Downtown Women's Center

Mission Statement

Founded in 1978, the Downtown Women’s Center (DWC) is the only organization in Los Angeles focused exclusively on serving women and gender diverse individuals experiencing homelessness. We end homelessness for women and gender diverse individuals by providing safe housing and supportive services centered on wellness, employment, and advocacy. Our Housing First and trauma-informed service model includes: Access to basic needs and resources through our Day Center, where participants can receive three daily meals and access to showers, restrooms, mail, and telephones. On-site housing and supportive services, with our 119 units of permanent housing across two residences making us one of the largest housing providers for women in the country. Community-based housing services, provided in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, and various private foundations and corporations. Health and wellness services, including individual and group counseling, medical care, mental health services, preventive screenings, Trauma Recovery Center services, and enrichment activities We welcome volunteers who share a commitment to DWC’s core values of safety, respect, social justice, and community, and invite you to join us in our mission to end homelessness for women in Los Angeles. Volunteers are integral to this work!