Housing Support for Formely Incarcerated Students

11-21-2025 

 Dear Friend,

 During this season of giving thanks, we recognize that some among us have little to celebrate during the holidays. I know you care, which is why I want to share a meaningful way to help some of the most underserved and forgotten people in our community who are struggling to find affordable housing, finish college (some live in their cars), secure jobs, pay rent, and are eager to improve their lives. 

 You may know WE LIFT LA for our work helping former foster youth move forward after aging out of foster care. This year, we have increased our focus on enabling formerly incarcerated individuals to reintegrate into their communities through education (70% of the inmates in the California prison system are former foster youth). This benefits our entire community because the rate of recidivism (return to prison) is high when released inmates lack affordable housing, money, food, and jobs. That’s why we now partner with Project Rebound at California State University, Northridge.

 Project Rebound is a highly respected program within the Cal State University system that supports higher education and the successful reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals. Established in 1967 at San Francisco State University, the program now offers academic, financial, and personal assistance in securing affordable housing, as well as career development across 19 CSU campuses, including Northridge. Its efforts have significantly lowered recidivism rates to an average of 1% in the communities it serves.                                                              

Working with Project Rebound, WE LIFT LA offers support because much of the necessary assistance isn't budgeted at CSUN. In the difficult task of securing affordable housing, which is especially challenging in Los Angeles, we help with rental applications and provide rent assistance like deposits and first and last month's rent. We also assist with university applications and enrollment, as well as navigating the complexities of financial aid. Furthermore, we support basic needs and offer personal guidance and encouragement. 

To see why your caring support is so important, I’d like you tell you about one of the special Project Rebound students.

JOSE ROSALES is a Global Supply Chain Management major at CSUN, an honors student who has also given back to his community. However, he’s faced a year of crisis: a stroke, three brain surgeries, and the passing of his wife. He is still struggling with health issues.  Through perseverance, he is doing very well in his rehabilitation. He needs urgent help as he struggles with debt and the threat of losing his apartment at the end of December. WE LIFT LA is working closely with Jose, clearing up some of his student loans so he can return to CSUN in January and graduate in May of 2026. 

We need your help to LIFT Project Rebound students from crisis to success!

Your support for WE LIFT LA can make a difference for formerly incarcerated students working to achieve a productive future. Please contribute to Weliftla.com however you can. Help transform a life today! 

 

Best wishes for the holidays! 

Joyce Harmon,

 

Founder and President

818 974-9373