Meet MAOF, the organization that helps the community.

Low resources and little assistance are not synonymous. The Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF) provides multiple services to vulnerable situations, regardless of their legal status.
This organization offers everything from housing assistance and public transportation vouchers to access to the COVID-19 vaccine. It makes referrals to community forums to help immigrants obtain citizenship.

“MAOF is a community-based, non-profit organization established in 1963 to serve underprivileged individuals and families in the Los Angeles area. It is the largest Latino-oriented family services organization in the United States. They have achieved this status by providing high-quality social services and programs to those communities where the need is greatest,” explains Maribel Lopez.

In Los Angeles several programs include employment services, childcare, or elder care. Even legal and financial advice – in case of evictions or income tax return, but many people are unaware of these possibilities.

Actions during the pandemic
All services are still active, but the form of contact has been modified due to the current situation. “People are attended by telephone, and a mailbox has also been installed outside the main office. Members of the community can leave contact forms so that we will contact them later.
MAOF has expanded its food bank to assist a more significant number of people. Those who want to can also collaborate. To do so, they should contact through the phone number 323-278-3629.

Legal advice
“There is a special phone line for those who have problems with their legal situation,” says Lopez. “They can contact 323-890-1559 to resolve conflicts with citizenship, immigration, residency, and DACA.”

How to access MAOF services.
Individuals must prove low financial resources. The organization’s facilitator explains: “People must present ID, income, Medi-Cal if they have it, gas, water, and electricity payment receipts, rent receipts, social security card if applicable, or proof of unemployment.”

More information
Mexican American Opportunity Foundation
Cost: Free
1700 E César E Chavez Ave.
Suite1100, Los Angeles, CA
((323) 526-7206)
www.maof.org