With Heavy Hearts, We Must Announce The Closure of WW at the End of 2025
Dear Would Works Community,
After 13 years, Would Works has made the difficult decision to sunset operations at the end of 2025. Over the past year and a half, we have worked to position Would Works for long-term success and to better serve our unhoused community in Los Angeles. Despite our best efforts, it has become clear that the current climate is not in our favor. Funding sources we have previously relied on have come to an end, competition for what remains is fierce, philanthropic priorities are shifting, and our program is no longer sustainable.
This decision was not made lightly and comes from a place of care—for the mission, for the community, and for the integrity of the work itself. We feel strongly that we should make room for others who can move forward sustainably to access the limited funding available because the priority is the mission and not Would Works as an individual org.
We are deeply grateful for your support over the years. Together, we have made real and meaningful impacts in people’s lives. Your contributions have provided participants with a springboard into specialized training, pathways toward sustainable careers, economic stability, secure housing, access to food, and, most importantly, the chance to build hope, agency, and confidence for a fruitful future. You have so much to be proud of.
As difficult as this has been, we have learned a great deal about what it takes to shape a more equitable society. Change cannot be made by a single organization, but by a collective of groups—each specializing in different areas—coming together toward a common goal. Our understanding of the community and city we serve has deepened, and we know we will carry this forward in new ways in the future.
The need remains urgent. Although Would Works will close its doors, we know you will join us in supporting the many organizations in Los Angeles that continue to serve Angelenos in need, including My Friend’s Place, Jovenes, A Place Called Home, Driving Hope Foundation, Downtown Women’s Center, Hollywood Food Coalition, WINTER, The Center, Every Day Action and LA Emissary.
From all of us at Would Works, thank you for walking alongside us on this journey. You have made a difference.
💙 Connor Johnson (Founder), WW Board of Directors, and Team 💙
Q&As
Q: I can’t believe you’re quitting! There must be other options.
A: I know, it took us a while to determine this was the right thing to do. We went through the process of looking at other options, and it became clear this was the right thing to do. This decision wasn’t made lightly, and it comes from a place of care—for the mission, for our community, and for the integrity of the work itself.
Q: Who’s to blame?
A: This is the current reality for small non-profits in an era of funding cuts. We are proud of the work we’ve done and the wonderful supporters and leaders who’ve helped us do it.
Q: I just wrote you a check, not knowing you were closing your doors.
A: We deeply appreciate yvour support. Your donation will help cover the expenses associated with dissolving the nonprofit, and any remaining funds will be distributed among the 501(c)(3) organizations listed below.
However, we understand if you’d prefer a refund, and we’re happy to provide one. Please email us at hello@wouldworks.com to begin the repayment process.
Q: Who else can I support?
A: Many of our good partners are still at work. Please consider supporting the following organizations:
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My Friend’s Place (wraparound services for youth experiencing homelessness)
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Jovenes (wraparound services for youth experiencing homelessness)
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A Place Called Home (wraparound services for youth experiencing homelessness)
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Driving Hope Foundation (workforce development training in welding for formerly incarcerated youth)
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WINTER (workforce development in the trades for women)
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MADE by DWC (wrap around services and workforce development for women experiencing homelessness)
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Hollywood Food Coalition (food access for all people experiencing homelessness)
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Every Day Action (food access for all people experiencing homelessness)
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The Center (health and housing access for all people experiencing homelessness)
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LA Emissary (youth homelessness advocates)
Also in News
A New Chapter: Beginner Builders Youth Pilot Program
On August 23, 2025, Would Works officially kicked off our reimagined paid job training program in woodworking for youth experiencing homelessness, in partnership with My Friend's Place, and funding support from Snap Foundation, Cedar-Sinai Grantmaking, and the Arlene and Michael Rosenfeld Foundation.
Nick Offerman Partners with Would Works to Empower At-Risk Angelenos Through Woodworking
Beyond woodworking, Nick Offerman highlights the “incredibly benevolent and warm humanism” at the heart of Would Works. "We're giving people … mental health, counseling, job counseling, life coaching. It's a place to say, 'Come on in, I see you, I care about you, I recognize the trouble you might be having. Here's a sandwich, here's a bowl of soup. Now, this is a hand plane,'" Offerman said.
