
In the spirit of giving back, we’ve highlighted inspiring organizations chosen by the Secret LA team that are making Los Angeles a better place. These groups show how community is at the heart of progress — when we come together, we empower each other to create meaningful change. From uplifting local initiatives to transformative environmental efforts, their work reminds us that collaboration can spark lasting impact. Celebrate and support their incredible contributions — not just this season but all year long.
1. PATH
đź’š Chosen by Katie K., SMN Community Manager:
“I chose PATH because ending homelessness in our community is a cause really close to my heart. I have worked with this organization annually providing meals and everyday necessities to those in need. I look forward to participating more heavily in their development of housing going forward. Lending a hand to help someone make it home and escape homelessness is such a rewarding feeling.”
➡️ PATH’s mission: “Our mission is to end homelessness for individuals, families, and communities.”
đź’» Volunteer/donate to PATH here.
2. Human-I-T
đź’š Chosen by William B., Staff Writer:
“The climate crisis is a global issue, and electronic waste is a massive contributor to carbon dioxide emissions. Human-I-T aims to minimize e-waste while simultaneously giving back to communities that have limited access to technology. Having simply thrown away too many of my digital devices, I am glad to have discovered an organization that cares about not only diverting e-waste away from landfills but also closing the digital divide.”
➡️ Human-I-T’s mission: “To inspire a world where conscious capitalism drives sustainable and just opportunities for all people, organizations, and our planet to thrive.”
đź’» Support/donate to Human-I-T here.
3. Foot Prints Around The World
đź’š Chosen by John A., Video Producer:
“As is widely recognized, homelessness remains a pressing issue in Los Angeles, and it can be daunting to navigate ways to contribute positively. Fortunately, organizations like Foot Prints Around The World exist to mobilize locals, fostering a collective effort to bring about meaningful changes in our communities. For myself and numerous others in the city, the presence of such groups has been invaluable. One such commendable initiative is led by Judy & Eric Harris, founders of Foot Prints Around The World. Volunteering alongside them is a truly uplifting experience, as their infectious positivity and belief in the impact of individual efforts make you feel empowered to make a real difference.
Every 4th Friday of the month, the Foot Prints Around The World team gathers to provide hot meals for the homeless. If you have the opportunity to volunteer, I highly recommend it! For those unable to volunteer, the team also welcomes donations. These contributions play a crucial role in supporting their mission to provide essentials such as hot meals, clothing, toys, and more!”
➡️ Foot Prints Around The World mission: “We believe that no one should go hungry or be left behind.”
đź’» Donate or volunteer for Foot Prints Around The World.
4. TreePeople
đź’š Chosen by Matthew M., Secret LA Video Producer:
“I’m choosing TreePeople as my org for the non-profits round up! What I love about TreePeople is their emphasis on education and equity when it comes to making nature accessible in the LA area. They preserve nature with their numerous hiking trails and parks, influence and research policies to help replant and protect nature provide shade equity in low-income neighborhoods around LA, and volunteer every week to help with other environmental justice issues around the SoCal area.”
➡️ Tree People’s mission: “TreePeople’s mission is to inspire, engage, and support people to take personal responsibility for the urban environment, making it safe, healthy, fun, and sustainable, and to share our process as a model for the world.
đź’» Volunteer/donate to Tree People here.
5. Greetings from South-Central
đź’š Chosen by Cat H., Secret Media Editor:
“At Secret LA, we know and work alongside so many incredibly talented LA-based creatives daily. This holiday season, I’d love to shout out Greetings from South-Central, a community-based non-profit dedicated to the youth, educators, and families of South Central LA — Their mission is to advocate for, and foster experiences, where young people in the South LA community can participate in arts and culture! From coordinating enriching, art-centric field trips to providing an art school program and portfolio development for budding artists, Greetings from South-Central is empowering the next generation of creatives.
LA is one of the most creative cities in the world, and it’s so important to cultivate the next generation of creators, giving LA youth the support and empowerment they need to be able to explore all creative avenues. South Central LA has given the world so many incredibly talented artists and creatives, so let’s give back and empower the next generation of talent there.”
➡️ Greetings from South-Central’s mission: “Greetings from South-Central is a community-based non-profit dedicated to the youth, educators + families of south-central Los Angeles. Our mission is to promote, advocate for, and foster experiences where the south-central l.a community can participate in arts and culture.”
đź’» Support/donate to Greetings from South Central here..
6. Made by DWC
đź’š Chosen by Daniella C., SMN Project Manager:
“Made by DWC is a program through the Downtown Women’s Center and their goal is to empower women in Los Angeles to break the cycle of chronic homelessness through employment. You can shop items online or visit the shop/Cafe in Downtown run by the participants. I shop my Christmas gifts here every year, I love their candles and tote bags!! The proceeds from Made by DWC also 100% go back to career training and mentorship programs. All about a safe place for women to learn and thrive!”
➡️ Mission: “Founded in 2011, MADE by DWC is a purpose-driven social enterprise with the goal of empowering women in Los Angeles to break the cycle of chronic homelessness through employment. ”
đź’»: You can support Made by DWC here.
7. The Gentle Barn
đź’š Chosen by Rachel K., SMN Digital Content Creator:
“I’m choosing The Gentle Barn, an animal sanctuary that you can visit in Santa Clarita (an hour to an hour and a half drive from LA). They rescue, rehabilitate, and provide sanctuary for abused farmed animals and animals headed for factory farms. They host sanctuary visits; programs to heal animals and humans alike such as Cow Hug Therapy, Literacy Program, Art Programs, and a Special Needs Program; vegan Thanksgiving meals where you can cuddle the turkeys and feed them treats; and more. You can also sponsor the animals and volunteer with them on Sundays.”
➡️ Mission: “Inspiring kindness and compassion towards animals, our planet and each other. ”
đź’»: You can support the Gentle Barn here.
8. Homegirl Café
đź’š Chosen by Sophie L., Staff Writer:
“Homegirl CafĂ© is part of Homeboy Industries, which provides a safe space and hands-on job training for those formerly incarcerated. I had a chance to speak to the men and women whose lives have changed because of Homeboy Industries and Homegirl CafĂ© — and their powerful stories of resiliency will stick with me forever. Homegirl CafĂ© reminds the clients/staff that community is everything, and we don’t have to go through our worst days alone. When people come together, we have the power to overcome anything. I believe our past doesn’t dictate our future, and the folks over at Homegirl CafĂ© are living proof of that. You can support them and this incredible cause just by visiting Homegirl CafĂ©. As you walk through those doors, you’ll be welcomed with warm words, smiles, and even warmer coffee. I highly recommend trying their pastries which are baked fresh daily! Plus, nothing is more filling than knowing you’re supporting a powerful cause.”
➡️ Homegirl CafĂ©’s mission: “Homegirl CafĂ© provides a supportive environment for clients to receive on-the-job training in conjunction with Homeboy Industries’ wraparound services, empowering individuals to undertake what is often their first “real job”. This successful program has developed into a pipeline, creating strong female leaders who, in turn, mentor others and can confidently proclaim, I’ve been where you are, and I know you can do it.”
💻 You can visit Homegirl Café here and donate/support Homeboy Industries here.
📍Location: Homegirl Café, 130 Bruno St, Los Angeles, CA 90012