Today we’d like to introduce you to LaTanya Sherman.
Hi LaTanya, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Project EDUCATE (also referred to as PJE), was founded in 2018 to exemplify the much needed change in response to Los Angeles’s homeless tragedy. Project EDUCATE envisions communities in which all of its residents have access to humane and dignified housing conditions and basic necessities for their sustainment. The 7-member volunteer board of directors includes professionals in the fields of law, national security, education, finance, healthcare, and business drawing on diverse expertise and experience in support of Project EDUCATE’s mission. Since 2018, Project EDUCATE has had the privilege of servicing thousands of individuals and intends to provide support to thousands more through our ever expanding programs and community support. We are committed to our mission of being the change we want to see.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
At Project Educte, we are proud to celebrate our journey marked by collaboration, dedication, and unwavering support from our exceptional board, passionate volunteers, and generous donors. Their commitment to our mission has paved the way for our continued success, allowing us to make a meaningful impact in the community. Together, we have built a strong foundation that inspires innovation and fosters resilience, proving that when we unite for a common cause, we can achieve remarkable outcomes.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Project Educate?
A 2024 census conducted by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) reported over 75,000 unhoused individuals in LA county with the largest population found in the city of Los Angeles at over 45,000 individuals. Keep in mind, these numbers only reflect individuals that could be accounted for. For reference, the SoFi stadium in Inglewood, California has a seating capacity of 70,240 people and is the largest NFL stadium. These numbers are simply unacceptable and require a collective community effort in order to enact sustainable positive change across the county. Here are some other statistics reflecting the reality of this tragedy:
65% of LA county’s homeless population are men with an estimated 3,000 being displaced veterans
33% of LA county’s homeless population are women
31% of LA county’s homeless population is Black (exemplifying on a micro level the generational impact of racial housing discrimination and exclusion from wealth building opportunities) while the county’s overall Black population is less than 8%
27% of LA county’s homeless population is reported to be suffering from substance abuse issues
24% of LA county’s homeless population is reported to be suffering from mental health illness
8% of LA county’s homeless population includes individuals under the age of 18
These are more than just numbers and percentages. These are people. Our neighbors. Families. Mothers. Fathers. And children. Each homeless individual represents an abundance of lost potential for the betterment of our communities and nation’s future.
This is why the work that Project EDUCATE does is more important than ever. Our vision is to transform hopelessness into purpose, desperation into motivation, and feelings of defeat into those of empowerment. We want to cultivate a path of independent and balanced living while providing motivation and incentives along the way.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
The Board of Directors and Advisors (Orlance Shirley, Kim Jackson-Matthews, Miralce Wilber, Evynn Davis, LaTonya Reliford, Sherrie Thomas, and Trenece Crawford-Bridgette) for their commitment and tireless efforts and belief in the mission, vision, and values of Project Educate, along with our volunteers and donors who have been instrumental in our achievements. The collective efforts of our board provide strategic guidance, while our volunteers bring energy and enthusiasm to our initiatives. Our donors’ generosity empowers us to expand our reach and deepen our impact. Together, they form the backbone of our organization, and it is because of them that we can continue to serve and uplift our community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.4projecteducate.org/
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/4projecteducate
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/4projecteducate
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4projecteducate
- Twitter: https://Twitter.com/Projecteducate3
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@projecteducate7167
- Other: TikTok.com: Project Educate @4projecteducate
