Gratitude Edition

Your Support is Making a Difference

From the bottom of my heart, I send my most heartfelt thanks to all who have contributed to my work at the Cecil and across Skid Row. Without your support, the work I do would not be possible.

In any given week, I have contact with 50-60 people. Some of them need a judgment-free zone to talk, to get things off their chest. But some need more, from social services to assistance with clothing for job interviews to nutritious food. The needs are as varied as the beautiful tapestry of residents at the Hotel Cecil.

Your generosity has made a tangible difference in the lives of many, and we are truly blessed to have you as part of our Cecil community.

Dishes and Dignity

With your support, this summer we launched our Dishes and Dignity project. When I first started at the Cecil, I was providing welcome gift bags with dish soap, sponges, and towels. Then one day, as I was bringing a bag to a new tenant, she looked into the bag and asked me (with a certain amount of incredulity), “What am I supposed to wash with this?” This question marked the birth of Dishes and Dignity.

Your loving support has made it possible to provide sets of dishes, along with silverware, cups and the supplies to wash them to each new resident who has moved in since August. Thank you!

Nutritious Food Bank

We partnered with Leslie, the leasing manager at the Cecil, to launch a weekly food bank. From fresh produce to staples like pasta and rice, and a few healthy treats thrown in, we have been able to help our tenants experiencing food insecurity to eat healthier and less processed meals.

This food bank prioritizes healthier food options to foster better well-being among the tenants, many of whom face challenges related to addiction, mental health, and financial instability. By focusing on nourishment through wholesome ingredients, the food bank aims to promote physical and mental health, while also reinforcing the sense of community among residents, empowering them to make healthier lifestyle choices. Thank you for making it possible to alleviate food insecurity and bolster healthy choices.

Life Skills Training

The life skills programming at the Cecil Hotel is designed to help residents build practical skills that can improve their daily lives. We focus on a variety of areas, such as budgeting, cooking, job searching, and personal organization. This hands-on approach gives residents the tools they need to navigate challenges more confidently and become more independent. Our goal is to help them develop skills that can lead to better financial stability, healthier living habits, and greater overall well-being.

A key part of this program is our one-on-one work with residents, made possible by the continued generosity of our donors. Meeting individually with people allows us to tailor support to their specific needs and goals, building trust and providing guidance that truly makes a difference. Whether it’s helping someone create a resume, manage a budget, or prepare a nutritious meal, your contributions ensure that we can offer personalized assistance and curriculum and make a lasting impact in the lives of those we serve. Thank you for making this life-changing work possible.

Future Projects

Life in and around the Cecil is constantly changing — and we are always on the lookout for ways to adapt to the ever-changing fabric of the Cecil. It is a place of Healing, Hope and Home — and the transformation is because of our supporters.

We are so thankful for your generous support, which makes programs like life skills training, Dishes and Dignity, and the Food Bank at the Cecil Hotel possible. Your contributions help residents build better lives through practical skills, healthier food, and much-needed kitchen supplies. But we can’t do it alone—we need your help to keep this work going. By becoming a monthly or one-time donor, you can partner with us to continue offering these important services. Together, we can help even more residents overcome challenges and find stability. Thank you for standing with us and considering ongoing support!

Thank you!