T.R.U.S.T. South LA is a community-based nonprofit and Community Land Trust (CLT). Our mission is to stabilize and revitalize historically disinvested neighborhoods through community-controlled land stewardship, equitable development, and climate resilience strategies that protect residents from displacement and environmental harm.
We work in South LA, a frontline community shaped by decades of systemic disinvestment, environmental racism, and racialized exclusion from economic opportunity.
Decades of neglect and disinvestment have left South LA residents to face the impacts of environmental injustice and climate change: poor air quality, limited tree canopy, inadequate active transportation, and extreme heat.
Over the past five years, community-led rapid response efforts like food and air purifier distributions, COVID-19 vaccination and education, and rental assistance services have highlighted the urgent needs of South LA residents.
These efforts highlighted the need for sustained investment in emergency relief and long-term solutions to address climate and socio-economic challenges, ensuring South LA communities are not just reactive, but resilient and prepared for the future.
T.R.U.S.T. South LA operates as a climate resilience center, despite lacking the structural infrastructure typically required for crisis response. Still, it remains a trusted refuge during emergencies. Through monthly membership meetings, social media, canvassing, and tabling events, T.R.U.S.T. has educated thousands on COVID-19, housing policy, the CLT model, and climate emergencies, while also building strong community relationships.
Since July 2025, over 75 surveys have been collected to gather input on the priorities a true climate resilience center should address, ensuring that future efforts reflect the community’s real needs and lived experiences.
We completed a visioning session facilitated by Section Shift with T.R.U.S.T. South LA staff, board, and residents to provide a narrative to NAC Architecture. They will put together a concept plan in order to launch a capital campaign on October 2nd. This campaign will launch a multiple year long process to complete engagement, design, and construction.
During times of crisis, whether pandemic, economic, or climate-related, T.R.U.S.T. South LA has consistently supported the community.
From 2020 to 2023, we helped feed over 5,000 families, distributed $6.4 million in emergency rental assistance, and reached 25,000 people with COVID-19 vaccine education. In response to the January 2025 LA fires, T.R.U.S.T. hosted five rapid distributions, providing 609 air purifiers, 270 anti-fog goggles, 13,500 children’s masks, and 3,600 packs of KN95 masks.
Through every crisis, T.R.U.S.T. South LA remains a vital hub for resources, education, and refuge, especially during extreme heat, fostering resilience and unity in the community.
T.R.U.S.T. South LA will be launching the capital campaign for the Climate Resilience Center on October 2, during our 20th Anniversary Celebration. Please donate or reach out for collaboration, any support you can provide, or to be a thought partner.