Downtown Women's Center

A safe place for women across the board but especially to women seeking resources that cater to homeless ness and shelter. here they provide personal documentation help. case management to secure housing and much more. also when available they provide clothing, shoes, and all body products to support the upkeep of personal hygiene. be sure to inquire at the front desk for any and all planned scheduled events that go on here. Much love and God bless.

Today I went to the Women’s Center with my friend Azienda. She is a very sweet, shy, discreet young woman who is currently experiencing homelessness. I took time to support her, introduce her to different missions for food and future resources, and help her look for what she urgently needed: a bed. The Los Angeles Mission suggested we try the Women’s Center. Unfortunately, what we experienced there was a real cold shower. We were greeted by a staff member (Shaney? Chanel?) who only seemed warm and smiling toward people dressed like donors or benefactors. My friend was told to go inside to find more resources, but once inside, she couldn’t find anyone to actually speak to or help her. While she was inside, I waited outside. I was practicing my voguing steps, minding my own business, and felt openly judged—by an old, grumpy security guard and an older woman who appeared disengaged and hostile. The atmosphere was uncomfortable, judgmental, and unwelcoming. For a place that is supposed to support vulnerable women, the attitude, lack of guidance, and coldness were shocking. Honest advice: If you are a woman in need, especially at night, go to Midnight Mission instead. This place was a waste of time, full of attitude, and offered very little actual help when it mattered. Support should not depend on how you look or how well you fit into someone’s idea of respectability.

Got housing in 2017. Amazing staff and program. I would be on the streets if not for these incredibly compassionate people. Thank you thank you thank you thank you. At 76 and trying to get by on social security DWC TRULY SAVED MY LIFE!

I think that they are so amazing how to take the time to help you out with for any situation especially your housing situation I can't believe how fast I got my house thank you women center

I was homeless in 2019 and had gotten my Section 8 Voucher, but I couldn’t find anywhere within my budget to move to. The Downtown Women’s Center assisted me in finding an apartment when I was in jeopardy of losing my voucher. Here is a picture of me signing my rental agreement. I’m still here today in 2022. It didn’t stop there. They blessed me with pots and pans, pillows, and other miscellaneous items. Til this day I am still connected with my caseworker and she calls me each month to make sure I’m doing well and to see if I have any new concerns. In fact she’s assisting me with a new concern that I have now. Downtown Women’s Center has been a total blessing to me especially during this time of covid-19. I have nothing but the highest regard for this organization.

I really have to hand it to Mrs more I was homeless almost 10 yrs she got me a please in two days. She is the best. I have to rate her a 5 yes a 1 for day room employees are very mean and Melisa who has been management in kitchen for five years is very rude and mean to homeless women I am speaking for all homeless women Melisa stated"she is not obligated to give second on food," but yet we see it given to employee's in stead of homeless women that live in the street. Also they give it for snack the next day. I can't believe we'll we are sitting eating we witness so many donation coming in back packs full of things for women us never are given to us. I will make sure each person who donates to women's center will be told we do not get donations. Also Melisa manager of kitchen will be written up and. Document all encounters and photos of how she manages and treats homeless women.

I had been homeless for about 2 months sleeping in my car and I caught Covid I was very sick I contacted my case manager Melinda and she fixed it where I could quarantine in a nice hotel until I tested negative. No other agencies that I contacted would help me with this matter so I am thankful for the woman’s center and my case manager Melinda. So if you’re donating to this nonprofit you are donating to a great organization Thank you women’s center for all you do for us women!

Why is it that no one answers telephone lines or the messages left? voice mail full. why are you so picky ( look at Goodwill) you have several security guards that can easily accept donations at gate instead one need to schedule an appointment? Come on you you act as if are asking you for favors. people need help why do donors have to beg to donate ? pffff your staff isn't as nice as one would think . Thee people are homeless depressive, lonely in many cases, they need love understanding ad patience overall. and your staff isn't any of that. i have tried contacting several of your staff for months left messages an no none has ever return any of my calls since the Spring. what does this tell you? not cool! Seems many are there for the paycheck no sympathy or car for the lonely and homeless.

