Echo Park Improvement Association
EPIA’s focus is to continue to identify opportunities to improve the quality of life in the community that we live in. This includes embracing our diversity, keeping our streets clean and safe, and continuing to bring forward-thinking ideas to make Echo Park the best place possible for all of its residents to live.
L.A. Mission Homeless Center
I volunteer a few times a year with the L.A Mission in Skid Row. I help sort mail, help clients get food and shelter, and assist with any other needs that staff may have. There are many opportunities to help and they are always in desperate need.
L.A. Homeless Count 2022
Every year, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) puts together a massive effort to census the growing population of 80,000+ people living on the streets of Los Angeles. This is an important first step in getting resources, funds, and most importantly housing to those who need them most.
This year’s count will take place in mid February. Please visit www.theycountwillyou.org to sign up!
Echo Park Trash Club
Dozens of volunteer neighbors and citizens spend two hours every two weeks cleaning up trash in the streets of Echo Park with the help of L.A. Bureau of Sanitation. Join us next time!
Los Angeles Jail Fight
I’ve been volunteering for years with local organizations fighting to reduce prison and jail populations across the U.S., and especially in Los Angeles, the largest jail system in the world withe more that 80,000 imprisoned persons. This is a huge uphill battle and needs to be addressed from all angles. Please reach out to me if you want to get involved.
Some of the orgs I have volunteered with are Dignity & Power Now, Critical Resistance, Youth Justice Coalition, Justice LA, The Bail Project, Californians United for a Responsible Budget (CURB), and more!
The Great L.A. River Cleanup
Every Summer Friends of the L.A. River (FoLAR) hosts an annual clean up of the Los Angeles River, where we all pick a small portion of the river and spend a few hours walking that section and picking up any trash that we see and hauling out large items and bags trash. In years past, there has been live music accompaniment, where musicians with acoustic instruments will serenade you as you clean L.A.’s only freshwater resource.
1-1-1 Mental Health Hotline
I’m working on building a team of experts and enthusiasts in helping to overhaul the justice system from punishment model to a healing model. I’m hoping to establish the currently unused 1-1-1 phone number as an alternative to 9-1-1 when situations are non-violent or low impact mental health crises. We will need to write new policy locally and then push for national adoption. Want to get involved or know someone who can help?
Los Angeles Children’s Hospital Blood Donation
Every 8 weeks, I donate blood to the L.A. Children’s Hospital in Hollywood. They are always in need of blood and they told me the kids get it in their bodies as early as two days after we donate! If you want to try, but are hesitant, I’ll join you for your first drip! Email me.