who we are
our mission
UBH is committed to reducing the number of homelessness among families with children in Los Angeles County, by providing housing, individualized services, and advocacy.
Our mission is to empower the family unit with a 360° approach; equipping them to successfully transition into their own residence with the capacity to remain permanently. We believe that every family, no matter their circumstances, deserves the opportunity to achieve self-sufficiency.
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"Upward Bound House has taught me a lot, not just provided resources --
they're a big part of why I am where I am today."
our history
today
UBH continues to serve L.A.’s neediest families and children, placing family empowerment at the core of our work. In keeping with our original mission to help families thrive, our model – of providing a comprehensive, holistic approach to break the cycle of poverty and help children, youth, and families reach their full potential.
2017
In 2017, UBH made a conscious choice to expand its services to South Los Angeles, one of the most impoverished, disenfranchised communities in the United States. UBH leased vacant duplexes and single-family homes for use as shelter. In a 24-month period, UBH created 62 new shelter units and more than doubled the shelter capacity of the entire organization.
2015
From a generous donation, UBH acquired our now urban farm in Santa Monica. What began as a piece of land has blossomed into something truly extraordinary—a sanctuary where families find nourishment, stability, and hope.
2013
UBH co-founded the Family Solutions Center (FSC) in Service Planning Area 5, which covers the Westside. At the time, Los Angeles County wanted to fund FSCs to better coordinate and utilize homeless programs. UBH, conversely, chose to partner with St. Joseph Center for the betterment of the community.
2007
Birth of Family Shelter -- an emergency shelter program in Culver City. Prior to the opening of the program, there was not a single emergency shelter for families on the Westside of Los Angeles. UBH also purchased the Sun Motel, which for years had been a nuisance business, rife with drug use, prostitution and crime. UBH’s rehabilitation of the motel into an attractive housing facility not only met the critical needs of homeless families, but had a ripple effect – and still does – on the community, helping to stabilize and improve an area that had been experiencing quick socio-economic decline.
1991
UBH was founded in 1990 by leaders of the First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica in response to the emerging affordable housing crisis. With a resolute conviction that no child should ever have to sleep on a cold sidewalk or in a dark alleyway, UBH began offering shelter through a four-unit building shortly after incorporating as a non-profit organization in 1991.