LA is one of the most beautiful cities in the world but like every large metropolis it has its challenges. Every day there are people who step up to help answer these problems and volunteers who contribute in one way or another to try to keep our city at its best.
Many volunteers look for ways to help in areas they are passionate about like keeping the beaches clean, treating animals or assisting their fellow citizens who are struggling or down on their luck.
If you want to give back to the city you love so much here is short list of opportunities to volunteer and help contribute to making a positive impact in our beloved city of Los Angeles.
1 – LA Beach Clean Up
Description:
One of the biggest problems in our oceans is often caused by marine debris. Tons of junk gets released in the waters causing negative impacts in our lives and also the lives of our marine friends. Big thumbs up to all the volunteers who kindly help keeping our local beaches clean.
If you would like to be part of this awesome task of helping out and keeping our beaches litter free, check the California Department of Parks and Recreation, and register in the beach clean up volunteer opportunities site.
Location: various offices
Pic Credit: @lacityparks
2 – Homeboy Industries
Description:
Homeboy Industries is committed to help men and women with a wide variety of difficulties and who often done jail or prison time take advantage of a second chance to find a place in their community.
This organization has a wide variety of choices for volunteers and they welcome helpers with different backgrounds including doctors, nurses, teachers, tutors, psychologists, social workers and many more.
Homeboy Industries was founded in 1992 as a youth organization by Father Greg Boyle who has been featured nationally for his tireless dedicated work to this cause.
Check out their site if you want to make a difference in your community and would like to help people who are struggling to get back on their feet.
You can check for Homeboy Volunteer opportunities here.
Location: Homeboy Industries 130 W. Bruno Street. Los Angeles, CA 90012
PIC Credit: @homeboyindustries
3 – LA Animal Services
Description:
If you love animals and would like to help making a difference in the lives of one of the many orphaned and abandoned animals at the local shelters, then you really want to check out LA animal services.
All these animals, some of who have been extremely traumatized need attention and love, some socialization and help being cared for. The more humans that can lend a hand at the shelters the higher the opportunities the animals will have to find new homes.
Because of the pandemic, the best way to reach out right now is through their website
Location: 221 N. Figueroa Street, Suite 600, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (888) 452-7381
PIC Credit: @laanimalservices
4 – LA Food Bank
Description:
Volunteers at the food bank in LA play a major role in feeding over two million people in Los Angeles who are in need and hungry. They have several volunteer opportunities including boxing and sorting out food that will be later distributed to hungry local residents.
You can also volunteer at a pantry bringing food directly to agencies which handle the distribution.
Check out their website to apply as a volunteer, you can do it by your self or team up with a partner. They also welcome groups of people if you want to bring family or friends to volunteer with you.
Location: 1734 East 41st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90058
PIC Credit: @lafoodbank
5 – The People Concern
Description:
Everybody knows that one of Los Angeles biggest challenges is the homeless issue. We have seen an increase every year in the amount of people with out housing and the visibility of folks living on the streets has never been greater.
While it may seem like an insurmountable problem at times and passion runs high on what to do about the issue you know what they say? If you want to fix a problem be part of the solution!
The People Concern is on a mission to end homelessness in our city by helping to provide care and support for those experiencing it. There unique approach to tackle the problem using housing and integrated services custom to the unique needs of each individual has resulted in some impressive results!
According to their website 92% of participants who were placed in permanent housing by their program never experience homelessness again!
They are always looking for great volunteers to help take on this challenging problem for our city.
Volunteer at the People Concern
We also recently interview John Maceri the CEO of the People Concern on our podcast if you want to know more about their organization and the homelessness issue in our city.
Location: 2116 Arlington Ave. Suite 100
PIC Credit: @thepeopleconcern
Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!