Climate
Climate Services
Poor housing conditions are among the most important quality of life issues facing residents of South Los Angeles, especially low-income seniors and disabled individuals. That’s why for over 30 years, WLCAC has provided the residents of South Los Angeles with Weatherization and Energy Conservation services funded by the Gas Company, and minor home repairs through our Handyworker program for elderly and disabled residents with low income. Installing new energy saving insulation for homes and making them more climate resilient leading to an overall reduction of gas and electricity costs. Housing care is a vital part of advancing Ted Watkin’s philosophy of mission of “don’t move, improve”.
These repairs and upgrades have a lasting impact that is improving the quality of life for residents and staff alike. WLCAC has been a prime employer of formerly incarcerated individuals, hiring a number of qualified individuals to work for the Handyworker program according to their skill set and area of interest. All eligible WLCAC employees are encouraged to participate in WLCAC programs to enhance their personal growth and success, whether through supportive housing service, family counseling, gang prevention for youth, or senior services. As a Handyworker service provider, not only are clients receiving excellent service, but the funding supports a layered approach to improving the quality of life for the City of Los Angeles by improving access to a range of public services and by hiring justice involved individuals.
MudTown Farms
WLCAC developed MudTown Farms, a 2.5-acre urban agricultural center and community space, in an effort to provide a more robust and accessible community food system, dedicated to providing healthy locally grown produce, community gardening, farming, and job training.
The name MudTown is derived from the muddy streets and shanty towns where Black residents lived south of 103rd Street. Now it is a dream realized, an urban oasis more than a decade in the making bringing hope, abundant growth, and a new meaning and honor to WLCAC and Watts residents.
More than a simple farm and urban park, MudTown is a community hub of environmental justice, education and economic opportunities, bringing agricultural sustainability practices to Watts and South Los Angeles. Built by the community and designed for it, MudTown serves as a model for nurturing the spiritual, physical, and economic health of urban communities, ensuring food security, communal growth, for future generations.
Donate by clicking the button below and selecting MudTown Farms as your designation, or contact us for other ways to get involved at (323) 563-5639.
Our Impact
Climate Services believes that fostering a culture of sustainability and engagement with the environment will empower residents and future generations to build a community of ecological abundance.
Our Team
Thelmy Alvarez
- Director of Climate Services
- talvarez@wlcac.org
Ava Post Koo
- Green Initiatives Interim Director
- apost@wlcac.org
We Offer
Free Produce Distribution
We provide seasonal, fresh, organically grown food every Wednesday morning harvested from the farm by community volunteers and our farmers! Additional distributions occur every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at our main campus, distributing over 16,000lbs of produce each event.
Watts Yardners
Renter-friendly backyard farm installations for Watts residents that includes a one-on-one garden consultation, personalized design, and installation by our experienced farm crew and volunteers.
Gardening Classes
Learn how to farm and garden with our experienced farm instructors on a variety of topics including garden design, how to grow, and how to keep your plants healthy and productive.
Community Events
Enjoy a variety of community events at the farm including yoga, walking clubs, community meetings, and more!
Community Meeting Space Rentals
Enjoy your next meeting overlooking the farm in our community room! Equipped with a small kitchenette, private bathrooms, and 360 degree views of the Farm and Watts. Contact Rosby Sazo rsazo@wlcac.org to book your event today!
Handyworker Program
Students will learn the basics of different forms of media. Inviting them to push boundaries and create collective pieces that represent who they are and where they’re from.
Staff Stories
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Client Stories
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