Poverty isn’t a personal failure—it’s engineered by policy. Racist systems, punitive rules, and bureaucratic barriers deny housing, healthcare, and income, locking families into crisis. Our 2025 CalWORKs reforms target discriminatory policy at its root. #PovertyAwarenessMonth #ReimagineCalWORKs

"The Governor’s proposed budget is a sobering about face after the aspirational State of the State rhetoric. Instead of a beacon of California values, the budget represents a continued assault on low-income communities." Read our analysis of the proposed CA 2026-2027 budget here. shorturl.at/upVGS

"This moment demands clarity: What kind of California are we building? A state that invests in the stability of its people, or a state that mimics the cruelty and austerity of the federal government?" Read our analysis of the budget proposed by @cagovernornewsom.bsky.social. wclp.org/proposed-bud...

California is a global economic powerhouse—yet 17.7% of residents lack the resources to meet basic needs, roughly 7 million living in poverty. Since 1967, Western Center has worked aggressively on solutions to transform systems that fail the people they’re meant to serve. Poverty is preventable.

Make today the day you contribute to the vital work of Western Center. As we cross the horizon to a new year, our fight for economic and racial justice continues. Donate here: wclp.org/donate/

Our vision for a more just California has faced a storm of policy and systemic failures this year. From increasing instability in health care and renter protections, the challenges rage around us. Your support expands racial and economic justice for all Californians. DONATE TODAY! wclp.org/donate/

TOGETHER, there is HOPE—and YOU are part of it. Your support helps Western Center fight for access to food, housing, and healthcare for millions of Californians. GIVE by Dec 31 to build a more just, inclusive California for all. youtu.be/zsFVog6CQe0?...

Our advocacy has successfully fought to protect health care funding, to ensure disabled Black and Latine young people get the services they need, and to build economic and racial justice that lasts. But we can’t do it alone. Stand with us. Stand with all Californians. GIVE TODAY. wclp.org/donate/

Your support fuels legislative advocacy and impact litigation that protects tenants, ensures access to healthcare, and stands up for families who deserve stability and hope. Your donation contributes to a greater future where everyone thrives. We urge you to DONATE NOW. wclp.org/donate/

As we near the end of Native American Heritage Month, we honor the shared purpose that indigenous cultures celebrate. As we look forward with hope, may the wisdom and perspective they provide guide us toward a just future. Read this month's blog by Exec. Dir. Cori Racela. wclp.org/making-all-t...

Everyone should be able to live the life they want. When people don’t need to worry about their health, or having a roof over their head, or where their next meal will come from, we all thrive. Please GIVE TODAY to preserve and build a democracy that protects everybody. wclp.org/donate/

Western Center's 2025 Annual Campaign may be more critical than most. ⁠ ⁠ Every dollar you donate fuels the work we do, the team we build, and the communities we strengthen.⁠ ⁠ DONATE TODAY at the link in our bio to help us to continue the fight!⁠ #WesternCenter #BeTheChange #socialjustice

During federal shutdowns, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is refusing to pay out full SNAP benefits, jeopardizing access to food for 42 million low-income households. We're suing to challenge this. Read more about our lawsuit here. wclp.org/snap-2025-fi...

Today is the #SNAPDayOfAction, and we need you to join us and act now. 42 million Americans are at risk of losing SNAP benefits on Nov 1st. USDA has a contingency fund but hasn't released it. Contact your Members of Congress today.

TONIGHT! Garden Party 2025 See you all there-

JOIN Western Center in the fight for justice and equity! JOIN US in transforming lives as we challenge unjust systems and uplift communities. Listen to how we’re driving change. STAND WITH US in solidarity to demand justice for all. 💪🏽 #EndPoverty #SocialJustice #LegalAdvocacy #WesternCenter

Garden Party is one week away! Join us as we celebrate another year of fighting for a more just California. Tickets and sponsorships are available this week only: wclp.org/annual-garde...

