Financial Assistance

In its latest funding phase this year, the local EFSP approved  $5.6M to support 168 local organizations helping thousands of our most vulnerable neighbors. 

We’ve spent January – National Poverty Awareness Month – reflecting on the complexities of poverty. Breaking the cycle of poverty cannot be done by “pulling yourself up by your bootstraps”. One needs boots and bootstraps before such a thing can even be attempted. Poverty is often generational, communal, and cyclical. Folks in underserved, disadvantaged, and… continue reading Breaking Cycles of Poverty 

There are over 10,000 carwash workers in Los Angeles, working at over 2,500 carwash businesses in the state. Still, according to CLEAN Carwash Worker Center, only 600 of them are registered, which means this small fraction is most likely to comply with the laws that provide fair wages and other protection to their workers. 

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

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.”

Los Angeles, CA (February 7, 2023) — The rising costs of natural gas has increased bills for consumers across the country, and United Way of Greater Los Angeles is partnering with So Cal Gas to help families struggling to pay these historically high gas bills. In partnership with Southern California Gas Company, United Way of Greater L.A. is assisting Southern California residents with up to $100 to pay their gas bill for those who qualify based on their income. The funding comes from this year’s $1 million Gas Assistance Fund.

Assisting thousands of neighbors living in the streets of South Los Angeles was just the beginning of Miss Rodger’s Neighborhood mission. Today, the organization is providing hot meals, free laundry, clothing, and even immigration service assistance with the ultimate goal of helping people reach their full potential. This community nonprofit created to generate resources for… continue reading UWGLA’s Prosperity Partner: Miss Rodgers’ Neighborhood– ‘Our unity is our wealth’ 

When the pandemic started, Lauren S., a single mother of two, saw her work as an independent contractor grind to a halt. Suddenly, with two kids who were learning online and home all day, she was a full-time mom with no means to support her household. The sporadic work projects she could get paid only… continue reading Rental Assistance Helps Los Angeles Families in Need

UNITED WAY OF GREATER LOS ANGELES RAISES CLOSE TO $800,000 TO FIGHT POVERTY DURING INAUGURAL WALKUNITEDLA, A FAMILY 5K AT SOFI STADIUM Hosted at the new home of the Los Angeles Rams,  WalkUnitedLA funds raised will support United Way’s efforts to break the cycles of poverty through homelessness and housing, education and economic opportunity initiatives.  November 6, 2021… continue reading WalkUnitedLA 2021