{"id":32,"date":"2026-08-25T16:53:31","date_gmt":"2026-08-25T16:53:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shelterpartdev.wpenginepowered.com\/?page_id=32"},"modified":"2026-10-20T20:30:16","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T20:30:16","slug":"who-we-are","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/shelterpartnership.org\/who-we-are\/","title":{"rendered":"Who We Are"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Who We Are<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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History and Mission<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The 1980’s were a tipping point for homelessness in Los Angeles. Recognizing the severity of the crisis, community and government leaders came together to discuss the need for new organization that could help coordinate the efforts of homelessness services. Shelter Partnership’s founders, Ruth Schwartz and Judge Harry Pregerson were some of these leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruth Schwartz co-founded Shelter Partnership in 1985 and served as its Executive Director for nearly 40 years. A dedicated advocate for people experiencing homelessness, she championed practical, dignity-centered solutions and led the creation of the S. Mark Taper Foundation Shelter Resource Bank, which has distributed millions of dollars in essential goods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Judge Harry Pregerson, a World War II veteran and longtime federal judge, played a key role in expanding early shelter programs across Los Angeles, including services for homeless veterans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On March 3rd, 1985, we opened our doors with only $5,000 in the bank and free office space donated to us by SRO Housing Corp. Since that day, Shelter Partnership has worked to established itself as a leader in the fight against homelessness in Los Angeles County. The agency accomplishes its mission through the following activities:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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