Really wanted to like this because my volunteer orientation was so promising, but I had a really unfortunate experience and misunderstanding with one of the male workers/volunteers here on thanksgiving day (I told this older Asian volunteer there was no need to micro manage me putting plates in boxes and staff member thought I was talking about him and took it personally). I had a bad feeling when I walked in and saw everyone really quiet and the overall vibe was kind of uncomfortable. I also had to ask for everything I needed ("do I need an apron? Ok, where are they? Do I need gloves? Ok where? Where can I put my stuff?" etc) and there were no clear instructions for me since there was already an assembly line with no room. That on top of a generally unfriendly vibe was not how I wanted to make impact and spend my time, so I left. Unfortunately I'll have to keep looking for other volunteer opportunities.

I tried donating huge bags of unused woman items and clothes/hygiene items that i couponed. i called and called for weeks no one answers the lines even 4 years after the pandemic. in some cases they ask to leave messages : what for? no one ever returns calls. NO ONE! i came by since they did not answered only to hear them refuse bags, stating i needed to schedule an appt. I have recommended women and they have not being helped either. They never have enough staff to assist those in need. yet the times i've been there you can see many individuals talking among themselves at the front. All these non profits who are supposed to be helping aren't. Been in case management for 2+ years and its very disappointing. Money stays at the top with execs once it hits where it's needed there's never enough money. Why are execs being paying 100K+ to sit in their nice offices clocking in and out having expensive lunches. they are all the same. theres good profits in non profits specifically homeless. Homelessness will never end as those who own non profits keep the money. yes i said it been there: OWNERS OF NON PROFITS KEEP MOST OF THE MONEY. WHILE PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS KEEP COMING TO FEED AND DONATE GOODS NON PROFITS WILL CONTINUE TO KEEP MONEY. some non profits send their clients to the corners where they know items are being given for free. this way they'll save even more $$$$.

I'm still with woman's downtown woman center for years now, been passed around from caseworker to caseworker, living on GR when I do have disability insurance in there needing a caseworker to help me out!!!! They keep getting promoted while nothing's being done for me 63 years old!!! Not getting the help I need have been with them since 2019!!!!! Keep you updated!!!! And I have four stage breast cancer which I've been diagnosed for a year now! I guess they're just waiting for me to die off!!!! Downtown women's center has helped me lose my dreams for the future of being cancer-free they've helped me with nothing nothing absolutely nothing!!!!! Case workers keep getting leaving promoted and I have done they have done nothing for me I've gotten a yoga mat great I've got four stage cancer I need my SSI can somebody help!!!!!!!!!!!?!!!! I'm telling you guys the truth out there I am not getting any help I don't know who are these people that they give the give them five stard!!!! Because this is the real deal I've got four stage breast cancer and I've looked for these people for help and I'm not getting it so who are writing these fake posts about what they're doing because I'm telling you that God is my witness these women aren't helping me!!!!!; Thanks for making and selling candles downtown women's center because the whole system stinks!!!!!

i had a bad experience with this company destiny cello is a theif the caseworker. i believe those 5 star reviews are put by the employees themselves who stole all my nice clothing and told me it was replaceable so they could keep my nice own earnt things for themselves!!!?????????????? very insideous & rationalizing their own exploitation! i would not donate to them because your donations will be stolen and wasted on the selfish greedy staff and not go to the vulnerable homeless women you intended it to go to. i 100% believe these women and 1 star reviews not the 5 star reviews who it seems are not from their own clients who they are " suppose " to be helping.... most of the public have also confirmed they steal funding in a fascade of pretending to " help"

Every little helps these women get back on track. I donated blazers and blouses for interviews, tracksuits, sweats and sweaters it's been a long winter. Also a big pile of almost new jeans. Socks and bras etc are very needed as well. Hope you love my donations ladies! Praying for you to find your light.

