Join us for an interactive virtual woodworking session and happy hour with Nick Offerman to support our July relaunch.
July 31 1-2pm PST
This Event is Sold Out. Be the first to hear about additional sessions of Sawdust + Stout by signing up for our newsletter (at bottom of this page) and following us on instagram.
The opportunity to simply work hard for wages in order to afford the basic comforts of life is a great privilege that many of us in this country enjoy, and even take for granted. Would Works provides people who are homeless or living in poverty with the simple dignity of doing good work.
Our program and online store are relaunching in July--Preorder your cutting boards now and you will be first in line for shipment!
After closing for Covid in March 2020, we are preparing to relaunch with a new Covid-safe outdoor program this July! We will kick off by building outdoor furniture for the new Skid Row Community ReFresh Spot. We are thrilled to be able to again provide much needed employment and to furnish safe comfortable spaces for the unhoused community. Help support our relaunch by donating to Would Works today.
Would Works was so much more than I expected it to be. I felt like I was part of a family. I learned so much more than wood work-- I learned work ethics, responsibility, accountability, and preparation for re-entry into the workforce. Participating in the Would Works program was the very reason I was able to obtain employment and stay employed.
--Glasha Williams
2019 Would Works Artisan
Presently Community Health Worker at UC Irvine
By providing work experience and resources to those who need it most, Would Works offers critical support to individuals experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles' Skid Row. But beyond that, Artisans build community and life skills in a space were they are treated with dignity and care.
Elizabeth
“I had a rough life growing up,” Elizabeth explains. She battled addiction for 20 years, did 4 prison terms and was arrested 63 times. But, she's grateful to the people who believed in her and gave her a second (and third) chance. Now housed and a decade into sobriety, Elizabeth came to Would Works to pay her rent and to find community.
Marella
In 2016 Marella lost her job, and when her husband fell ill, she stayed home to care for him. Ultimately, she lost her home and found herself living on the streets. Marella's Would Works goal is to pay her phone bill and buy winter clothes. Then she plans to buy a laptop and print resumes for job applications.
Would Works @ Stanford d.school
Would Works won a generous scholarship to attend an intensive workshop called Designing for Social Systems (DSS) at Stanford's d.school this month! We put together a great team that will be helping to design the outdoor waiting room experience at the Skid Row Community ReFresh Spot
Welcome Our New Program Director Michele Liu!
In addition to leading the relaunch of Would Works existing programs this Spring, Michele will be developing the new "Outdoor Workshop" model as we pivot our program to include the design and fabrication of outdoor furniture for public spaces around LA.
Where to Buy Would Works Products this Holiday Season
Our Workshop and store is still closed due to Covid-19 precautions, but some of our most popular products are still available this Holiday season through other impactful vendors. See links to where to buy here and continue to support Would Works this Holiday season.
Would Works Relaunches with Award from USC Social Enterprise Grant!
After closing for Covid in March 2020, Would Works has just received a grant from the USC Social Enterprise Lab to relaunch a new outdoor program! We will kick off by building outdoor furniture for the new ReFresh Spot in Skid Row and various supportive housing sites throughout LA.
We rely on the generous support of our community partners
Would Works thanks the following funders for supporting our programs
