About Us
About The Center in Hollywood
The Center in Hollywood is a nonprofit ending isolation and breaking the cycle of homelessness through radical hospitality in Hollywood and throughout LA County. It is an inclusive space for anyone experiencing homelessness to feel welcome, feel safe, and receive services.Β
We connect people to community, healthcare, and housing with dignity.
Our Vision
The Center envisions an equitable world where the power of community prioritizes the health, housing, and dignity of every person.
Our Mission
The Centerβs mission is to break the cycle of homelessness through radical hospitality,Β creating safe and supportive communities.Β
Our History
Our headquarters has a history of social justice work going back to the 1920βs.Β A sense of belonging and service are constants in the rich history of The Center.
Although aΒ non-denominational organization, The Centerβs originatedΒ at the Blessed Sacrament ParishΒ community in Hollywood, inside a convent built in the midΒ 1920’s where theΒ Sisters of theΒ Immaculate Heart of Mary lived.
Throughout its history, TheΒ Center has created an environment that practices radicalΒ hospitality and welcomes all who walk through our doors.
1920's
A Convent of Service
Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary lived at the building where The Center calls home.
1980's and 1990's
La Casa Grande
In the wake of the Salvadoran Civil War the community of Jesuits (whoβve ministered at Blessed Sacrament sinceΒ 1914) temporarily housed refugees in the old convent. βLa Casa GrandΓ©βΒ as it was calledΒ served as a sanctuary for individuals and families who were fleeing the violence in Central America.
1990's
A Refuge
Parish leaders began using the convent as a social services hub to serve in a resource capacity for those needing meals, showers, clothes, along with rental and utility assistance.
2005
It's Official!
We formally obtain nonprofit status and name the nonprofit, "Social Services at Blessed Sacrament."
2010
Name Change
We changed our name to "The Center at Blessed Sacrament."
2016
Convent Converted
The 1920's building was renovated. From a very well-loved building into a place where unhoused neighbors could find respite, the building became a place where staff could have a professional office space for client and participant meetings.
2020
Update to our name!
While we are great partners with the Blessed Sacrament Church, as a non-denominational organization we officially changed our name to focus more on being in the heart of Hollywood. So we changed our name to "The Center in Hollywood." We still provide services and support throughout LA County and beyond.
Logo Story
The CenterβsΒ logo representsΒ the diverse experiences and backgrounds people bring to The Center, and the various people and lives that intersect through our work and programs.
There are entrance and shelter points through which people become part of the companionship and community of healing created by staff, volunteers and participants.Β
The tails of the arrows represent growth, new pathways and directions we all find in life.Β
This is allΒ anchored by a heart that represents our humanity.
The heart also pays homeage to our more recently formed partnership with Gettlove and the expansion this marriage of the two organizations brings.
Purple: represents wisdom, creativity, independence, power and ambition, dignity
Aqua Blue: representsΒ healing, stability, connection between heart and word
Yellow: representsΒ enthusiasm, optimism, energy and clarity
Sage Green: representsΒ emotional balance, spiritual grounding, & patience
OUR VALUES are based on our commitment to advocacy, social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion for our participants, staff, and our broader community. The Center recognizes we are on an ongoing journey to grow and continuously educate ourselves so we stay current with the needs, requests, and recommendations of all our community members. We will always be learning how to be a better, more inclusive organization.
- Welcome All. We practice radical hospitality, doing absolutely everything we can to make sure every individual feels welcomed and appreciated.
- Collaborate. We believe isolation and homelessness are complex human conditions that require a community of participants, volunteers, staff, partner organizations, and stakeholders invested in creating and executing solutions together.
- Have Compassion. We know a trauma-informed approach creates an environment of safety and trust, so we work with participants wherever the person is in their life.
- Practice Dignity. We believe in treating every person with dignity, respect, and an understanding that we are part of one community. We uplift anyone who is part of The Center family.
- Empower People. We do not prescribe solutions for people. Instead, we encourage self-direction so individuals can amplify their voice and forge their path at their own pace.
- Innovate. We test and incorporate the dynamic and endless possibilities in the approach to ending isolation and homelessness, especially those that are participant driven.
Share Joy. The Center celebrates daily wins, big and small.
Provide Safety. We believe that creating a safe space to build community is the first step to addressing isolation and opportunities for housing and healthcare.
Be Sustainable. We develop intentional, replicable models of support and provide safe spaces, dependable services, and consistency at every stage of a personβs journey to ensure long-term success.
Partner With Us
Are you a business looking to donate financial or in-kind gifts? Or want your staff to have a team-bonding event while volunteering?
Reach out to us at [email protected]