I recently wound up homeless due to a family crisis with subsequent loss of income. I was told this was a safe place for women, and that it was a entry point to sign up for all the county wide housing programs aimed at women experiencing homelessness or at risk of being so. Their motto is " No woman unhoused" I was also told they offered medical services and counseling for complex PTSD; as well as basic needs met like meals, hygiene and clothing. Bus tokens. They also have a day center that shows movies and hosts craft groups. I saw a part time job listed at the center- cleaning the day center bathroom, and I applied. I also had difficulty with the case manager process or even obtaining a case manager- it seemed I was being blocked from receiving any services, but the most basic. Then one day I came to the center tired and hungry. They fed me, and I became very sleepy and had to take a nap. There were no mats in the day center, so I went outside to the eating area and fell asleep on the green astro turf in a corner to be safe and out of the way. I was awoken by a screaming angry employee with green hair ordering me to get up right now and this is not allowed. She threatened me and turned around and stuck her bottom in my face and behaved like a possessed demon. It was horrible. Then other female employees joined her and ran me off the property under threats of violence to me. Yesterday I went for breakfast and to get a hygiene kit and the day center boss told them I was not allowed on the property. They gave me a bag with a meal and refused a hygiene kit and ordered me to leave. Of course I was upset with being wrongfully treated in this hostile and hateful manner, so I questioned why. Then I was threatened with being beaten up- I already had been kicked in the lower left side of my back near my kidney and fell and sustained bruising the day before by a man and now these women who are supposed to protect other women are threatening to physically abuse me too. My clothing keeps being stolen. The one time they gave me clothing the bag was filled with torn and stained items that were unwearable while I noticed other women taking out nice pieces of clothing. They gave me rags. I would like to speak to someone regarding the day center supervisor and file a complaint regarding her. This place is hardly doing the Lord's work. They don't practice that at all. I am very good at locating my own resources- as my mother was a Social Worker who earned her MSW from San Francisco State, and I have been able to secure my own safe housing. God Bless.

Im sure as fxxxk that they are just making it seem like they are helping so they can steal the funding they get! I was going through an economic crisis and my worker told me about this place. ANGALI spoke with my landlord even had him sign some papers with his information, made me submit all my info and said they would help me with two months of rent. Next thing you know she goes on a leave and didn't let me know anything for months to get a response. All she would say was that we had to wait for the check to get processed and be sent out !!!!! So I called her supervisor GINA, who said ANGALI never submitted my paperwork when she told me she did. So who's really lying here ?! I AM SURE THEY ARE DOING FRAUD AND SAYING THEY ARE HELPING PEOPLE GIVING THEIR INFO AND PRETEND THEY HELP TO KEEP THE FUNDS!!!!!!!!!!!!! FAKE AXXX FRAUD AXXXX PLACE!!!!!!!!

Usually come here, whenever I want to donate clothes. It is kind of scary to drive around Skid Row but I just learned to understand the environment. To go inside the women center, there is a parking lot and gates that surround it. You can get a huge basket, if you have a lot of clothes to donate.

The Volunteer opportunity: Prepping, cooking & serving meal to women who need help. Our team leader, Salli, is absolutely amazing!! She is super organized and detail oriented. She creates nice lunch menu. We work so well as a team! It feels great to be able to help out in our community. It is nice to meet new friends who have the same passion to give. The Parking: Private parking lot

I definitely believe they are doing very good and much needed work here. I came here to donate two large bags of clothes. I wanted to ensure the clothes would get to someone who needed them as a lot of other places either sell the clothes or they get thrown out. I had not realized looking at the address I would be going to the skid row area, but that is indeed where people are in need. I was caught a little off guard by the severity of the unfortunate surrounding the building and gathering around the front desk inside. However, I was immensely impressed with how the employees handled each and every person. With patience and kindness, even laughs where appropriate. This center is truly doing the Lord's work. The process for donating was very easy, and based on what I witnessed during my short wait, ladies who could use the items would definitely get them. Now, due to disability I am a non driver and use Uber. I Ubered here with no issues, however Ubering back was challenging as the first two Ubers apparently rolled up and before I could make my way down the walkway (meaning the driver didn't see me straight away) they took off without waiting the required two minutes. I can only assume because there are quite a few mentally ill and homeless hanging around the building. Uber's problem, not the center's and it was handled with them. Just wanted to throw that out there for anyone else that may use ride services to come donate here. Overall, I definitely appreciate the hard work this center is doing and will continue to donate here be it clothing, food or financially in the future.

