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WHO WE ARE
35+ Years of Empowering Families, Building Hope, and Creating Lasting Change in Los Angeles
OUR MISSION
Upward Bound House is committed to eliminating homelessness among families with children in our community by providing housing, supportive services, and advocacy.
Our aim is to empower the family unit with a 360° approach, equipping them to successfully transition into their own residence with the capacity to remain permanently. We believe that every family, no matter their circumstances, deserves the opportunity to achieve self-sufficiency.
EMPOWERMENT
We build on families' existing strengths and potential
DIGNITY
Every family deserves respect, compassion, and individualized support
COMMUNITY
We believe in the power of relationships and collective action
SUSTAINABILITY
Our solutions create lasting change for generations
HOPE
We see possibility where others see problems
OUR VISION
A Los Angeles where no family with children experiences homelessness, and every family has the opportunity to thrive in safe, stable housing.
A JOURNEY OF HOPE AND TRANSFORMATION
2024 - TODAY
UBH continues expanding services to meet growing need, serving 200+ families annually with innovative programs including our Urban Farm initiative and comprehensive family empowerment model.
2017 - SOUTH LA EXPANSION
In 2017, UBH made a conscious choice to expand services to South Los Angeles, one of the most impoverished, disenfranchised communities in the United States. UBH leased vacant duplexes and single-family homes for use as shelter. In a 24-month period, UBH created 62 new shelter units and more than doubled the shelter capacity of the entire organization.
2015 - URBAN FARM LAUNCHED
From a generous donation, UBH acquired our urban farm in Santa Monica. What began as a piece of land has blossomed into something truly extraordinary—a sanctuary where families find nourishment, stability, and hope through hands-on learning and community connection.
2013 - FAMILY SOLUTIONS CENTER
UBH co-founded the Family Solutions Center (FSC) in Service Planning Area 5, covering the Westside. At the time, Los Angeles County wanted to fund FSCs to better coordinate homeless services. UBH chose to partner with St. Joseph Center for the betterment of the community, demonstrating our commitment to collaboration over competition.
2007 - EXPANDING CAPACITY
Continued growth in emergency shelter and transitional housing programs. UBH also purchased the Sun Motel, transforming a nuisance business rife with drug use and crime into an attractive housing facility that not only met families' needs but helped stabilize and improve the surrounding community.
1990-1991 - OUR FOUNDING
UBH was founded in 1990 by leaders of the First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica in response to the emerging affordable housing crisis. With resolute conviction that no child should ever sleep on a cold sidewalk or in a dark alleyway, UBH began offering shelter through a four-unit building shortly after incorporating as a nonprofit organization in 1991.
OUR APPROACH
See how volunteers like you are changing lives
HOUSING FIRST
Immediate shelter without barriers, creating stability for families to address other challenges.
TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE
All services recognize trauma's impact and create healing-centered environments.
LONG-TERM SUPPORT
Two years of continued assistance after families secure permanent housing.