Many people think the best way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month must include tacos, margaritas, and mariachi. While all of that is cool, we think the best way to honor Latinos and their contributions to Los Angeles is by recognizing what this community means to our economy, our culture, and the future we envision for… continue reading Ensuring Latinos Prosperity— That’s How We Honor Hispanic Heritage Month

Remember the feeling of throwing on a brand-new backpack stuffed with fresh notebooks, colored pencils, and that untouched pink eraser you prolonged using? For most of us, it’s one of those small but magical parts of childhood that marks the start of a new school year. Thanks to our partnership between United Way of Greater… continue reading Kicking Off A New School Year Filled with Excitement, and School Supplies

United Way L.A.’s core mission is to make strategic investments that help our neighbors living in crisis while ensuring everyone has the resources and tools to create prosperity for their families and communities. From community college students who struggle to pay for housing or secure their next meal to formerly incarcerated people who need help… continue reading Investing in What Matters The Most

or our unsheltered neighbors, finding shelter goes beyond having a safe place to stay. It can also be where they connect to critical services and programs and begin to heal as part of their journey to a permanent home.

At a time when the rising cost of living hits harder on our most vulnerable communities, funding from the federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) continues to bring stability to thousands of Angelenos experiencing a crisis. This year, United Way of Greater Los Angeles and the local EFSP board awarded $5.9 million in funds… continue reading EFSP supports 181 L.A. organizations’ work to prevent homelessness and food insecurity

People celebrate their heritage in many different ways. Just a few have the privilege of honoring their culture and heritage as public servants. That’s what U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu has been doing for the past 14 years since she became the first Chinese American woman elected to Congress.   “As a young girl, I never actually… continue reading AAPI Heritage Month: How Congresswoman Judy Chu Advocates for AAPI Community’s Safety and Prosperity

LOS ANGELES, CA —The newly formed LA County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency (LACAHSA) kicks off its first board meeting with elected officials representing all 88 cities of the County and citizen experts. The agency is primed to fundamentally change how LA approaches housing as a region by preserving, protecting and producing affordable housing. LACAHSA Board… continue reading LACAHSA is launched with the mission of helping more people stay in their homes

According to the Downtown Women’s Center data on women experiencing homelessness, 53% have experienced domestic abuse, and 27% experienced sexual assault in the last 12 months. It also shows that the lack of safe and affordable housing often forces women to choose between living with their abuser or becoming homeless. No one should have to make such a choice.

Through this initiative, Black and Latina women accrue valuable financial assets, invest in their communities, and increase their personal wealth by pooling their funding in United Way’s affordable housing and economic development investments. It allows participants to receive double-digit returns on their contributions while supporting the production of affordable housing and other vital resources in their neighborhoods. 

As a current UWGLA Board member, Fraser continues to feel excited about celebrating the richness of our community and how it's moved us into these 100 years. “One of the most important parts of Los Angeles and Southern California is our ability to accept people as they grow and change. In other parts of the country, you're defined by your background, by your past,” she noted. “But I think in Los Angeles, we're open for people to be redefined, repositioned… I love that freedom of being. I'd like to see more of that happen in our region and for us to be a welcoming place for everyone.”