Los Angeles needs help right now, and there are many opportunities to volunteer or donate, while of course keeping safe distancing. From legacy organizations that have been helping for decades to new groups that have formed in this trying time, we hope this list inspires you to help.
Help can be in the form of a monetary donation, giving blood, checking in on a neighbor in need, making protective face coverings for those who can’t, helping to deliver meals to medical personnel or to those facing food insecurity – and that’s just the start of the ways you can be of service.
We’re all in this together, and doing whatever we can to help will mean that Los Angeles is stronger.
Government Responses
City of LA Volunteer Database
You can register with the City of Los Angeles to be of service to your community and they will match with what’s needed.
LA County/City Elder Nutrition Program
Helping to provide free meals to elders in need. Call a location near you on this map and see if they need help.
The Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles
Donate to this fund to help with all COVID-19 programs.
California Volunteers
CA Volunteers is a State-wide organization, run by the Governor’s Office. They are asking people to check on neighbors, especially the elderly.
Food Pantries across LA County
LA Controller’s office has made a map of all the Food Pantries in LA County. You can click on the dots on the map to see the name of and contact information for each pantry. Before visiting, please contact the pantry to verify it is open and find out if you live within its service area.
Los Angeles Non-Profits
The Red Cross
The Red Cross needs blood donations as well as monetary donations, and they are coordinating delivering food to students in need.
Los Angeles Mission
Los Angeles Mission exists to provide help, hope and opportunity to men, women and children in need. Right now they need donations for Easter.
Union Rescue Mission
Union Rescue Mission embraces men, women and children experiencing homelessness with the compassion of Jesus Christ. Their mission is to give them hope and healing for a changed life – and help them find their way home.
The Midnight Mission
The Midnight Mission is a comprehensive homeless shelter and homeless services provider serving the Los Angeles homeless community.
LA Works
LA Works is coordinating Virtual volunteer efforts.
Food on Foot
Food on Foot is a nonprofit dedicated to assisting our homeless and low-income neighbors in Los Angeles with nutritious meals, clothing and a fresh start through life-skills education, full-time employment and permanent housing.
Westside Food Bank
Westside Food Bank provides food to social service agencies on the Westside of Los Angeles County. Their food enables low-income people to stay in their homes, deterring the problem of homelessness.
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
The LA Food bank needs help feeding those who face food insecurity, and your donations make a difference.
Baby2Baby
Provides children living in poverty, ages 0-12, with diapers, clothing and basic necessities. They welcome donations – monetary and clothing items.
Union Station Homeless Services
Union Station Homeless Services helps adults and families facing hunger, homelessness and poverty in our community.
LA Family Housing
LA Family Housing helps people transition out of homelessness and poverty through continuum of housing enriched with supportive services.
Hope of the Valley
The mission of Hope of the Valley is to prevent, reduce and eliminate poverty, hunger and homelessness. They do this by offering immediate assistance and long term solutions.
Grassroots Groups
Westside Friends
Westside Friends are members of the community who are building a COVID-19 no contact support system, and connecting volunteers with those in need.
Ground Game Los Angeles
Ground Game LA is an all-volunteer grassroots group operating in Los Angeles, connected with multiple coalition partners throughout LA. They’ve launched a Mutual Aid Network all over the City.
Senior Support Coalition
Helping by offering deliveries, grocery store runs, and social support.
Kinder Together
This app matches people who want to help with those in need.
Mutual Aid Hub
This site maps all the mutual aid groups operating around the country for you to connect with.
LA Students Most in Need
LA Students Most in Need provides support for students who no longer have the benefit of being in school everyday.
Los Angeles Hospitals and How You Can Help Them
Cedars-Sinai
Monetary or Supplies (sanitizer, masks, gloves, gowns/shoe covers, face shields/goggles, food)
Children’s Hospital
Monetary donations are being accepted.
UCLA Medical Center
Patient Care and PPE Fund, Research and Education Fund, Donate Personal Protective Equipment.
St John’s
Monetary donations are being accepted.
Dignity Health
Equipment Donations (disposable gowns, coveralls, masks, gloves and protective eyewear).
City of Hope Cancer Center
Monetary donations are being accepted.
Huntington Memorial Hospital
Monetary donations are being accepted.
Mend Drive-Thru Testing
Mend is organizing drive-thru testing and in-home testing, and their medial staff are accepting donations.
Nationwide Efforts to Help
Uber’s 10 Million Free Rides and Deliveries to Move What Matters
You can help this cause by donating.
Design For Change: #DoGoodFromHome Challenge
This challenge inspires kids to be of service.
No Kid Hungry
This nationwide organization is always working to end Childhood Hunger and you can help by making a donation.
