We are honored to share that Made by DWC Café & Boutique — our social enterprise in downtown Los Angeles’ Skid Row — was recently featured in a heartfelt story on LAist (NPR) titled “Coffee and safe haven: Inside the Skid Row cafe run by formerly unhoused women.”
A Café with Purpose: More Than Just Great Coffee
Walking into Made by DWC Café feels like stepping into any welcoming, independent coffee shop. You’ll find smiling baristas, community tables, and a display of pastries from our partners at Homeboy Industries.
But there’s something powerful behind the counter — every woman you meet behind the espresso machine is working toward stability, independence, and a brighter future. The café is staffed and run by women who are transitioning out of homelessness through paid training, employment, and supportive housing.
Stories of Resilience & Second Chances
One of the women featured in the LAist story is LaShornda, who has worked at the café for more than four years. After receiving supportive housing through the Downtown Women’s Center and rebuilding her life, she now trains new team members and helps others find confidence and stability in their first job after years on the street.
As she shared in the feature:
“We always get second chances. And it was a struggle.”
Her journey reflects the heart of what Made by DWC is all about — not just coffee, but community, opportunity, and dignity-centered work.
A Place to Gather — and Grow
For over a decade, Made by DWC has served the Skid Row community, offering not only quality coffee but also a calm, safe space to sit, connect, and engage — something that’s rare in this neighborhood.
The café also complements other Made by DWC social enterprise initiatives, including our Home & Gift Collection and Resale Boutique.
Supporting Women Moving Forward
Every latte, every visit, every conversation helps fuel a broader mission: to provide meaningful employment, job training, and community connection for women on their journey out of homelessness. The Downtown Women’s Center serves roughly 5,000 people annually through housing, workforce development, and supportive services.
Read the Full Feature
We’re incredibly grateful to LAist for spotlighting this story with care and respect. If you’d like to read and listen to the full piece, here’s the link:
👉 Coffee and safe haven: Inside the Skid Row cafe run by formerly unhoused women — https://laist.com/news/los-angeles-activities/skid-row-cafe-run-by-formerly-unhoused-women