One of the most inspiring charities we’ve encountered in LA is a Santa Monica based non-profit called Upward Bound House. While many non-profits tackle the issue of homelessness, it’s a deliberate effort to help homeless families that makes UBH special.  Most people think of homelessness as a problem that affects individual adults, but in fact there are many homeless families in the United States, including over 6,000 homeless children in Los Angeles County alone. The issue is significant enough that Sesame Street even touched on the problems affecting impoverished families by introducing a new “food insecure” character named Lily on an episode over the weekend.

 With transitional housing facilities in Santa Monica and Culver City, UBH dedicates its resources to help homeless families find affordable housing on the West Side of LA. As UBH Director David Snow told us, “We’re fantastically successful because of the 3 P’s – program, population and partnerships”. In addition to providing housing, UBH offers a number of community programs to tackle root causes of homelessness, for example a money management class, which teaches clients personal finance and savings to help them break the cycle of homelessness in the long term.

 While many people are keeping their wallets closed in the currect economic climate, there are many ways to get involved. Upward Bound House offers a number of volunteer opportunities, in addition to accepting the usual donations. We think they are worth the effort.

We have no plans for a denim diaper anytime soon… or ever.  But one thing is for sure, babies need diapers much more than fashionistas need their designer denim. Did you know that an infant can go through up to 12 diapers per day? Or that it runs about $100 per month to keep just one child in clean healthy diapers? The costs adds up quickly, and that’s why Caroline Lutz and Melissa Ratcliff, two mothers who met at a baby group, started LA Diaper Drive, an all-volunteer organization which raises money to provide diapers for families in need, so no parent has to make the choice between putting food on the table or providing clean diapers for their children. In addition to providing diapers all year long, LA Diaper Drive also uses their programs to help parents and family members learn important life skills that can improve the well-being of their families.

It’s a great charity if you are in a Mother’s Day giving kind of mood. Learn more here.