Conrad N. Hilton Foundation

When we empower refugees to contribute their skills and talents, we strengthen economies and build vibrant, inclusive societies. Meet our global partners working to foster refugee inclusion in their host communities, giving refugee and migrant families the opportunities to rebuild their lives.  RELON UGANDA, Refugees SEAT, El Barómetro, FUDELA - Ecuador

UNICEF's Global #ParentingMonth reminds us to care for our parents. When parents are well, their children have more opportunities to learn, play and grow. Investing in Children and their Societies (ICS SP) ensures that young mothers and fathers in Kenya have the support and community to provide nurturing care for their children and care for their own well-being. Beatrice Ogutu, director at ICS SP, Africa, shares more about the success of their Gender Transformative Parenting Program in a guest blog: https://lnkd.in/gCQRJZ3k

Today, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority released the results of the 2024 Point-in-Time Count — and they are promising. Here’s what we know: After years of steady increases in these Counts, the number of unhoused Angelenos is down 2.2% in the City of Los Angeles and down 0.2% across the County. If we go deeper, the number of people experiencing homelessness in L.A. County without shelter is down more than 5%, and the number of those with access to shelter is up more than 12%. These Point-in-Time Counts are vital in helping us understand our impact on the region, and it’s clear those involved are making important progress to turn the tide on the homelessness crisis.   While these numbers are promising, we still have a long way to go. Addressing the County’s historic homelessness and housing affordability crisis requires sustained and coordinated action. That’s why I’m so proud that earlier this week, I sat down with California Community Foundation President and CEO Miguel A. Santana and experts from across sectors for the inaugural meeting of the new Los Angeles County Leadership Table.   This governance body was just launched to increase coordination across the County’s approach to homelessness and provide a needed layer of accountability and oversight to help ensure more meaningful results are achieved in the years ahead. The Leadership Table will also play an important role in the implementation of the “Affordable Housing, Homelessness Solutions and Prevention Now” ballot measure, should it pass this November.   In light of the Supreme Court decision upholding a law aimed at banning homeless residents from sleeping outdoors, I remain optimistic that LA's city and county leaders will continue to build on the progress made. Making homelessness illegal does not solve homelessness. It is far more effective, and efficient, to address the root causes and provide services that get people off the street and into permanent housing. I am honored to contribute to developing a unified action plan to accelerate progress in solving this problem. The Hilton Foundation remains steadfast in our belief that homelessness in LA can — and must — be rare, brief, and one-time. I’m excited to work with all of you to make this a reality. https://lnkd.in/gzCDkqrj

United, we create a future that's equal and shines bright for all. We’re proud to partner with the Los Angeles LGBT Center in its mission to help the LGBTQ+ community, specifically assisting young people to build meaningful career pathways.   In 2021, our Opportunity Youth initiative helped the LA LGBT Center launch its Youth Employment Pilot program, and this month, they saw the official Youth Workforce Development Program in action, connecting young people to exciting and dignified work. Today, the LGBT Center serves more people in the LGBTQ+ community than any other organization in the world. During #PrideMonth and beyond, let’s join with orgs like Los Angeles LGBT Center and support their mission to create an equitable and inclusive future for all.

We are excited to announce the launch of a new Leadership Table focused on building one unified plan of action for addressing and preventing homelessness in Los Angeles County. Our CEO, Peter Laugharn, is teaming up with Miguel A. Santana, CEO of the California Community Foundation, and partnering with a diverse group of leaders across business, government, nonprofit sectors, and individuals with lived expertise to help accelerate progress and ensure that all Angelenos have a safe, dignified place to call home. Read the full press release: https://lnkd.in/gX-8Fw_r

Prioritizing locally-led development is a critical goal we share with USAID. We're excited about the progress made – increased funding and renewed commitment – but there's still a long road ahead. Shifting power dynamics and ensuring resources reach the most impactful local organizations will take dedication and ongoing collaboration.

In Zambia, remarkable groups of Catholic sisters are turning faith into action. On a recent visit, our Catholic Sisters initiative team was incredibly impressed by the Sisters' commitment to their communities. The sisters have launched social enterprises, created higher education opportunities, empowered young people, provided care for older sisters, and even fostered agricultural development. This work is a powerful testament to the impact of the sisters, and we feel privileged to support their inspiring efforts.

What if refugees could design the policies and programs that actually help them integrate into their new communities? Ana Karina Garcia, president of Fundación Juntos Se Puede, says: We need a whole new system for #refugees, one where they have a say. #WorldRefugeeDay Read more stories from local leaders in Devex new series' Roots of Change: Taking locally led development from rhetoric to reality. https://lnkd.in/g_YVgEea

“Nothing about us without us” isn’t just a slogan, it’s the foundation for refugee inclusion. On #WorldRefugeeDay, refugee leaders share what the statement means to them and their organizations’ missions to uphold the rights and acknowledge the resilience of displaced communities. Thank you to our partners Refugees SEAT, RELON UGANDA and Opportunities Industrialization Centers Ethiopia (OICE) for sharing your voices with us and uplifting the strength and power of refugee communities.

This #Juneteenth, we celebrate the fight for freedom and remember that achieving true justice, inclusion and equality requires collective action. Last month, we convened our Equity Fund partners in Alabama. We heard from transformative figures, like Raymond C. Pierce from the Southern Education Foundation, William P. Jackson from the Village of Wisdom, and Vangela M. Wade from the Mississippi Center For Justice, who are shaping a future in their communities where everyone belongs. The convening provided an opportunity to deepen our shared understanding of the histories of communities typically underserved by philanthropy. By working hand-in-hand with those closest to the challenges and strengthening local partnerships, we can develop solutions with lasting impact.