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Stories from the Frontline: Boyle Heights

The vibe at last night’s Stories from the Frontline event in Boyle Heights was electric. More than 200 people came out to hear people from the neighborhood who have overcome homelessness, addiction, and domestic violence. We shared a few tears, a lot of laughs, and an overwhelming sense that we have an opportunity and an obligation to change lives.

Our movement will succeed if we can get people to recognize the humanity of our homeless neighbors and become inspired to act. As MC David Valdez put it: “We need an army of people who say yes to supportive housing.”

We’re building that army and you’re a part of it. Take the next step and commit to an organizing action: Get involved.

Don’t worry if you’ve never done something like this before. We will guide you through each step and we promise to make it fun!

A big thanks to our co-host the John and Marilyn Wells Family Foundation, our partners ELACC and Jovenes, and, most of all, our amazing speakers: David Valdez, Josefina López, Jaci Cortez, Johny Figueroa, Caridad Vazquez, Xavi Moreno, Fanny Ortiz, RhondaLynn, and United Way of Greater L.A. CEO and President Elise Buik.

Here’s what they had to say:

“You want to make a difference? You become the difference.” – Jaci Cortez

“I understand the challenges of not having stable housing. I also understand the power of opportunity.” – Johny Figueroa

“The condition of my home is the condition of my state of mind.” – Fanny Ortiz

“We need to hear the voices of the people who are most affected in the community. It’s through conversations and connections and storytelling that we can bring people into this incredibly important work.” – Isela Gracian

“Tonight embodies what we stand for. it’s about courage, compassion, and humanity. We believe that housing is a human right and we believe that with all of you, we can get everyone in.” – United Way of Greater L.A. CEO and President Elise Buik

And, finally, here are some more memories from the night…