SecondGrace.LA: Reflecting on Our First Year and Renewing Our Commitment
A Humble Look Back and a Determined Step Forward
As we mark the first anniversary of SecondGrace.LA, we find ourselves in a moment of honest reflection. Our vision was ambitious: to create a digital hub that would unite and empower LA's homelessness response community. While we've made strides, we must humbly acknowledge that we haven't achieved all we set out to do.
The harsh reality is that homelessness in Los Angeles has worsened over the past year. More of our neighbors are sleeping on the streets, and the systems designed to help them are stretched beyond capacity. Our platform, which we hoped would be a catalyst for change, has faced its own challenges in reaching and connecting everyone working on this critical issue.
But as we reflect on these shortcomings, we're also reminded of why we started this journey in the first place. The need for a united, informed, and active community in the fight against homelessness has never been greater. And so, with humility and renewed determination, we recommit ourselves to this vital mission.
Who We Are: A Community Learning and Growing Together
SecondGrace.LA was born from the belief that ending homelessness requires all of us working together. We're not experts with all the answers, but rather a collective of concerned citizens, dedicated volunteers, grassroots organizations, and social workers who believe in the power of community.
We've learned a lot in our first year – about the complexities of homelessness, about the incredible work being done across LA County, and about the challenges of building a digital community. These lessons, though sometimes difficult, have only strengthened our resolve.
The community portal on Second Grace Mighty Network.
What We Offer: A Work in Progress
Our platform is still evolving, shaped by the needs and feedback of our community. Here's what we're working to provide:
Resource Sharing: A place to find and share information about services, from emergency shelters to job training programs. We're constantly working to improve the accuracy and accessibility of this information.
Community Forums: Spaces for dialogue, support, and collaboration. We're learning how to foster meaningful conversations and connections in a digital space.
Events Calendar: A tool to discover and promote volunteer opportunities, fundraisers, and advocacy events. We're striving to make this more comprehensive and user-friendly.
Knowledge Base: A growing collection of resources on homelessness in LA. We're committed to expanding this with diverse perspectives and practical insights.
While these features may not be perfect, we're dedicated to improving them with your help and input.
Community plus connection equals purpose, which creates joy. Graphic courtesy of Mighty Networks
Our Impact: Small Steps in a Long Journey
In our first year, we've seen glimpses of what's possible when we come together:
Facilitated connections between organizations that led to collaborative outreach efforts
Provided a platform for community members to share resources and support each other
Hosted discussions that brought new perspectives to longstanding challenges
But we know this is just the beginning. The scale of the homelessness crisis demands much more from all of us.
Moving Forward: A Renewed Call to Action
As we enter our second year, we're calling on every member of the LA community to join us in this critical work. Here's how you can be part of shaping SecondGrace.LA and the fight against homelessness:
1. Join Our Community
Sign up at secondgrace.la. Your perspective and experiences are valuable, whether you're new to this issue or have been working on it for years.
2. Share Your Insights
Help us improve by telling us what you need from this platform. What would make it more useful in your work to address homelessness?
3. Contribute Resources
Share information about services, events, or opportunities in your area. Every bit of knowledge helps.
4. Engage in Dialogue
Participate in forum discussions. Ask questions, share challenges, and collaborate on solutions.
5. Spread the Word
If you find value in SecondGrace.LA, invite others to join. The strength of our community lies in its diversity and reach.
A Humble Request and a Promise
We launched SecondGrace.LA with high hopes and big dreams. While we haven't met all our goals, we remain committed to the vision of a united community working to end homelessness in Los Angeles.
We humbly ask for your patience, your input, and your participation as we work to improve this platform. In return, we promise to listen, to learn, and to keep showing up every day in this fight against homelessness.
The challenges are great, but so is the compassion and determination of the LA community. Together, we can make SecondGrace.LA the resource we all need in this critical work.
Visit secondgrace.la today. Join us in this journey of learning, growth, and action. Because even though the path is difficult, we believe that together, we can create a Los Angeles where everyone has a place to call home.
#UniteAgainstHomelessness #LAHomelessnessResponse #SecondGraceLA #CommunityInAction
Mighty Network 101
Take action
Join our cause by downloading our campaign graphics, tag us @secondgrace.la , add hashtags to create awareness and amplify the message
#HousingForAll #CompassionInAction #CommunitySupport #HomesNotStreets #TogetherWeCan #SafeShelter #BuildCommunities #EndPovertyNow #HomesForEveryone #CommunityCare #TogetherForChange #CompassionateCommunity #ShelterForAll #EndingInsecurity #HopeAndHomes #FightForHousing #CommunityOverCrisis
Help spread the word. We are all in this together.
SecondGrace.LA is a community of individuals and small, highly effective not-for-profits working to end homelessness forever. Our community breaks down barriers between direct-service providers, volunteers, and neighbors, making it easier to share information and resources and serve people experiencing homelessness.
Your support will make it possible to grow our community faster. Los Angeles has been in a state of emergency for too long with too little progress. Our solution is bringing more people and resources to the street where real change can happen.
SecondGrace.LA represents the people-first mission of the Second Grace Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (Federal Tax ID 93-1941429) leveraging technology for social good.