Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve read everything and I’d like to volunteer! How do I sign up?
Follow this link for individuals, or this link for groups!
I’ve read nothing. Who are you? What is a drop?
Hello! You can learn more about our org on our About page, but in brief, we’re a volunteer-run community organization that runs weekly Sunday water distributions for unhoused residents in and around Skid Row. We call these distributions “drops.”
When and where do drops take place?
All volunteers meet at 11am every Sunday at a parking lot by USC (3131 S Figueroa Ave)! You should expect to be volunteering with us until around 2pm, though it could be longer or shorter depending on the day. Unfortunately, we can’t accommodate folks who need to move their volunteer shift earlier or later.
What does a drop look like?
At 11am, all volunteers meet at the starting lot (3131 S Figueroa Ave) to load up their cars with water and other supplies. Here’s where you’ll check-in with a WDLA team member, who will let you know your assigned route (and provide you a map) and introduce you to your partner(s) for the day if you didn’t sign up with one! New volunteers will almost always be paired with experienced volunteers.
We’ll provide a quick briefing, followed by a Narcan training for new volunteers. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask a WDLA team members.
Then, you and your partner(s) will head to your section to pass out water!
Where should I arrive on Sunday?
We all meet at 3131 S Figueroa, in a parking lot right around the corner. If you’re coming from Figueroa, turn onto 32nd and then a quick right into the parking lot. You should see one or two big Uhauls in the lot. If you have trouble finding us, try sending a message in the GroupMe (if you’ve been added) or emailing volunteer@waterdropla.org.
I don’t have a car. Can I still volunteer?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a car, you’ll be paired up with someone who does!
How do I get to the drop?
Unfortunately we don’t provide transportation to or from the drop.
What should I bring to a drop?
Whatever you need to be comfortable! We recommend closed toed shoes, clothes that allow for movement, and sun protection.
11am-2pm on Sunday doesn’t work for me. Can I volunteer at a different time?
Unfortunately no. There’s a lot of moving pieces during a drop, and it’s important we’re all there at the same time so that we can support each other and the drop is as efficient as possible.
However, if you are unable to commit to Sundays, we have other ways to get involved! See below.
Do you do drops anywhere else in LA?
No. Unfortunately, we don’t have capacity to expand our distributions right now.
Do you have any other volunteer opportunities, other than your Sundays drops?
Yes! Every Saturday, we rent Uhauls and head to Costco to pick up water. The timing is more flexible than our Sunday drops, though it’s usually also 11am-2pm, and we always need help! Contact volunteer@waterdropla.org if you’d like to sign up for one! Note that this does involve driving a 15ft Uhaul.
We also have our general team meetings on Tuesdays at 7pm over Zoom, and several committees that work on more specific topics (Policy & Advocacy, Volunteer Relations, Communications, Finance, Events, etc.). If you’d like to get involved, contact volunteer@waterdropla.org and we’ll put you in touch with the right people!
I still have more questions…
Contact volunteer@waterdropla.org!