Hey ladies, You know all those toiletries we all hoard from hotels? Well this place will take them off your hands! They provide thousands of showers a year but unfortunately never have enough toiletries for those who use them. Clean out your stash! I was wary because it's in a sketch neighborhood but there's safe and ample parking in their gated lot. I was able to pop my trunk and walk in my bags of toiletries and cans with no problems. The front desk took them off my hands and I was back on the road within a couple minutes.

Made an appointment for weeks in advanced to donate 4 bags of clothes, the outdoor attendant was super kind and she even made it quick/ simple to drop off. Great cause, and great staff. Thank you!

Horrible comments from women they should be helping. The only reason They score high is the comments from people making donations and not the ones in need. Seems the CEO needs to look into the treatment by staff and their business practices.

DWC is a blessing for the women they work with and for the local community who want to learn, understand, and get involved. I volunteered this past Saturday with a group of friends and the facility was quite impressive! Granted, this is my first time working in a center meant to serve anywhere between 100 - 200 women...but walking into a huge kitchen with all the culinary tools needed to cook was wondrous. They're always looking for volunteers and the concept is simple: prep the meals, cook, serve, and if you'd like, meet the women. The women you serve that morning will split the chores and clean the dishes/take out the trash when you're done serving them. We all chipped in $10 for a group of 18 volunteers and made french toast, potatoes, bacon frittata, fresh jam, and whipped cream (our friend is a very ambitious gourmet chef and made us hand whipped the cream! Muscles, you there?). There was even enough for seconds. Go Chef Christian. There's a private gated parking lot that you can use when you arrive. They also have personal cubbies for you in the kitchen so you can leave your keys, jackets, etc. Bring a hat/bandana for your hair and they'll also provide you with new hair nets and some aprons! If you feel up for this, I definitely recommend you contacting them to consider this rewarding opportunity.

So glad to find this organization and they need small toiletries like shampoo and conditioner or body soap. They have a HUGE PARKING LOT so it's easy to drop off your items. They need both men and women clothing particularly with winter coming. The staff is very helpful too!

I've been volunteering here for a little over a month now (kitchen) and it's such a great experience. You get to interact with the women and find out their stories while trying to help in any way you can. They are pretty organized and their facilities are well rounded. They offer 3 daily meals, have a learning center, a boutique and a day center where women can come and clean up in a safe environment. Donations are always needed so if you are looking to give back check out their website where they put up a list of all the things they need and make some women happy!

On Saturday I got the privilege of meeting up with one of my college friends who now works here. This place is phenomenal. If you are thinking about a place to volunteer your time, donate either food or money.. please consider this place! Located in skid row this place is unique to the extensive services it offers for women in the local area. "The mission of the Downtown Women's Center is to provide permanent supportive housing and a safe and healthy community fostering dignity, respect, and personal stability, and to advocate ending homelessness for women" -- taken from the website This place offers food, hygiene kits, shelter, housing, and a million other resources. They are soon getting an on call psychiatrist. In taking a tour the place feels like a home. There are several lounge areas with donated furniture and TVs... There is an "oasis" in the back that will soon have vegetables in order to have a sustainable garden. Please check out their website... take a tour yourself and consider donating your time, food or money here :-)

Just stopped in the drop off a few items for donation: clothes and toiletries. When I pulled into the parking lot, Pauline (who works at the center and was standing outside), was more than happy to help me. It appeared that it wasn't any parking available and though I only had 2 bags today, Pauline was more than happy to take them for me. Though this place is located in the heart of downtown, there is plenty of homeless people in the area. Don't be alarmed though, it's to be expected. Not to be bias, however I wanted to make a donation that would benefit a population that is oftentimes overlooked, homeless women. I will definitely keep this place in mind for future donations.

This is unfortunate because the cause is good but the agency is dysfunctional. I'm a former employee here and the more women I managed to house the more retaliation and hostility I endured from the agency. They don't pay the rents of clients so they burn bridges with land lords causing more trauma for clients. The clients get to treat the workers how they want which is terrifying most of the time. Staff will not support you if a client literally attacks you or is having some form of psychotic break. They don't take serious work seriously. But they take their egos very seriously. The agency doesnt handle feedback with grace. Additionally they retaliate and blame. Highly immature environment. They stole wages from my check and were not accountable. Pregnant staff were threatened they wouldn't get time off unless case notes (that they don't even check or train you on) were completed. They challenge workers rights to say the least. While saying they are making a difference. I truly believe this agency is stealing funding from the public. They are truly horrible people to work for. They truly took the joy out of identifying housing for people who need it. They truly drain the joy of helping people by exploiting their workers. The environment is disgusting. It's just overall terrible. HR is a mess, they are highly disorganized, clumsy and overall goons.

