Our Story

What started as an opportunity for women to express their experiences and creativity through product design has turned into an opportunity for hands-on job training.

The Downtown Women’s Center was founded in 1978, making it the first and only organization in Los Angeles focused exclusively on serving and empowering women experiencing homelessness and formerly homeless women.

Throughout the years, the Downtown Women’s Center has grown to include many programs and support services, including a drop-in day center, permanent supportive housing, and health care services.

In 2011, MADE by DWC was launched offering women the opportunity to earn income while gaining job skills and experience. Women are employed within the social enterprise and attend skill-development workshops while receiving additional employment support services. Through this innovative approach, we continue to help women develop skills and gain the experience needed to find employment to support their transition out of homelessness.

MADE by DWC now includes three businesses - our Home & Gift Collection, our Resale Boutique, and our Cafe & Gift Boutique. All three provide women with opportunities to gain experience in production, inventory, retail, and customer service industries, while working in a supportive and empowering environment.

Every purchase you make at MADE by DWC empowers women transitioning out of homelessness.