Our vision is a community where every neighbor thrives.

Our mission is to build a community-led response to homelessness in Los Angeles that addresses the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors and activates an empowered coalition of participants, volunteers and partners.

SELAH Neighborhood Homeless Coalition is a 501(c)(3) organization of neighborhood organizers who recognize unhoused individuals as fellow members of our community worthy of the same dignity, respect and representation afforded to any housed person.

Pictured: Cindy, Participant & Volunteer

OUR VALUES

Dignity

Reliability

Connection

Accessibility

Adaptability

• Dignity • Reliability • Connection • Accessibility • Adaptability

About Us

  • SELAH was founded by Darius Derakshan, Dorit Dowler-Guerrero, Cat Kim, Janet Kim and Nithya Raman on May 5th, 2017, over many cups of coffee and after a months-long deep dive to see how our city and our community were responding to the homelessness crisis in Los Angeles.

    Our goal was to take an active, compassionate and solutions-oriented approach to helping our neighbors. On May 22, 2017, we invited homeless activists, nonprofits, local service providers, elected officials and eager volunteers to join us for SELAH’s official launch — and to pledge to be part of the solution to this crisis.

  • It's in our name! We operate in the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Silver Lake, Echo Park, Los Feliz, Atwater and Hollywood. See our schedule of services.

  • Do you want to help ensure that our most vulnerable neighbors have access to as much community support and political recognition as possible? There are so many ways to get involved!

  • “I come to be around people. I love the energy I get here. Thank you. You always make me feel good and I'm glad to be part of the community!”

    Cindy, Participant & Volunteer

  • “You all are wonderful. I feel so welcomed and cared for here.”

    Deborah, Participant

  • “I can’t emphasize enough the mental relief of plugging into an initiative that actually helps the unhoused people in my neighborhood.”

    Megan, Volunteer

  • “As a senior I really appreciate the opportunity that SELAH provides for me to socialize with others in a safe and welcoming environment. I get so much positive reinforcement that helps me throughout my day and week."

    Patrick, Participant & Volunteer