Letter From Alex

Dear Community,

When Homies Unidos Los Angeles office opened its doors 18 years ago, our mission was to reach out to youth affected by poverty and youth violence by developing programs that would provide alternatives to gangs, drugs and other negative activity. We have now touched the lives of more than 7,000 youth and their families in Pico Union’s Central American immigrant community of Los Angeles.

We expect that 2015 will be a successful year for us. The unfounded charges against me were completely dismissed this year. We were able to reach out to over 330 youth and their families through our programs. Our work is now more important than ever. Although, violence in Los Angeles was reduced to 9% this year, gang related violence has spread and is on the rise in many counties outside of Central Los Angeles. We have also encountered a large number of youth migrating into our community fleeing persecution in Central America. The need to get these youth involved in alternative programs becomes more critical if we are to maintain the current levels of violence. Homies Unidos has taken that challenge. To help people like:

Blanca, who came to Homies Unidos when she was 15 years old, A young rebellious teen who had been suspended from various schools. She did not want to be part of any program. She was referred to us by her mother after her older brother had completed a drug program with us. After graduating from our Epiphany Project program she is now as she says: “I finally saw the bigger picture. I don’t trip on small things; I’m thinking about my future”. She is currently working and volunteers to speak with other youth.

You have the power to help us change lives; join us in changing the future of these youth by creating a new generation of leaders. In these critical times, your support will greatly help the success of our youth, their families and community. Your ongoing economic or material support allows us to continue to provide our community members with the skills and tools to overcome the obstacles they face to become successful in life.

As a non-profit organization, we rely on the generosity and compassion of our donors, like yourself, without whom we would not have the capacity to serve our community. Please join us as a partner in making 2018 a better and more successful year for Homies Unidos.

Peace, Love and Justice and Happy Holidays,

Alex Sanchez