Healing Through Outreach and Expression

Access to tech and creative industry employment

South LA San Gabriel Valley East LA Central LA

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

Los Angeles, one of the largest and most resourced cities in the world, continues to struggle with homelessness and recidivism—issues that should be solvable with the billions in funding, countless nonprofits, and natural assets at our disposal. Yet, formerly incarcerated individuals and unhoused people fall through the cracks daily. They’re released with no shelter, no support, and no healing from trauma. Systems offer token resources while failing to provide long-term solutions. Agencies like LAHSA are overwhelmed and often mistrusted. Politics determine who gets help, while thousands are left on the streets, especially during harsh weather. We’ve become a global example of dysfunction—people drive by tents and suffering like it’s normal. With all our money and innovation, it’s unacceptable that Los Angeles looks like a city that’s given up. The issue is not a lack of resources—it’s a failure of will, coordination, and compassion.

Pauly’s Project proposes an innovative expansion of our trusted outreach model to provide a structured, healing-centered reentry pathway for individuals facing homelessness, incarceration history, or significant trauma. As an organization with over a decade of consistent street outreach in Los Angeles, we have built trust with those who are often overlooked and underserved. This initiative transforms our boots-on-the-ground model into a life-building opportunity.
Art and Music Therapy: Weekly workshops help individuals express themselves, process emotional pain, and reconnect with creativity. These sessions support identity restoration and build confidence through visual and performing arts.
Animal-Assisted Support: We incorporate animal companionship and support in our outreach efforts, providing a calming, nonjudgmental environment that enhances emotional regulation and social connection.
Entrepreneurial and Workforce Training: Participants engage in real-world microenterprise activities—such as crafts, food, or grooming—while gaining resume support, interview skills, and basic digital and AI literacy. We nurture self-sufficiency through skill-building and mentorship.
Street Outreach and Civic Engagement: We continue our legacy of hands-on outreach by offering hygiene, food, and connection. Participants will also join civic pride efforts—community clean-ups, gardening, and park involvement—that encourage local investment and visibility.

If our work is successful, Los Angeles will be safer, more compassionate, and economically stronger. Formerly incarcerated and unhoused individuals will find identity and purpose through mentorship, creative expression, and job training. Participants will become leaders in their neighborhoods—launching small businesses, mentoring others, and contributing to street outreach and community events. Public spaces will reflect renewal, with our graduates participating in softball teams, art shows, and civic pride projects. LA will see reduced recidivism, increased employment, and stronger community ties as people are no longer hidden, but empowered and engaged. Our participants will see LA and represent in a positive, more proud way. They will see LA through different lenses and add to the culture, flavor and diversity that makes LA. These individuals are SO TALENTED, that cannot be reinforced enough. PP with the means can make those changes that we do today!!