This year's World Mental Health Day emphasizes the urgent need for mental health and psycho-social support for people affected by crises like conflicts, natural disasters, and pandemics. Western Center supports providing and improving access to critical care particularly during times of need.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of community, culture & justice at Garden Party on Oct. 22. We’re honoring Jason De León, John Pollock & Doreena Wong, leaders shaping a more just future. Featuring Son Jarocho music by Jarochelo & Friends. wclp.org/garden-party...

The success of our advocacy efforts in the California legislature led to 11 bills teed up to be signed by Governor Newsom, who has until Oct 13 to sign or veto. We support policies that keep families together and keep people out of poverty. See our Legislation Tracker for a list-- shorturl.at/8GWOs

We are thrilled to present Doreena Wong with the Mary Burdick Advocates Award at Garden Party on Oct. 22. For nearly 40 years, she has led efforts to expand language access, advance health equity, and champion LGBTQ+ rights. Tickets available now: wclp.org/garden-party...

Join us on Oct 22 at the Garden Party as we honor John Pollock with the Earl Johnson Equal Justice Award. For over a decade John has defended the civil right to counsel for low-income families across 45 states. Tickets are available now: wclp.org/garden-party...

We’re honored to present the 2025 Derrick Bell Award to Jason De León: National Book Award winner, anthropologist, and archaeologist. Join us Oct. 22 as we celebrate not only his work, but also the legacy of Derrick Bell. wclp.org/garden-party...

Tickets are now on sale for this year’s Garden Party! wclp.org/garden-party... Join us on Oct 22 at The Ebell of LA where we’ll come together to celebrate the trailblazers advancing racial and economic justice. Support the largest and most celebrated social justice event in California!

On August 26, 1920, women fought for and won the right to vote. Today, the rights of ALL women are under threat. On Women’s Equality Day we will continue to push for policies and advocate to support the needs of women throughout California and across the country. #womensequalityday

Join us August 5th for a special Meet the Advocates Webinar. Learn about the health cuts in the 2025-26 budget targeting immigrant families and older adults. Register here: wclp-org.zoom.us/webinar/regi... #WCLP #MeetTheAdvocates

📢 “Our communities have a message: You can’t say you value immigrants while stripping them of their basic right to live a healthy life.” California demands its leaders fight for and protect #Health4All. 🏥🩺 Read the full op-ed from CPEHN partner Genevieve Haro from MICOP here ⬇️

"[This bill] rips $220 billion dollars out of local economies. These are not just numbers on a page — they represent lost jobs, empty refrigerators, hungry children, and stolen futures in our communities." -Keely O'Brien, WCLP Policy Advocate www.cafoodbanks.org/blog/histori...

STOP THE TERMINATION OF OUR HEALTH CARE If Congress passes the Federal Reconciliation Bill that's on the table, this will terminate health care for 16 million people nationwide. Your voice needs to be heard. Fight for your HEALTH CARE! Respond to Congress NOW. secure.everyaction.com/jsh9BEplzUi5...

Linda Nguy from @westerncenter.bsky.social speaks on the CA Legislature's revisions to the May Revise. 🗣️"We are disappointed that discriminatory #MediCal cuts remain. This will permanently lock people out of healthcare access and impose still unaffordable premiums, widening healthcare disparities."

This weekend across Los Angeles, ICE raids led to arrests & detainments targeting residents in workplaces, in the streets, & courthouses violating the constitutional rights of community members and spreading fear. This culminated in the violent arrest of SEIU California Union President David Huerta.

The CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable EBT Program helps families access fresh fruits & vegetables but it needs more funding to continue. Let's make sure this program is funded in the state budget! @governor.ca.gov‬, @caspeakerrivas.bsky.social‬, #SenatorMikeMcGuire — #BringBackFruits&Veggies #CalFresh

AB 461 (Ahrens) has officially passed the California Assembly! AB 461 ends the harmful criminalization and economic sanctions against families facing school attendance challenges. Next stop: the California Senate! #AB461 #ReimagineCalWORKs #EndChildPoverty #FamiliesNotFines

Our co-sponsored bill passed the CA Legislature with 25 Aye votes. SB436 gives tenants the crucial gift of time–time to collect their last paycheck or find other ways to pay rent, extending the pay or quit notice period from 3 to 14 days to help stay safely housed. sd10.senate.ca.gov/news/senator...

