After closing for Covid in March 2020, we just relaunched in August 2021 with an outstanding new cohort and leadership team. We are busy cranking out cutting board orders and gearing up to build outdoor furniture for Skid Row.
Help support our relaunch by making your tax deductible end of year donation to Would Works today.
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 dignity of doing good work.
Our Store
Wood Utensils
$25.00
These hand-shaped hardwood utensils are the perfect tools for your appetizer platter, cheese plate, or snack...
Coaster Set + Bottle Opener
$55.00
Designed for Sawdust + Stout, our 2021 fundraiser workshop with Nick Offerman, this coaster combo set was such a...
The Mini Board
$34.00
The Would Works Mini Board is just right for prepping those colorful aromatic garnishes that...
The Everyday Board
$52.00
Everyday we feed ourselves and our families. Everyday we strive to eat healthily, heartily. As...
The Charcuterie Board
Sold Out
Serve up some snacks on this handsome board and relax--you’ve just created an impressive feast...
Better World Butter Set
Sold Out
This holiday season, Would Works (WW) and People's Pottery Project (PPP) present our first limited...
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.
Shirley
Shirley is the bedrock of the Would Works shop. She started as an Artisan in 2017 and in 2021 the Lead Artisan position was created to recognize her leadership on the shop floor. Shirley loves to sand and has a keen eye for detail, she also supports and guides new Artisans as they develop these skills.
David
In the last year, during COVID, David says his living situation became dire and he knew he needed help. He has always loved making things and working with his hands, so he Googled ‘woodworking’ and ‘homeless,” and learned about Would Works.
Javier
Prior to incarceration, Javier worked as a chef and ran his own business. But, he says, “I’m an ex-gang member and I’ve lived on and off the streets my whole life.” Javier’s gang affiliation has made it difficult to maintain stability, but at Would Works he shows up early to every workshop ready to work and learn.
WW featured in Bloomberg Businessweek 2021 philanthropic issue!
Every month Bloomberg Businessweek has a page devoted to "The One,"--a particular product chosen by the editors. This month, for the philanthropic issue, our Better World Butter Set was deemed "The One" and got its own glossy spread. (Pun intended)
Exciting New Collaboration with People's Pottery Project
This holiday we are collaborating on a special edition product with People's Pottery Project (PPP). PPP is another impactful LA social enterprise--providing formerly incarcerated women with paid vocational training, healing community, and skills in crafts and making.
Artisans take a tour of our creative partners around LA
Come along on our tour of local lumber yards, mills, and furniture shops! Program Director Michele Liu takes our Artisans to see the work of some of the great creative businesses that make our work possible. "As we transition into building a more robust training program we felt it was important for the Artisans to see the full picture what woodworking is like from beginning to end." says Liu.
Sawdust + Stout Fundraiser with Nick Offerman!
Thanks to our champion Board member Nick Offerman for hosting this super fun and successful fundraiser workshop. On July 31 2021, Nick taught a virtual woodworking workshop to over 100 people from across the US raising nearly $60k for Would Works August relaunch!We rely on the generous support of our community partners
Would Works thanks the following funders for supporting our programs
