Our Story
When founder Justin Martinez was growing up in Los Angeles, he closely experienced some of the implications of living within low-income communities. The themes of poverty, violence, and houselessness became increasingly normalized. Upon his entry to Occidental College, Justin was immersed in the other side of this socio-economic polarization. In being in a space that was predominantly affluent and privileged, Justin was able to truly acknowledge and reflect on the struggle, stress, and anxiety that accompany being from both a low-income and immigrant background in the City of Los Angeles.
Upon having these realizations, Justin began to think about what could be done to ease these feelings within others, as he had always had an affinity for people experiencing them. He then had an idea to not only create an entity that provides services to these communities, but also facilitates the growth of a culture that is more humanistic towards these populations. Leg Up Los Angeles was ultimately born from this vision.
Initially created as a club among college friends, the organization held its first event in honor of the 2020 New Year. During this event, they were able to organize full meals with beverages and distribute them to 280+ citizens across Los Angeles. A huge feat for the group of Occidental College sophomores at the time, who were unknowing of the potential and power of grassroots movement. Past this point, the group of young adults ran consistent events that catered to the seasonal needs of houseless folks throughout Los Angeles. Throughout the years, Leg Up Los Angeles and its mobilizations have been able to induce over 20,000 moments of assistance. With events feeding, clothing, or giving other miscellaneous goods to 100-1000 people each, Leg Up Los Angeles is ready to push its capabilities in being able to assist unhoused communities even further.
Mission Statement
Our Mission at Leg Up LA is to aid and advocate for individuals experiencing houselessness and/or economic marginalization in the City of Los Angeles. Through need-based distributions, mobilization, the production of advocacy content, and the construction of community assistance/shelter centers, Leg Up Los Angeles aims to create a more humanistic and compassionate culture towards those experiencing houselessness.
How We Work
Leg Up Los Angeles is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization that holds bi-weekly outreach events, produces content, and establishes long term initiatives. To make these things possible, we intake most of our funding from donations and grants. In holding 501(c)(3) or Tax-Exempt status, donations made to us are 100% tax deductible. These efforts ultimately make it possible for us to carry out our projects, and promote a more equitable society for all.
Our Impact
20,420+ Moments of Support
Through our Need-Based Distribution Events.
0 People Housed
Through our Transitional Housing Program.
0 People Employed
Through our Transitional Housing Program.
Board of Directors
Justin Martinez
President
Justin Martinez is the creator and artist behind The Wayside Studio and the founder of Leg Up LA. As a native Angeleno, his lived experience has directly shaped his path in both art and advocacy. Through his work, he merges creative expression with a mission to serve and uplift the community. Justin is driven by a vision to build opportunities and bring people together around meaningful change in Los Angeles.
Emanuel Duran
Secretary
Emanuel is a police officer and business owner whose journey began in El Salvador before immigrating to the United States at a young age. His lived experience has deeply shaped his perspective on opportunity, justice, and community. Grounded in both public service and entrepreneurship, he brings a balanced and practical approach to addressing local challenges. Emanuel is driven by a desire to see meaningful change within the Los Angeles political landscape and to advocate for stronger, more equitable communities.
Andrew Soto
Treasurer
Andrew Soto is a lifelong Angeleno whose roots in Los Angeles have shaped his deep commitment to community equity. As a Lead Specialist at a Tam Chiropractic Clinic, he brings a people-first approach grounded in care, trust, and consistency. His upbringing in the city continues to fuel his passion for creating more equitable opportunities across diverse communities. Through his work with Leg Up LA, Andrew is dedicated to uplifting and supporting those who need it most.
Grant Hutson
Partnership Director
Grant is an Oregon native with strong ties to California, where he has dedicated time to supporting community-driven initiatives. He currently works as a Research Analyst at Catalina Structured Funding, bringing a sharp analytical mindset and financial insight to his work. Grant has contributed to Leg Up LA’s efforts to make Los Angeles a better place, aligning his professional skills with a commitment to meaningful impact. His perspective blends data-driven thinking with a genuine investment in community progress.
Anthony Solis
Director of Development
Anthony Solis is a Riverside native and graduate of Occidental College, bringing a well-rounded perspective shaped by both academic and real-world experience. He has spent time in the private sector working across infrastructure development, technology, and hospitality, gaining insight into how systems, people, and operations intersect. Anthony is driven by a commitment to community impact and applies his diverse background to support sustainable, people-centered initiatives. Through his work with Leg Up LA, he aims to help bridge opportunity gaps and contribute to meaningful change across Los Angeles.
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