Hollywood power players are rallying behind the nonprofit organization Los Angeles Room & Board, which is dedicated to providing housing, meals, and support to college students experiencing homelessness in L.A. Celebrities such as singer Stevie Mackey, writer-producer John Wells, actress Shanola Hampton, and NBA all-star Jrue Holiday, along with his wife Lauren Holiday, are among the supporters of this impactful cause.
The founder and CEO of Los Angeles Room & Board, Sam Prater, has a personal connection to the mission of the organization. Growing up as the 12th of 14 children in Detroit, Prater understands the challenges faced by students experiencing homelessness. His own educational journey inspired him to create a program that goes beyond just providing shelter and meals.
Los Angeles County has a significant number of college students facing housing insecurity, with one in 10 students at four-year colleges and one in five at community colleges experiencing homelessness. Los Angeles Room & Board aims to address this issue by offering transitional housing and meals to students in need. The organization has expanded rapidly, now operating four houses across L.A. and partnering with various institutions to identify and support students in need.
Prater and his team provide not only housing and meals but also comprehensive support services, including tutoring, academic and career development, financial literacy, and life skills training. Despite the challenges and expenses involved in supporting at-risk college students, Los Angeles Room & Board continues to make a significant impact in the community.
With the support of celebrity partners and the local community, Los Angeles Room & Board is making a difference in the lives of college students experiencing homelessness. As Prater aptly puts it, the ultimate goal is to ensure that no student has to choose between housing and education.