2019 Top-Rated Nonprofit

Our Community LA

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Domestic Violence, Family Violence Shelters, Homeless & Housing, Homeless Centers, Homeless Shelters, Human Services

Mission: Our Community LA (OCLA)'s founders believe that no one, especially a children, youth or families, deserves to be hungry or without a roof. OCLA understands that technology is the best way to reach under-served populations today and in 2015 piloted WIN, a mobile app designed to connect LA County's homeless and nearly homeless to services. The latest version of WIN (with many new features) is available in the mobile app stores and is additionally hosted on OCLA's website. OCLA also publishes the only comprehensive county-wide resource guide for homeless youth/ families/adults. The guide is available on OCLA's website as well as via hard copy and is used by teachers, libraries and others in settings where a mobile app is not as useful or appropriate.

Community Stories

18 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

mrtmark Board Member

Rating: 5

10/10/2024

OCLA created and manages a wonderful mobile APP called the WIN App (short for "What I Need") that allows homeless and other resource-deprived people find essential services throughout Los Angeles County. The App, available in both English and Spanish fills a real need connecting needy folks with things like shelter, food, medical and legal help, etc.

Tuan L. Board Member

Rating: 5

10/31/2021

In addition to being the definitive homeless resource directory for Los Angeles, OCLA has developed the most advanced mobile application to assist the homeless in LA and other cities.

lp1024 Client Served

Rating: 5

10/29/2021

During a crisis I was looking for community resources because I didn’t know where to start. Their app really helped me find a place to start. Happy to say that I was able to get help thanks to them and have recommended it to friends that I think could benefit from their broad range of services.

kkdoan General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/28/2021

Finding help for homelessness in the LA county has been challenging, but this app makes it so much easier to search for local resources! Thank you OCLA for looking out for the homeless community.

21599191 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/28/2021

I think this app is so helpful when trying to find resources during a crisis. They offer a comprehensive place to search for local resources especially for help

Hermosahome General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/27/2021

There is so much homelessness in LA and it's hard to find a way to help. I've begun sharing the app with people I meet on the streets. They've told me it is so helpful to have access to so many types of resources that can help them and get announcements of upcoming events.

Jane1999 Client Served

Rating: 5

10/27/2021

WIN is such a great tool to find help. I especially love the comprehensive list of food resources and places to get a shower.

cliffordrooke General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/26/2021

Our Community LA provides great services to under served community members — on a shoe string budget leadership proactively seeks ways to bring new ideas to its population. It’s outreach is extensive. OCLA’s phone application provides access to necessary services to the finger tips of the most needy. Bravo Our Communty LA.

Melissa Halle S. Board Member

Rating: 5

10/07/2019

This non profit has been continually focused on the needs of homeless across LA County. The initial focus was on unaccompanied homeless youth but that view has broadened to include families that are experiencing homelessness and adults. The information, resources, fact sheets and collaborative partners are essential to support our county's most vulnerable population which is sadly increasing. I encourage everyone to check out the updated What I Need Mobile app designed to provide direct links to a myriad of needed resources across the county for unaccompanied youth, families and adults experiencing homelessness.

jafishman Donor

Rating: 5

10/06/2019

The Win app is an incredibly effective tool for getting homeless children and young people off the streets and successfully back into society. We have been watching and supporting Our Children LA for several years. We are always impressed by their impact, professionalism and exponential growth. If we could get this app into the hands of even more organizations, government departments and employees, and especially homeless individuals LA county would would be making an even larger dent in solving our homeless issue. We highly recommend Our Children LA and their "WIN" app.

doeeyes0724 Board Member

Rating: 5

09/09/2019

I am a supporter and continue to be in awe of the work and mission. It has been wonderful to witness the power of technology to transform lives, and provide access to critical resources for youth and families. Our Children LA enables people to live with dignity.

Taylor R.4 Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/05/2019

Very impressed by the good work that these guys are doing. There should be this service in every city! I give it my full endorsement!

tmark1 Board Member

Rating: 5

09/04/2019

I am proud to be on the Board of OCLA which is performing a unique and extremely important function for our community. I live in Santa Monica and every day see so many homeless attempting to survive on the streets so it is good to know that they now have some way to find out about and locate vital services.

CFrank1 Donor

Rating: 5

09/04/2019

Such an important issue and a huge mountain to climb - I'm beyond thankful that they are doing something about our children!

CA84PPCA Donor

Rating: 5

09/03/2019

I am a big supporter of OCLA and their App for homeless at-risk youth. It provides needed services, resources, safe spaces for a very vulnerable population. Often, these children are runaways, thrown out of their homes for being gay. The App gives these homeless youth a way to connect with caring people willing to help.

btharnstrom General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

09/03/2019

Every major city in the country has a need for the incredible work that OCLA is doing to help the homeless youth of Los Angeles. I have been keeping my eye on this great non-profit for a few years now and I am continuously amazed by the dedication and commitment to the cause. It's truly touching and I not only whole-heartedly support, but also am so proud to see efforts such as this at play in our society. Thank you for everything that you do and keep up the great work!!!

nbowman Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

09/03/2019

LA County is one of the most populated and expansive counties in our nation. I have worked with several nonprofits looking to compile resource lists for their clients and I always make sure to direct them to Our Children LA and their beautifully designed WIN (What I Need) app. Not only is the app user-friendly, it is the best maintained resource guide in LA County. In the past I have sent in requests for resource updates and was emailed back by staff the same day. In the world of social work, programs and resources change so frequently due to the nature of our funding shifts. Having a resource guide that is maintained at this level is critical to the people we serve and demonstrates a great empathy to our neighbors who need help at times.

VolunteerKJ Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

08/29/2019

I became aware of OCLA in March of 2019. The service they deliver the homeless and needy is like none other. We have people in need and we have services in place - but they must find each other, quickly and safely. The WIN app and OCLA directory are what provide that critical link. We need all those in the caring professions and those in need to know about this app and to spread the word. The founder is passionate and innovative, which is what we need to address this critical social issue.

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