Pukuu Cultural Community Services

With the largest urban Indian population in the country, American Indians in Los Angeles County face severe economic challenges. This includes a dispersed residential pattern, chronic poverty and a lack of reliable access to educational, developmental and outreach services. In addition, on average, a full time/full year American Indian employee earns approximately 40% less than a non-Hispanic white counterpart, increasing the chances for a crisis to push that person below the poverty line. To address this situation, Pukuu, Cultural Community Services, co-funded by community partners and a Los Angeles County Community Services Block Grant, created the One Stop Emergency Service Center (OSES). This center currently offers intervention to clients in the form of temporary aid. In addition, the center has employment education and training programs to facilitate self-sufficiency for the beneficiary. This grant allowed for an improved infrastructure and outreach program that lead to the non-profit to more than double their previous service base. Field managers, outreach specialists and other temporary personnel, along with the rental of a larger office space provided a vital role for making this program lasting and sustainable, with an immediate direct impact on the needs of its beneficiaries. Through its programs and intended expansion, the center promotes three direct areas of impact. First, it prevents clients on the threshold of poverty from slipping into need due to an unforeseen or unintended crisis. Second, it takes beneficiaries already in poverty and gives them access to employment education and training programs that transition them out of their current situation. Finally, the program strengthens cultural ties throughout the American Indian community of Los Angeles, creating self-actuated support networks that reduce reliance on federal and state resources.