WHO IS SPONSORING THIS PROGRAM?
Hollywood Community Housing Corporation (HCHC), a community-based non-profit corporation, preserves and expands the supply of affordable housing for lower income households, first in Hollywood and extending to nearby underserved communities of Los Angeles. Through its housing development, economic development and neighborhood improvement initiatives, HCHC improves the quality of life for lower income households and fosters social advancement; respecting and preserving the history, culture and architecture of the communities they serve.

HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK AND WHO BENEFITS?
Adopting a family begins when you complete the contact form on the Adopt A Family website. In the form, you will be asked to decide the size of the family that you would like to sponsor. After choosing the desired family size, a list will be sent to you with their first name, gender, age, and clothing sizes as well as their Holiday wishes. From the list, you may choose to purchase any, some or all of the items on their list. You can also substitute items you feel they may enjoy. Clients who are currently receiving services from Hollywood Community Housing Corporation (HCHC) will benefit from this program.

HOW MUCH MONEY DO I NEED TO SPEND?
Each person who participates in this program may have a different idea of how much money they are interested in spending. The amount is left up to the discretion of the donor. It is explained to each family who is being sponsored that they may not receive every item on their list but rather the list serves as a way to inform the donating family of the types of things that they enjoy. For those donors who are still concerned about the amount of money that they have to spend, we suggest considering the idea of making this a joint effort with another family or even with your co-workers. In addition, you may choose to make a general donation to the shelter rather than to a family. You may do this by requesting a HCHC Wish List.

CAN I MEET THE FAMILY THAT I ADOPT?
Due to the nature of the issue of homelessness, there might be a sense of shame that comes with receiving gifts from a stranger. In addition, there is the issue of confidentiality of the client. Therefore, we do not recommend or allow donors to meet with the families. However, you are more than welcome to include a note or letter with your gifts. Each family will also be writing personalized thank you notes to their donors.

HOW DOES THE FAMILY RECEIVE MY GIFTS? DEADLINES?
We ask that all gifts be received no later than Saturday, December 16, 2023. There are two drop off locations. One drop off location is located in Hollywood, CA and the other is located in Santa Monica. You will be forwarded the addresses once you have decided to participate in the program. Please inform the Coordinator of your drop off time and location so that the gifts can be delivered to the receiving family promptly.

CAN I DONATE USED ITEMS?
While the shelter is always in need of donated items in good condition we ask that only new items be given as gifts. If you are interested in donating used items please discuss this with the contact person as seasonal items are best due to storage shortage.

WHAT IF I DO NOT WANT TO BUY THE GIFTS BUT I WANT TO PARTICPATE?
It can be arranged for you to donate a money amount and have the Adopt A Family coordinator or staff person do the shopping for you. Although many families like to make the shopping a family outing, we understand that some people just don’t have the extra time but would still like to participate. Another option would be for you to provide gift certificates and vouchers for the family to stores that coincide with items on their wish lists.

CAN I INCLUDE FOOD?
If you feel that you would like to include a food basket with your gifts we ask that you provide the family with non-perishable food items or gift certificates to grocery stores (Vons, Ralphs, Trader Joes). If you would like to include big-ticket items such as turkeys and hams, please contact the Program Coordinator so that delivery can be arranged.

HOW DO I KNOW WHAT TO BUY?
Again, you will be receiving a wish list from your family which includes age, gender, clothing and shoe size as well as some items that they would enjoy. From this list you may choose one, some or all items.

SHOULD I WRAP THE GIFTS?
Yes, you may wrap your gifts. We have found that groups and families participating in this program often enjoy making the wrapping of the gifts a group project. If, however, your schedule is such that you do not have time to wrap the gifts, Project Staff will be happy to do it for you.

IS MY DONATION TAX DEDUCTIBLE?
Yes, your donation is tax deductible. If you would like to claim your donation on your taxes please save your receipts and attach them to the donor thank you letter that you will receive in January. The Program Coordinator makes every attempt to send all of the donor letters out by January 31. However, if you need your letter before then please feel free to contact her.

O.K. I WANT TO SPONSOR A FAMILY, WHAT DO I DO NOW?
Now that you have a little more information about the program, we hope that you will be participating in some way. To do this, please complete the contact form by clicking here. Once your information in received, the Program Coordinator will contact you to match you with a family. If you have any further questions, you may also contact Kristen Parraz, Adopt A Family Coordinator, at kristen@adoptafamilyla.com.