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Old California Designs Supports New Southern California Workforce

Old California Designs Supports New Southern California Workforce

July 19, 2024

If you have lovingly restored an old Craftsman home, with its dark wood, stained glass, and hand-crafted built-in cabinets, chances are you’re not going to shop for light fixtures at Home Depot.

You’ll make the pilgrimage to Old California in Orange, which individually handcrafts home goods inspired by historical design. 

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Community Builders Program - Official Press Release

Community Builders Program - Official Press Release

June 15, 2024

Los Angeles -- In 2020, the Bobcat fire burned more than 100,000 acres in and around Southern California’s Angeles National Forest, laying waste to countless old-growth coniferous trees. Thanks to Would Works, Angel City Lumber, and a Wood Innovations Grant from the USDA Forest Service, some of these trees are getting a new life -- and creating new opportunities for people facing barriers to employment.

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Sarah Watlington Spotlights Community Builders Program in Fine Woodworking Magazine

Sarah Watlington Spotlights Community Builders Program in Fine Woodworking Magazine

March 04, 2024

As we dive into a new year, it's inspiring to see our work with Angel City Lumber gaining recognition. Sarah Watlington recently penned a piece in Fine Woodworking, shining a spotlight on our collaboration and the impact it's having on our community.

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A Look Into Our Transformative 2023

A Look Into Our Transformative 2023

December 27, 2023

Dear Friends and Supporters of Would Works,

Winding down this year, we express deep gratitude for your support and engagement with Would Works. 

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At SCANPH, Would Works Debuts Furniture Collection - LA Timber Bridge

At SCANPH, Would Works Debuts Furniture Collection - LA Timber Bridge

November 03, 2023

Would Works was thrilled to be an exhibitor at the 35th Annual Southern California Association of Non Profit Housing Conference this past week! We shared with non profit housing developers our newest collection of outdoor furniture, LA Timber Bridge, designed specifically for use in permanent supportive and affordable housing sites.

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Community Builders Program Fabricates Bench for the Aster Apartments

Community Builders Program Fabricates Bench for the Aster Apartments

April 25, 2023

Recently, our Community Builders Program was tasked to fabricate a 12 foot long communal bench for the 56 unit Aster Apartments, an affordable housing site located in South LA.

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A Trip to the Snowy Angeles Forest

A Trip to the Snowy Angeles Forest

December 27, 2022

This winter Would Works staff and Artisans from our Community Builders Program accompanied our friends from Angel City Lumber (ACL) on a trip to the Angeles National Forest where we acquired large fire damaged pine logs that we'll be turning into outdoor furniture this Spring!

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We're helping 'Build UP' @LA Compost!

We're helping 'Build UP' @LA Compost!

August 17, 2022

Would Works Community Builders Program (CBP) recently partnered with the local non-profit LA Compost (LAC) to create wood structures and compost related objects for LAC hubs. Check out our first project--a set of 22 compost sifters!

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Our Benches @ Willowbrook Permanent Supportive Housing Site

Our Benches @ Willowbrook Permanent Supportive Housing Site

July 28, 2022

Our Community Builders just completed their first commission--a fleet of eight custom built entry-way benches for the Willowbrook, a permanent supportive housing site in South LA.

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2-Year Forest Service Grant Supports WW Furniture Program!

2-Year Forest Service Grant Supports WW Furniture Program!

May 27, 2022

In this unique new funding opportunity, Would Works Staff and Artisans will be working with the Angeles National Forest to acquire felled trees from wildfire prevention projects in the urban/rural interface around LA.  We will be releasing a line of outdoor furniture built by WW Artisans from this sustainably sourced material in 2023! 

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Community Builders Program Launches with Benches for RNLA

Community Builders Program Launches with Benches for RNLA

April 05, 2022

Would Works' new Community Builders Program is building outdoor furniture for the Willowbrook--a new permanent supportive housing site in South LA. Our first cohort of Builders is learning the fundamentals of designing, prototyping and building large scale furniture pieces for their community.

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Designing Furniture That Makes Waiting Not Feel Like Waiting

Designing Furniture That Makes Waiting Not Feel Like Waiting

July 20, 2021

For the last month, a team of Would Works staff members and community partners have been participating in an intensive design workshop at the Stanford d.school. Through interviews, co-design sessions, observations and prototypes, our team is helping to redesign the waiting area experience at the Skid Row Community Refresh Spot.

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