Non-Profit 501(c)(3) · Los Angeles, CA
Project EDUCATE
“Homelessness is nothing short of a Human Tragedy”
To prevent the suffering and improve the quality of life for homeless men, women, and
children by providing resources that offer immediate relief and programs that assist with the
transition to safe environments and healthy living.
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OUR MISSION
To prevent suffering and improve the quality of life for homeless men, women, and children by providing resources that offer immediate relief and programs that assist with the transition to safe environments and healthy living.
Our Story
Creating Innovative Solutions To Homelessness
Project EDUCATE (also referred to as PJE), founded in 2018 by CEO LaTanya Sherman, is a Los Angeles based 501(c)(3) non-profit that seeks to exemplify the much-needed change in response to Los Angeles’s homeless tragedy. Project EDUCATE envisions
communities in which all of its residents have access to humane and dignified housing conditions and basic necessities for their sustainment.
5
Flagship
Programs
100%
Volunteer
Driven
LA
County Focus
501c3
Flagship
Programs
EFDI Humanitarian Award 2023 — Recognized by Shout Out LA, Voyage, Playa Vista Magazine, 102.3 KJLH, and 93.5 KDAY for outstanding community impact.
Our Impact
Flagship Programs
Each program addresses a specific need in our community, providing immediate relief and long-term support.
Fitness Education Diet
Fitness Education Diet
Food, Education, and Diet (FED) is revolutionizing the intersection of health education and accessibility for populations who need it most. FED emphasizes the importance of nutrition, physical wellness, and healthy lifestyle choices for unhoused individuals across Los Angeles County.
Toiletries & Grooming
Toiletries & Grooming
Toiletries and Grooming (TAG), established in 2019, seeks to restore dignity to our unhoused population by providing basic essential commodities such as soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, and grooming services — because everyone deserves to feel human.
Bringing Love & Opportunities to Moms
Advocating for women & wellness
Bringing Love, Opportunities, and Optimism to Moms (BLOOM) is our annual event that advocates for women and their wellness. We provide resources, care, and opportunities to support homeless mothers in building a better future for themselves and their children.
Helping Others Pursue Education
Helping Others Pursue Education
Homeless Opportunities to Pursue Education (HOPE) is an extension of FED’s intent, seeking to stimulate intellectual development in areas that empower unhoused individuals. HOPE connects people with educational resources and pathways to academic achievement and self-sufficiency.
Social Wellness Action Plan
Social Wellness Action Plan
Social Wellness Action Plan (SWAP) is perhaps our favorite program — its sole purpose is to celebrate joy and provide our unhoused community with space to be seen and celebrated. SWAP addresses mental, social, and physical health needs through community gatherings and wellness activities.
Unhoused in LA County (2024 LAHSA Census)
0
K+
In the City of Los Angeles alone
0
K+
Cited economic hardship as the cause in 2024
0
%
Under 18 years old
0
+
Why the matter
The Reality of Homelessness in LA County
- 24% suffer from mental health illness
- 27% experience substance abuse issues
- 31% are Black — while LA County's Black population is less than 8%
- 65% are men, with an estimated 3,000 displaced veterans
- 33% are women
- SoFi Stadium seats 70,240 - the homeless population exceeds that
Why the matter
The People Behind The Mission
We are a small team united by a single goal. We’re guided by commitment,
compassion, and community service.
Chief Executive Officer & Founder
LaTanya is a fierce advocate for the underserved in her community drawing from personal experiences with homelessness, a passion for change, and an educational background in social and behavioral sciences into her humanitarian work.
Executive Assistant
Lance serves as the executive assistant for the organization and is responsible for handling several operational and administrative duties. These duties include, but are not limited to, creating grant proposals, managing a range of program operations, keeping the website up to date, and engaging with stakeholders.
Program Coordinator
Kim Jackson-Matthews is a member of the Board as an Advisor of Project EDUCATE’S FED (Fitness Education and Diet) program. Professionally, she is the Director of DEIA for a rare disease non-profit and advocate for accessibility and gender equality in healthcare.
Health & Wellness Advisor
im Jackson-Matthews is a member of the Board as an Advisor of Project EDUCATE’S FED (Fitness Education and Diet) program. Professionally, she is the Director of DEIA for a rare disease non-profit and advocate for accessibility and gender equality in healthcare.
Advisor
Trenece Crawford serves as the Assistant Director of Admissions at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri, where she supports prospective students and families through the enrollment process and works to expand access to higher education opportunities. She is also the Owner and Travel Advisor of I Treasure Travel, LLC.
Advisor
LaTonya Reliford is an Assistant Principal, and entrepreneur. With over two decades of experience in educational leadership and student advocacy, she is deeply committed to advancing equity and expanding access to opportunity for underserved communities. LaTonya became involved with Project EDUCATE through her passion for service.
Advisor
Evynn A. Davis has been with Project EDUCATE since it was founded in 2018. Evynn
believes that being of service to others is the highest calling that one can have, and she
currently serves as a board member. She is a criminal defense attorney, handling some
of the most complex felony cases in Los Angeles County.
Advisor
Shilana decided to join Project EDUCATE’s advisor team because it aligns with her belief that real change begins with action. Shilana believes in being the change she wants to see in the world, and Project EDUCATE embodies that principle by serving underserved communities with compassion, dignity, and purpose.
Business Development Advisor
Sherrie Thomas has worked in the banking industry since 2019 and is passionate about financial literacy and community empowerment. She began her career at a national bank and later transitioned to a credit union in 2025, expanding her experience in member-focused financial services and community-centered banking.
Board Advisors
Orlance Shirley
Advisor
Kim Jackson-Matthews
Advisor
Sherrie Thomas
Advisor
Meet The Community
The Community We Serve
Real people. Real stories. Real impact. Click on any community member to learn
their story and how Project EDUCATE has supported them.
Julie
Skid Row
Homeless
Frantessa
Skid Row
Homeless
Mr.Carlos
Compton
Homeless
Get Involved
How You Can Support
Every contribution — big or small — makes a real difference in someone’s life. Here’s how you can help.
Take Action Today
Donate Items
Volunteer With Us
Purchase Our Book
Your Impact
$5
Coffee for a homeless person
$10
Meal for a homeless person
$20
Haircut for a homeless veteran
$50
Hygiene & relief kit
$100
Groceries for a household of four
$1000
Supports major programs & operations
Book
Diapers for a homeless mother
RISE Scholarship
Kim Jackson-Matthews RISE Scholarship
(R)einvesting (I)n (S)tudent’s (E)ducation
The Inspiration
Kim Jackson-Matthews
The RISE Scholarship honors the legacy of Kim Jackson-Matthews, a beloved member
of the Project EDUCATE family whose dedication to education and community upliftment continues to inspire all who knew her. Kim served as a Health & Wellness
Advisor to Project EDUCATE and was a tireless advocate for the power of education to
transform lives.
Her belief that every person — regardless of their circumstances — deserves the
opportunity to pursue knowledge and build a better future is the foundation upon
which this scholarship was created. Kim’s contributions to PJE and to the broader Los
Angeles community will never be forgotten.
Through this scholarship, we carry Kim’s spirit forward — reinvesting in the futures of
students who have overcome adversity, just as she would have wanted.
About the Scholarship
Apply for the RISE Scholarship
The RISE Scholarship supports students who have overcome
homelessness and housing instability to pursue higher
education. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and
are open to students demonstrating financial need and a
commitment to their education.
Past Recipients
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2026
Recipient
2026
Recipient
2026
Recipient
2026
