LA Family Housing

We know, we know, you want to start volunteering right away! But trust us – we all have a lot to learn about homelessness. And providing incorrect support (however well-intentioned) can worsen the problem you’re trying to solve. We want to set you up to make the biggest impact you can!

YOUR ACTIVITY:

You’ll get a crash course in the causes of and solutions to homelessness as well as how to utilize trauma-informed care when interacting with people transitioning out of homelessness. You’ll leave armed with more knowledge and better able to make a real difference!

REQUIREMENTS:

• Computer and access to Zoom
• Cameras must be on so we can confirm that you’re actively participating

QUESTIONS:

Please email [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help.

TO SIGN UP:

Click the blue “Respond” button in the right corner on the Galaxy Digital website. Then keep your eyes peeled for a confirmation email with further instructions.

NOTE:

You only need to sign up for one shift, as it is the same presentation each session.

YOUR ACTIVITY: Create hygiene kits for our participants transitioning out of homelessness.  Purchase the items yourself or host a drive, then assemble the items into kits.

YOUR IMPACT: We help over 11,000 people a year and most of them are in need of basics like shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc.  So we go through a lot of hygiene kits!  Your donation of these kits helps these folks to not only stay clean and healthy, but also to uphold their dignity.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Any age may participate
• We are unable to provide the materials for your kits, but there are a number of ways you can source them:
  • Purchasing
  • Hosting a drive at your work, school, or place of worship
  • Asking for these items in place of birthday or wedding presents
  • Collecting free samples and hotel toiletries
• Once your kits are assembled, a drop-off time must be scheduled between the hours of 9am and 5pm, Monday through Friday.

KIT INSTRUCTIONS:  Into one large ziploc or reusable bag, please put:

• Necessary items:
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Soap
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Lotion
  • Wet wipes
• Not essential, but highly requested:
  • Pads and tampons
  • Shaving cream and razor
  • deodorant
  • bandaids
  • tissues
• Prohibited items
  • medicine like Tylenol, Ibuprofen, etc
  • scissors or anything sharp

QUESTIONS: Please email [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help.

YOUR ACTIVITY: Play some board games, have a cuppa joe, and chat with adults transitioning out of homelessness at a bridge housing site in North Hollywood.

YOUR IMPACT: One of the most powerful ways you can help our participants transitioning out of homelessness is to give them opportunities for healthy social interaction. It may seem like you’re just playing checkers, but you’re helping someone practice their communication skills and heal their interpersonal relationships.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must first attend our required (but awesome) training
• Must show proof of vaccination
• Must be over 18

QUESTIONS: Please email [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help.

TO SIGN UP: Pick the date you want below and click the light blue “Sign Up” button. Then keep your eyes peeled for a confirmation email that will give you further instructions.

YOUR ACTIVITY: Get those service hours in or become the next Malala Yousafzai or Greta Thunberg by joining LA Family Housing’s Youth Action Council.

Through a combination of education, advocacy, and service projects, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of homelessness, get leadership experience, and know that you are actively improving the lives of people experiencing homelessness. You’ll also get to meet up to 20 other likeminded students from high schools across LA!

YOUR IMPACT: Last year our Youth Action Council raised over 1,000 pairs of socks for our participants, wrote their elected officials, assembled 500 hygiene kits, and more!

TIME COMMITMENT:  6-8 sessions. Half are over Zoom on Wednesday nights and half are in person on Saturdays.  Exact schedule TBD.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be between the ages of 14 and 18
• Must be actively enrolled in high school
• Must complete an online application

QUESTIONS:Please email V[email protected] and we’ll be happy to help.
TO APPLY: Click the light blue “Express Interest” button below. Then when applications open up in December or January, we will email you a link then.

YOUR ACTIVITY:

Sort donated items, assemble kits, and get your steps in all at one event!  We need your help organizing in-kind donations from our generous supporters so that we can quickly get them into the hands of those who need the items most.

YOUR IMPACT:

Sometimes our new residents come in without basic necessities like clean, properly fitting clothing or basic hygiene items.  LAFH occasionally receives whole truckloads of items, but we need your help quickly sorting them into type, size, etc so we can get them out to participants right away.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be comfortable standing and lifting
• Wear closed toe shoes and be ready to get hot and dusty!
• Must show proof of vaccination and wear a mask

QUESTIONS:

Please email [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help.