LAMP Community (originally the Los Angeles Men’s Place) is a nonprofit organization based in the Skid Row district of Los Angeles, California. The agency’s primary mission is to end chronic homelessness, improve health outcomes, and promote self‑sufficiency among adults and families living with severe mental illness.
History
The organization was founded in 1985 by Mollie Lowery and Frank Rice as a nighttime drop‑in center for homeless men experiencing mental health challenges. Over time, the service expanded to provide permanent supportive housing and a range of complementary social services. In 2016, LAMP merged with the organization OPCC, resulting in the formation of The People Concern Services, though the LAMP Community name continues to denote the specific housing and support programs it operates.
Program model
LAMP Community is recognized for pioneering the “Housing First” approach, which offers immediate access to stable, affordable housing without requiring sobriety or participation in treatment as a precondition. After securing housing, tenants receive individualized services that may include mental‑health treatment, substance‑use recovery support, primary health care, budgeting and financial‑literacy training, employment assistance, and opportunities in visual and performing arts.
Operations
The organization operates multiple permanent supportive‑housing sites throughout Skid Row and surrounding areas. Staff members often include former tenants, and a volunteer program is available for community members who wish to contribute. LAMP’s services are intended to foster long‑term stability and integration of formerly homeless individuals into the broader community.
Cultural references
LAMP Community was featured in the 2009 film The Soloist, which portrayed the organization’s role in supporting individuals with mental illness and homelessness.
Affiliations
Following the 2016 merger, LAMP Community functions as a programmatic component of The People Concern, one of the largest social‑service agencies in Los Angeles County.
References
- Wikipedia article “LAMP Community.”
- The People Concern official website.
Accurate information is not confirmed.