Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Mayor’s Fund CEO Conway Collis today announced the expansion of a proven resource for Angelenos who are currently — or at risk of — facing eviction. While the Mayor’s Fund already partners with the City’s FamilySource Centers across Los Angeles, they have now expanded and opened the first We Are LA Crenshaw casework office to help connect Angelenos in danger of becoming homeless to every resource available to them. As part of Mayor Bass’ comprehensive approach to addressing homelessness, We Are LA caseworkers provide these individuals and families one-on-one, personal support, helping them overcome obstacles like filling out applications for services, using unfamiliar technology, language barriers and accessing legal aid.
Focus on prevention is key to Mayor Bass’ comprehensive approach to confronting the homelessness crisis, which has led to a second consecutive year of decline in the number of people experiencing homelessness.
“Preventing people from falling into homelessness is key to our efforts in addressing this humanitarian crisis,” said Mayor Karen Bass. “Results show that this program is working, and with a second consecutive decline in homelessness for the first time in recent history, we must continue this momentum. With more than 1,000 Angelenos served since it opened in June, I know that this office and We Are LA will continue to make change in Los Angeles.”
“Housing is the foundation for stability, dignity, and opportunity,” said Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson. “The expansion of We Are LA into the Crenshaw District and Council District Eight opens doors to hope, resources, and a future where every Angeleno has the chance to thrive.”
“As part of Mayor Bass’s comprehensive homelessness plan, we want Angelenos to know they don’t have to face the threat of eviction alone,” said Conway Collis, Mayor’s Fund for LA President and CEO. “Our knowledgeable and caring caseworkers are available to help in person or on the phone seven days a week. We’ve helped thousands of people avoid eviction and stabilize their housing, and we will do everything we can to help you. That’s the reason we’re opening this family friendly dedicated casework office on Crenshaw Blvd.”
“Life can shift in an instant. One day I was working in dentistry — steady paycheck, confident in my finances — and the next, I was facing something I never imagined: eviction,” said Serene Nunez, Mayor’s Fund We Are LA Client and tenant in Los Angeles. “They didn’t just help me survive; they helped me navigate. They walked me through every step — the paperwork, the deadlines, the confusing legal language — and they did it with such care that I knew I wasn’t walking through this alone. I’m grateful to the Mayor’s Fund We Are LA for being part of my story. This wasn’t my whole story — just a chapter. And with faith and support, the next chapter will be full of restoration and possibility.”
“This situation had me so worried to the point where I couldn’t sleep and I just didn’t know what I was going to do,” said Trenely Garcia, Mayor’s Fund We Are LA Client and tenant in Los Angeles. “I felt alone until We Are LA helped me. They are amazing. I feel like they are my family looking out for me. Receiving an eviction notice was devastating. As a lifelong LA resident and artist, the thought of leaving the city where I have built my career was heartbreaking. Thanks to the Mayor’s Fund ‘We Are LA’ program, I was able to negotiate with my landlord and stay in my home. I’m honored to give back through this mural to celebrate a program that helps LA tenants stay in their homes.”
The following resources are available at the Mayor’s Fund We Are LA Crenshaw casework office, the City’s FamilySource Centers and the We Are LA Hotline (213-584-1808):
-
Caseworkers for one-on-one support in responding to eviction notices and filing court responses to fight eviction.
-
Referrals to the Eviction Defense Network for legal representation by an attorney in court.
-
Assistance applying for all eligibility-based benefits (Medi-Cal, SNAP) and unclaimed tax credits.
-
Assistance for veterans and foster youth.
Results from an independent research study conducted by Loyola Marymount University show that the We Are LA program is helping keep people housed and preventing them from falling into homelessness. Since launching two years ago, more than 105,000 Angelenos have been connected to benefits and legal services to help them remain in their homes.