I have not had a chance to visit I saw a review written by Cassandra Y. and when to their page and called them. WOW, I am so excited and Happy that Cassandra's review was chosen as Review of the Day. This was an answer to my prayer, I called and left my number for a return call. So far I am excited about the work this center does for women and looking forward to helping out, I helped with another center DTLA for 7 years and wanted to move on and help in another area(thanks to Yelp my prayers have been answered) STAY TUNED for a full blown review.

For some reason LA makes it difficult to donate. This place made it easy though. Easy drop off process and they'll give you a receipt if you need one.

I had the privilege to volunteer here on behalf of the Junior League yesterday morning. This is a great center where women can come in for a shower, grab a healthy meal, and use the center's address for job applications. It's clean, well lit and has cute decor on the walls. A homeless center needs to be safe, uplift and inspire especially in the middle of skid row. We had enrichment activities for the women and had the chance to sit down with them and have a conversation human to human. I enjoyed it even though it was only for an hour or so and truly hope city officials can speed up the process to alleviate housing issues that have gotten worse over the years.

Volunteered this morning to cook breakfast, make toiletry bags and donations. This place is a gem for the women. They offer alot services and resources. The breakfast was well organized and nicely served by volunteers.

I thought this was a place for positive resources but it's not. Watch everything or they will steal. You will be madder when you left then once you came. These ppl need HELP! You wonder why ppl are homeless.

I'm sure this is a great center and I appreciate the services they might provide for women in need...but I don't know who picked up the phone today around 1230 but she sounded like she hated her job and was giving me attitude and talking to me like I'm an idiot when I was just confirming about dropping off donations..I had about 3 bags of female clothes and handbags and other random items I wanted to donate and I know my donation probably won't make a huge difference but I was initially excited to know I can donate to a place where my stuff and my sister's stuff can directly affect people but given how she gave me such a bad attitude, it left a bad taste in my mouth I didn't feel like driving the 50 minutes and fight traffic when I have a Salvation Army 3 minutes away. Just ranting..I'd give a lower rating for the person, but I'm sure the place is great given everyone else's reviews..I hope she doesn't treat the people who come in the same way

Volunteered here today and met the new CEO. She is amazing and has great ideas for the next ten years of this impressive organization. They do a great service for this community. Its a win-win situation for the women that are in their SET programs. I love their administration and their store. Did I mention that their Creamy Wildberry Smoothy is one of the best I've ever tried! Volunteer here! Support their organization by purchasing from their store or making donations. The savings to the city alone by housing a single woman per day is in the thousands!! They are needed and they do great work!

One of my fave places to volunteer at. Staff workers are usually positive, motivating, helpful and informative. I always volunteer with the LINKS network w/ my work at Sony Pictures. I highly recommend getting there a little early to find a parking spot. Small lot, so once spaces run out, you might have to park behind parked cars and it's a hassle when you gotta run in and out of the building to move your car and/or track someone to move. There's a lot of pedestrians, so be sure to be mindful of that as well. Of course the area seems a little sketchy cause it is located in Skid Row, but locals are generally nice. I saw a great amount of people flagging down drivers who ended up on the wrong one way street! I love LA. Give back to LA!! =)

As much as I love to spend my free time eating, drinking and being merry, giving back is the most important. The DWC is the perfect way to give back for anyone who lives in, works near, and loves DTLA. It requires an initial Saturday morning training and a second one for the more involved roles. There are many opportunities, from regular tasks around the DWC to one-time events. Most volunteering opportunities involve others, so you will likely meet kindred spirits. So sign up for training! Now you will know just what to do the next time you want to be the change that you want to see in the world.

