This Is Hard — But We’re Still Here
A letter from The Center's Executive Director, Alex Sato
Our incredible team celebrating our wins at our 2025 Spring Fling!
2025 has been the hardest start to a year in my 15 years of doing this work. We’ve been hit with funding cuts from every level of government. At the same time, the politicization of homelessness has reached levels I never could have imagined. The reality is, our systems, across all levels of government, are falling short in meeting the needs of our unhoused neighbors, the providers who serve them, and our broader communities.
Housing resources have become incredibly scarce. As a result, people are staying in shelters longer, sometimes for years, while those on the streets are left without stable housing or support. We’re bracing for the situation to worsen, with more projected budget cuts and further losses in housing vouchers.
We are holding two truths:
We are experiencing deep, traumatic losses — through service and program cuts and harmful policy decisions. These cuts need to be named, and we need to reallocate the remaining resources to best meet the needs of our unhoused neighbors. (LA County is doing exactly this with Measure A funds, and they are inviting all of us to join this process!)
For our collective well-being, we must stay grounded and protect our collective nervous systems. We feel that the best way to accomplish this is to lean into joy, connection, and purpose.
At The Center, we’re working to find a healthy balance of advocating for the common good and creating space to care for our community—for our participants, our staff, and our partner organizations. Here are just a few ways we’re leaning into both the strain and the joy:
We lead with empowerment and transparency
Resources are disappearing, but we believe in being honest and proactive. We now host regular town halls where we invite participants to understand and discuss the shifting landscape. Recently, CD13 joined us to break down the City Budget. At another town hall, our team and participants mapped what resources exist in our community—and what’s missing!
We prioritize consistency and community
On Labor Day, we are launching our new Federal Holiday Program. With support from staff andYOU — our community—we’ll open our doors on every federal holiday to offer participants consistency and JOY.
We’re also deepening our partnerships — launching new efforts with Food on Foot and continuing strong collaborations with SELAH and the Hollywood Food Coalition. Routine is essential to wellbeing and community is a form of resistance.
We stay rooted in our values
Our tagline is: community ends homelessness. In times of stress and scarcity, we ground ourselves in who we are and what we believe. Our top priority is treating our community members with dignity and respect. We are committed to building safe, supportive spaces—regardless of housing status.
Housing ends homelessness. And while housing may be scarce for a while, we will still be here, day in and day out, building up our community and collaborating to solve homelessness across LA!
This work has never been easy, and right now, it’s harder than ever. We know that real change only happens when we come together. Your presence matters in so many ways:
Become a monthly donor: Steady support helps us plan ahead and sustain essential programs.
Make a one-time gift: Every contribution builds stability and care for our community.
Volunteer your time: Show up for a shift, share your energy, and connect directly with our community.
Share the story: Start a conversation with friends, family, or colleagues about what’s happening in our city.
We can’t do it without you. And we wouldn’t want to!
Thank you!
We are committed to continue to show up each day and meet the needs of our community. We are also committed to bringing you along with us; sharing our wins–large and small–and also providing insight into system and funding cuts that will impact our broader community. There are tough days ahead, but we know that we are stronger together.
We are so grateful you are here! Thank you for being on this journey with us.
