2-Year Forest Service Grant Supports WW Furniture Program!
From just about any vantage point in Los Angeles, including the Skid Row neighborhood where most of our clients live, you can see the stunning snow capped peaks of the San Gabriel Mountain range and the sprawling Angeles National Forest. Despite this proximity, the disconnect between the urban experience and the surrounding forest is pronounced and inequitable.
A new grant from the US Forest Service helps Would Works connect the people residing in the most densely populated and tree poor neighborhoods in LA with the diverse urban forest and thriving surrounding woodlands.
We are thrilled to announce a new $50,000 two-year Wood Innovations Program grant for our LA TIMBER BRIDGE project proposal. This funding supports our existing Community Builders Program which trains and employs housing insecure LA residents in furniture design and fabrication for outdoor communal spaces around LA.
In addition, Would Works staff and Artisans will work with the Angeles National Forest to acquire felled trees from wildfire prevention projects in the urban/rural interface around LA. These trees will be milled and seasoned by the urban sawyers at Angel City Lumber in LA to produce sustainable lumber for Would Works' products and upcoming outdoor furniture line.
WW Artisan Lead, Shirley, sitting on the newly completed outdoor bench, made from a felled Eucalyptus tree from LA, for the Willowbrook Supportive Housing Site.
LA TIMBER BRIDGE provides employment and job training for people experiencing poverty, creates sustainable wood furniture for people who are transitioning out of homelessness, and bridges the gap between urban communities and the surrounding wildlands.
We are grateful to the US Forest Service for recognizing our work and we look forward to this exciting partnership.
Also in News
Sarah Watlington Spotlights Community Builders Program in Fine Woodworking Magazine
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.
Would Works to Receive $10,000 Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts
A Look Into Our Transformative 2023
Winding down this year, we express deep gratitude for your support and engagement with Would Works. 2023 began expansively: WW Community Builders Program Artisans and our team took a field trip to the snow-covered Angeles National Forest in the San Gabriel Mountains north of the city. Shirley is the Artisan Lead at Would Works and was born and raised in LA. She’s now in her mid-60’s, yet she’s never been up to the Angeles Forest. Our city is surrounded by abundant landscapes, but many residents who face barriers to employment also lack access to experiences in nature. This forest visit reflects the growth trajectory of Would Works, which we illuminate here.