I've volunteered and donated here a couple times and every time is always so enriching. It's located in the heart of an active homeless community and you know your items and services are appreciated. Not that this is apart of the review, but, try to fit in time to volunteer to any service that you're passionate about. I know it's not easy to volunteer or convenient but it's important. I love to see how these women are trying to improve and get help. Thank you women's shelter dtla.

i've volunteered here multiple times (meal prep) and threw a snack pack making party at my pad (lured people with tacos) for the DWC all of my experiences have been great - the center is clean, the staff is very nice and the process is very organized if you're looking for a spot to spread some love drop on by

Its that time of year where you may be reviewing all the things you received over the holidays, the new year resolutions you're trying to keep and doing some first of the year house cleaning. The DWC can help you with all of those. Use those giftcards to buy something for someone other than yourself, donate those outfits you no longer use that have been stored in your closet for years or better yet donate a little bit of your time and make a change in not only someone else's life but in your life as well. Check out their website for more info!

It's always a good idea to give back- with the year ending I went through my closet and realized a lot of clothes with tags still on it. I filled 4 bags of clothes and shoes and delivered them here, the staff was helpful. The shelter was full of women I am hopeful that the items I donated will help a lovely lady down on her luck and reminds me to be grateful.

I think it's a great place for the women to receive their needs and eat very nutritious foods. The women have a place to take care of their hygiene and receive clean clean clothes to wear. I heard they also help them get jobs. They occasionally receive donated hygiene kits. They have activities for the women also and some of the staff is great but I would love to get appointment to speak to the owner about other situations not so nice. How do I can in touch with her. I visit there occasionally every three months and would love to speak to someone in charge. Keep up the good work.

Sad to say but the Day Center totally stresses me out it seems to be struggling to get better but the healthy vegan lunches keep me coming because of physical health but for my mental health I truly appreciate the garden upstairs

Event: Downtown Women's Center donation sorting. Size of event: Small. Volunteer Management: Flexible and responsive Schedule: Flexible and organized Service: They get a ton of stuff every week that needs to be organized. The coordinator was a bit unclear on exactly how to sort the clothes so it would be nice if there were some written instructions or a diagram. Verdict: Their own parking lot is a huge plus for Downtown. The space is tight and it can get hot, expect to be busy the whole time. Great for small groups.

An amazing non-profit organization that assists the women of Skid Row. I have had the pleasure of volunteering at the DWC for the past 6 years. It started as a New Year's resolution, one that I am very proud to have continually kept. I volunteer as an individual but there are many opportunities for groups as well. Not only is the DWC a drop-in center, it is also a residence and education center. It is the center's mission to professionally develop and train the women so that they acquire the necessary skills to become independent and into the workforce.

I arrived a little before 1 pm to donate my clothes and shoes. As soon as I parked I was greeted by Pauline who advised me to park near the entrance to stop off my stuff. The security guard opened the door for me and I was greeted by a few others and I was lead to a black bin to drop off my stuff. I was asked if I wanted a receipt which I declined. Before dropping my stuff off I was asked on a few occasions if it was all women's clothes - just for confirmation. The area is a bit sketch and you need to be super careful while driving there, only because people cross the street at very random places.

DWC is a very beautiful facility, great resources for the women in the community. they have clothing, good food, places for women to rest, shower and utilize the different services they offer. most people there are very nice. the reason why it gets three stars is because i went to drop off some clothes there and there was a woman standing up talking to a room full of women like they were farm animals.. i hope i never have to go there but would keep donating clothes because the women need them.

I love volunteering here with the awesome people from my church. I love everything that this place stands for. They help women that would normally not be taken care of. I have to say that this place is blessed by God. You guys are awesome keep up the great work!!!

I live across the street from the DWC so I'm a witness to much of what goes on in this neighborhood and I'm also a frequent customer of DWC. DWC is not just a shelter- it's a place where women get help. In the boutique and cafe downstairs i often buy fresh sandwiches, salads, or when I need my boost- my cup of tea and baked good. Other people in my building swear by their coffee. Today I purchased a bag full of small beautiful handmade stuffed animals with cut out patterns on them that can also be hung (string attached) like ornaments or decoration. A perfect gift for my baby nieces and their moms who want something unusual and beautiful in their home. Some of the women in the center made them and everything the women make and sell in the store helps support the programs as well. I always find something interesting and it makes it more special knowing who made it and what it supports.