HELPING OTHERS

Uplifting The Communities In Greater Los Angeles

HELPING LOCALLY, BLESSING GLOBALLY.

Our Mission

Uplifting our community

We’ve helped the homeless and made a positive impact on society through recycling, knitting sessions, and neighborhood clean-up programs. Our vegan dinners were a hit, and we’re proud to announce new programs to uplift and empower teenagers. Join us in our mission for sustainability and social change.

We go the Vegan Way

For 9+ years, we’ve proudly served vegan meals aligned with our values of compassion, love, and kindness. Prioritizing these values keeps our minds, bodies, communities, and planet healthy. Plant-based foods nourish us and benefit animals and the environment.

Helping the unhoused

At our core, we believe in the power of individuals to effect positive change. Together, we can eradicate homelessness from our communities. Our faith in a higher power guides us and empowers us to take action. Let’s join forces in the fight against homelessness. We can all play a role in creating a more just and equitable society.

Environment

As an environmental organization, we prioritize educating volunteers on sustainable practices like water conservation, recycling, composting, and zero-waste initiatives. Our goal is to empower individuals to protect the planet for future generations. We also assist local businesses in Los Angeles with effective recycling programs to reduce waste and promote sustainability.

"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members."


– Coretta Scott King

Our Vision

We Are Uno

At We Are UNO, our dedication to uplifting the lives of unhoused individuals manifests through the provision of nourishing, homemade vegan meals, served with warmth and compassion thrice weekly. Beyond the essential sustenance, we extend our support with clothing, footwear, mobile phones, and blankets—items that not only meet basic needs but also restore dignity and comfort.

Our commitment transcends physical aid; we embrace and nurture the spiritual well-being of every individual we serve, respecting and honoring all religious beliefs and practices. Witnessing the light of hope rekindled in their eyes, and hearing their voices share stories of renewed faith and gratitude, fuels our mission and affirms the profound impact of our work.

 

Future Vision

A testament to the generosity that surrounds We Are UNO, a kindly donated RV has become our “Give a Break” sanctuary, offering a temporary haven for those in dire need of shelter. This initiative currently provides a transitional refuge for individuals on their journey to securing permanent housing, offering them not just a place to stay, but a respite for their souls.

Looking ahead, we envision the establishment of an intentional vegan community—a sanctuary free from alcohol, cannabis, and drugs. This community will be a beacon for those aspiring to lead a substance-free life, united by shared values and the pursuit of spiritual growth. It will serve as a foundation for mutual support, where individuals can thrive in an environment of understanding, peace, and shared purpose.

In this haven, the core of our collective existence will be the inner spirituality that guides us, fostering a space where individuals can explore and cultivate their spiritual path in harmony with nature and one another. Our vision is bold yet simple: to create a sanctuary that not only supports the body and mind but also nourishes the soul, offering a holistic approach to rehabilitation and communal living.

 

"Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness."


– Desmond Tutu

Help Empower Lives

wHY GET INVOLVED?

Engaging in acts of kindness and support, whether for an individual or an organization like ours, cultivates a sense of purpose and yields a deeper satisfaction than merely receiving. If you’ve yet to discover the joy of such involvement, we offer you a golden opportunity to partake in something truly fulfilling that promises to transform your perspective on life.

Consider the plight of those we refer to as unhoused individuals—a term we use with the conviction that everyone is entitled to shelter, as intended by the Creator. If the sight of people living on the streets stirs something in you, then our mission resonates with your values. This endeavor is more than a campaign; it’s our pledge to eradicate the conditions of homelessness, alleviating the hardships of lack, anxiety, and despair for our brothers and sisters.

We’re dedicated to transforming the landscape of the unhoused, one life at a time, and invite you to join us in this noble pursuit. Your involvement could be the key to turning the tide for many, offering not just aid but hope and a pathway to a brighter future.

 

HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Donations: Every little bit helps. From clothing and food to hygiene products and financial contributions, your donations directly support our efforts to provide relief and aid to the unhoused.

Volunteering: Lend us your time and skills! We have numerous volunteering opportunities available, ranging from direct aid distribution to event organization. Contact us to find out how you can get involved.

Stay Informed: Keeping up with our projects and success stories is a great way to understand the impact of your contributions. Follow us on our social media platforms and subscribe to our newsletter for updates.

Spread the Word: Awareness is key. By talking about our initiatives, you help us reach more people who can contribute or benefit from our services.

 

"In a gentle way, you can shake the world."


– Mahatma Gandhi

Who we are

Ingrid Butaya

Ingrid Butaya stands as the driving force and soul behind WE ARE UNO, embodying the compassion and commitment that propel our mission forward. From a tender age, Ingrid harbored a profound dream: to extend a helping hand to those in need, irrespective of their circumstances. This dream wasn’t fleeting; it was a calling that shaped her life’s direction.

Her journey from childhood aspirations to spearheading initiatives for both housed and unhoused communities is a testament to her unwavering dedication. Ingrid’s vision has always been clear—to bridge divides, heal divides, and create inclusive spaces where every individual receives the respect, support, and opportunities they deserve.

Under her leadership, WE ARE UNO has transformed from a mere concept into a vibrant community of activists, volunteers, and advocates. Together, driven by Ingrid’s passionate resolve, we work tirelessly to improve the quality of life for all, ensuring that compassion and action go hand in hand.

Ingrid Butaya isn’t just the heart of WE ARE UNO; she’s a beacon of hope and a reminder that with determination and unity, we can forge a world where kindness reigns supreme.

 

Why do we use the word unhoused instead of homeless?
As a faith-based organization we know that the divine Spirit has already given every individual a home for refuge and strength.