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By Scott Stoddard
In a cavernous old bingo hall in North Hollywood, Cristal Ode sat with her four children – not to play bingo but to look through the backpacks, shoes and other back-to-school supplies donated to help ease the financial strain on low-income families.
The back-to-school event, which drew some 200 families, was hosted by City National Bank and LA Family Housing (LAFH), a nonprofit that helps families and individuals transition out of homelessness and poverty. Many of the families struggle to pay for the supplies their children need to be successful in school.
“We’re grateful that we have this so that our kids don’t stress over their education,” said Ode, who with the help of LA Family Housing has moved into transitional lodging after living in a shelter.
The event also offered a wide range of support services. Ode enrolled her 3-year-old son in the Head Start preschool program, signed up her older daughters for tutoring, and got herself a Los Angeles Public Library card. Families could also have their eyes checked by volunteers from Ketchum Health.
“It’s amazing how they pull it all together,” Ode said.
More than 61,000 children and youth experienced homelessness in Los Angeles County during the 2023-24 school year, up nearly 30% from the previous year, according to data from the UCLA Center for the Transformation of Schools. The increase outpaced state and national trends.
Housing instability brings with it significant negative impacts on educational outcomes, including decreases in math and reading abilities and increased dropout rates.
“Families experiencing homelessness often move frequently in search of a safe place to stay, which can lead to missed school days, disruptions in learning, and the need to change schools,” said Stephanie Klasky-Gamer, president and CEO of LA Family Housing.
“That’s why events like this are so important. In addition to backpacks and school supplies, families can access services and resources that support student success,” she added.
City National has sponsored LA Family Housing’s back-to-school event for five years and has participated in similar events across the U.S. Since 2010, the bank has donated more than 40,000 backpacks.
“I try to bring my kids to these events so they can appreciate how much they have and how similar every child is,” said Nedda Ismaili, a senior vice president in City National’s Commercial Real Estate Banking division who sits on the board of LA Family Housing. “They're all capable of the same, and they just need to have the opportunity and somebody who believes in them.”
The bank also provides loans to LA Family Housing projects such as The Pano, a 91-unit supportive housing development in the San Fernando Valley. It has helped finance or is in process of financing the construction of more than 1,100 affordable housing units, providing more than $430 million in loans for such projects.
The back-to-school event, as well as the housing and other services provided by organizations such as LA Family Housing, are important for those struggling to escape homelessness and poverty.
“It’s helping me get back on my feet and letting me know that I’m not here alone,” Ode said.
This article is for general information and education only. It is provided as a courtesy to the clients and friends of City National Bank (City National). City National does not warrant that it is accurate or complete. Opinions expressed and estimates or projections given are those of the authors or persons quoted as of the date of the article with no obligation to update or notify of inaccuracy or change. This article may not be reproduced, distributed or further published by any person without the written consent of City National. Please cite source when quoting.
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