Los Angeles has already been through a lot this year, and somehow it’s only June. From wildfires to peaceful protests, the city has faced challenges that can feel overwhelming, leaving many unsure of where to begin.
But volunteering is a powerful way to regain a sense of control and make a meaningful impact during uncertain times. There are countless ways to support your fellow Angelenos and strengthen the community we all share.
Why volunteer in L.A.?
Volunteering in Los Angeles is a great way to give back to a diverse and vibrant community while making a real difference in people’s lives. With opportunities ranging from helping the homeless to supporting environmental efforts, local volunteers can find causes they’re passionate about.
It’s also a chance to meet new people, build valuable skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the city’s unique challenges and strengths. Volunteering connects you more deeply to the heart of L.A. and allows you to support the local community you love.
Why donate to Angelenos?
Of course, not everyone is able to give their time for volunteer efforts, but monetary donations to these charities helps as well. Giving money to charities is a powerful way to support causes you care about and help those in need. Your donations can fund essential services like food, shelter, education, and medical care, while making a real impact on individuals and communities. Donations also allow Angelenos who no longer live in L.A. to support their beloved community even from afar.
Remember, no donation is too small! Even small contributions can add up and create positive change when combined with the generosity of others. Anything helps.
⚠️ Please note: We’ve compiled this information to help support our community. If you know of any organizations or mutual aids that should be on this list, please reach out to LA@secretmedianetwork.com.
Table Of Contents
- Northgate Gonzalez Market
- Couplet Coffee x Barrio Drive
- Mutual Aid LA Network
- Nourish LA
- Together We Thrive Food Bank
- Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles
- LA Regional Food Bank
- YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles
- No Us Without You LA
- Greetings from South-Central
- Border Kindness
- Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles
- National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON)
- CHIRLA (Coalition for Human Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles)
- ÓRALE (Organizing Rooted in Abolition, Liberation, and Empowerment)
- Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project
- Al Otro Lado
- International Institute of Los Angeles (IILA)
- The Haitian Bridge Alliance
Local Businesses Offering Help
Northgate Gonzalez Market
Northgate Gonzalez Market is offering free grocery curbside pickup or delivery.
Couplet Coffee x Barrio Drive
This woman-owned coffeeshop is teaming up with an immigrant-owned clothing brand to offer free bandanas with each purchase of their special iced cafe de olla with a vanilla creamtop. Plus, 20% of proceeds from all drinks will be donated to the organization, Border Kindness, that provides vulnerable communities with food, clothing and medical and legal services.
L.A. Organizations Making A Difference
All of the following organizations accept volunteers and donations.
Mutual Aid LA Network
The Mutual Aid LA Network serves as a central information hub, bringing together a wide range of mutual aid resources to help the public find support that fits their specific needs.
Nourish LA
Nourish LA is a nonprofit organization that rescues wholesome food that might otherwise go to waste and gives it to Angelenos in need.
Together We Thrive Food Bank
Together We Thrive Food Bank is a local Los Angeles County food bank that provides free weekly farmers’ markets.
Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles
Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles is a community-run kitchen that prepares meals for those in need throughout Los Angeles.
LA Regional Food Bank
The Food Bank has been fighting hunger since 1973 by supplying essential food and groceries to people in need.
YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles
YMCA is a vital center of community life that provides food distribution, emergency childcare, direct crisis assistance, youth resources, and more.
No Us Without You LA
No Us Without You LA is a food distribution organization that provides free food to undocumented hospitality workers who are excluded from U.S. government aid.
Greetings from South-Central
Greetings from South-Central is an arts education organization dedicated to the youth, educators, and families of South-Central L.A.
Border Kindness
Border Kindness provides vulnerable communities with food, clothing, medical, and legal services.
Humanitarian And Legal Organizations Helping Angelenos
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles seeks to provide equal justice for people living in poverty across Greater Los Angeles.
National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON)
The National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON) provides crucial support to immigrant day laborers, undocumented workers, and mixed-status families in the United States.
CHIRLA (Coalition for Human Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles)
CHIRLA is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit dedicated to advocating for the human and civil rights of immigrants and refugees.
ÓRALE (Organizing Rooted in Abolition, Liberation, and Empowerment)
ÓRALE is an immigrant-led organization in Long Beach that works to end the criminalization of immigrants through rapid response, legal support, and advocacy.
Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project
Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project is a nonprofit legal organization that provides free and low-cost legal representation for immigrants facing deportation.
Al Otro Lado
Al Otro Lado provides holistic legal and humanitarian support to refugees, deportees, and other migrants in the U.S. and Tijuana.
International Institute of Los Angeles (IILA)
IILA is an L.A. nonprofit that provides legal assistance, job support, childcare, and more to immigrants, refugees, and human trafficking victims.
The Haitian Bridge Alliance
The Haitian Bridge Alliance is a non-profit organization that advocates for fair and humane immigration policies and connects migrants with humanitarian, legal, and social services. Their particular focus is on Black migrants, the Haitian community, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and survivors of torture.
Los Angeles, our community is strong. Together, we can make a difference to help our L.A. neighbors.