Hilton Foundation Awards $875,000 to Address Homelessness in Los Angeles and Fund Research to Improve Lives of Foster Care Youth

Due to the current economic crisis, an increasing number of individuals and families are at risk of being homeless and are struggling to meet basic needs. In Los Angeles County, unemployment is at 10.5%, the number of people on food stamps has increased greatly and calls to the government hotline for social services increased by 20,000 each month during this winter. United Way of Greater Los Angeles will distribute funds from the Hilton grant to more than 30 organizations that are providing emergency services throughout the County to help prevent people from falling into homelessness. Funds will be used to provide motel vouchers, rent subsidies, meals, groceries and emergency and transitional shelter beds can be made available.