🎉 Victory! #SB290 (Smallwood-Cuevas) Has Passed! We're thrilled to share that SB 290 has officially passed—marking a major step forward for dignity and access in California's #CalWORKs program. #SB290 #CalWORKs #EquityInAction #CaliforniaLegislation #PeopleFirstPolicy

The Governor’s proposed budget cuts will have direct and immediate impact on the state’s most vulnerable residents, and fails to advance more equitable tax policies. READ OUR STATEMENT: Analysis Of Governor Newsom’s May Revision of California’s 2025-2026 Budget mailchi.mp/wclp.org/may...

This week we honored the International Day of the Midwife. Their important role in comprehensive reproductive care, preconception to postpartum, is a dire need- particularly in fragile health systems in rural and low income communities. Read our blog. Support AB 55! #midwife wclp.org/centering-mi...

The rent is too damn high but California State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez is on the case with the End AI Rent Hikes Act #SB52. www.youtube.com/shorts/xNFnS... @acceaction.bsky.social @housingnowca.bsky.social @westerncenter.bsky.social

MOVING FORWARD SB52 got out of Senate Judiciary yesterday! The bill prohibits using algorithmic tools to coordinate rent increases and makes this collusion illegal. Let’s protect tenants from exploitive practices and ensure that technology isn't used for displacement! Thx to @senatorsrp.bsky.social

The End AI Rent Hikes Act #SB52 will ban this tech, protecting Californians from worsening housing instability and homelessness. Learn more: techequity.us/end-ai-rent-... @acceaction.bsky.social @westerncenter.bsky.social @senatorsrp.bsky.social

The evidence is clear: fines and jail time for homelessness cost more than housing and services. We must stop spending money to make homelessness worse. SB 634 is common-sense fiscal policy. @SenatorJohnLaird @scott_wiener @sencabaldon @JesseArreguin vote #YESonSB634

On Cesar Chavez Day, Western Center honors his legacy and his fight for workers' rights and civil rights. We stand in solidarity with all working people--no matter where they work or where they are from--and celebrate the transformative power of our unity. #ConEstasManos #CesarChavezDay

This powerful @LATimes editorial calls out City officials for trying to kill the Venice Dell affordable housing project—despite two prior LA City Council approvals. City Council must support #VeniceDell and affordable housing in Los Angeles! #EndHomelessness #AffordableHousing rb.gy/rpzt3i

Passing the responsibility of SNAP to states will only make it harder for low-income families. The data thread says it all. 🧵

We congratulate Shirley & Daniel Freeman for helping more than 1,000 families get justice against illegally-collected fees. We're proud to have worked with them and with @youthlaw.bsky.social. Their IMPACT FUND AWARD was a well-deserved acknowledgement for their efforts. medium.com/ncyl-news/re...

Medicaid (Medi-Cal) is a lifeline for over 15m Californians, providing essential care to families, seniors, & children. Yet the House Budget Committee approved $880b in cuts. ** ACT NOW and register your opposition (link in bio) ** ⁠ This budget cut will affect EVERYONE!⁠ ⁠ #FightForOurHealth

We're enormously proud of this successful case and the 5-yr plan to ensure that students with disabilities, particularly Black students, are no longer segregated and are given the resources they need to thrive. Listen here to the Capradio piece by @prabhalems.bsky.social wclp.org/scusd_discri...

"We advance social justice by eliminating barriers people face because of gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture or disability." -UN We encourage you to take a moment today to learn more and better understand the work that needs to be done here at home. www.usnews.com/.../committe...

The 2025-2026 January Budget Proposal from @cagovernornewsom.bsky.social may benefit from a budget surplus, but innovative solutions are lacking and it neglects to address houselessness in favor of sweeps. Read our summary here. shorturl.at/uCSTq