The latest trendy gift shop and café to open in L.A. is on Skid Row. Made by DWC is a social enterprise store with the dual purpose of raising funds for the Downtown Women’s Center and helping its low-income residents learn valuable job skills.
The DWC has been around since 1978. Last year, they moved into a new facility with room for a large kitchen and day center and 71 apartments. In the Day Center, they serve three meals a day, and provide showers, laundry, day beds and phone and mail service for homeless women. They have a health clinic and counseling center, and offer classes in literacy, creative expression and job skills. The residence offers 71 long-term apartments for a nominal monthly rent. Residents have access to community computer centers, libraries and gyms. Each year, the DWC serves more than 2500 homeless and low-income clients, largely with the help of nearly 700 active volunteers.
The new facility also included an open, airy commercial space. The DWC teamed with Project H, a nonprofit design group, to create the shop and café and develop some handmade products. DWC residents and clients attended workshops to learn crafting skills, and were trained in merchandising and inventory by Bloomingdale’s. The women now make most of the store’s products, including jewelry, clothing, candles and stationary. They also staff the store, giving them a chance to practice job skills and gain work experience. One hundred percent of the proceeds go back to the DWC.
Two L.A. businesses, Tiara Café and Groundworks coffee, supply the organic pastries, salads and drinks for the café side. Patrons can relax and enjoy their refreshments in a modern space designed by David Magid, an architect who works mostly on luxury retail and residential projects. The DWC staff hopes to use Made to form partnerships with local businesses, artists and residents.
The residence and day center are located at 438 S. San Pedro Street, with Made right next door at 442. The store is open Tuesday through Saturday. The DWC also holds fundraising events throughout the year, including a Summer Clothing Swap on June 18th, where participants can bring their closet cast-offs and find a whole new look. Want to attend, or volunteer your time? Go to dwcweb.org for info.
