The Problem

Data gathered in 2016 by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority estimates that there are 2,263 homeless youth (ages 0-24) in the city of Los Angeles. Their 2015 Homeless Count reported 2,013 homeless youth under the age of 18 living in the greater Los Angeles area . 

There are an estimated 119 children in young families and 39 unaccompanied minors in the Metro Los Angeles area, the area in which our school is located. Our goal is to reach at least 50% of the disadvantage youth in our area with donations of books and materials or volunteer time. 

Impact


Short Term
We will be collecting toys and books at our school to donate to homeless shelters in our neighborhood in time for the holidays. We hope to use this opportunity to introduce ourselves to the shelters in our area while making an immediate impact on kids currently living in shelters.

Long Term
We will equip youth who are currently experiencing homelessness with a selection of books that are at or slightly above their reading level. We will offer opportunities to read with members of our Girls Build LA team with the goal of fostering a love of reading and improved reading skills and habits. We know that strong readers are strong students and we hope to positively impact the academic futures of children currently living in shelters.  

Timeline

November 29-December 12: Book and Toy Drive 
December 12-14: Book and toy sorting, book leveling, wrapping
December 15-16: Book and toy delivery to local shelters
January-March: Research books about strong, complex female characters and create book kits to be distributed to girls who participate in our reading program. 
April: Sort all books by reading level and create inspiring book cases to be distributed to high needs areas like jails, shelters, and high needs schools. 
April 22-23: Distribute free books and offer free reading level diagnostic tests to kids at our booth at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books.
May:  Donate books from book drive with bookshelves in high needs areas. 


Budget