultimately the transition to full-time employment and life off the streets. The organization does not accept government funds, thanks to the support from generous donors and volunteers.
PAWS/LA is dedicated to preserving the human-animal bond. To that end, they assist low-income seniors and people disabled with life threatening illnesses care for their companion animals by providing veterinary care, pet food and supplies, temporary foster homes, and volunteer services — all at no charge.
The Los Angeles Mission exists to provide help, hope and opportunity to men, women and children in need. There are more people becoming homeless for the first time now than any time in Los Angeles’ history. Los Angeles Mission is on the front lines of providing meals, hot showers, safe shelter and other life-giving support to people in need.
Union Rescue Mission helps men, women, and children escape the streets of Skid Row through food, shelter, education, counseling, and long-term recovery programs. They are one of the largest rescue missions of this kind in the United States, and the oldest in Los Angeles.
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