My daughter Ariel did a year at the Dream Center after struggling for years with depression and self-medication (heroin) after losing a boyfriend in high school. She graduated in 2015, and at that time I gave a 5-star review because I noticed big positive changes in her. I thought it would be nice to give an update since it has been close to 7 years since she graduated. Prior to the Dream Center, it was difficult for me to be around her because she had so much anger and she just wanted to argue with me about anything and everything. Since the Dream Center, she has been a pleasure to be around and not once in 7 years have we argued, or had even so much as a disagreement of words. She lived with me for the first year after the Dream Center. She was quick to find a job and began chasing her dream of becoming a dog groomer. She was 24 at this time, and prior to this, had never had a job but once for a couple of months. She began dating a boy from our church (who also attended the Dream Center - yes this is how they met) and 6 months later they were engaged, and 6 months after that married. I was concerned when she got married and moved into an apartment for the first time. I figured they would be coming to me asking for money to help them with the rent. But in 7 years they haven't asked me for a cent. A couple years later, they she said they were looking to buy a house. Honestly, I thought it was a pipe dream of theirs because they didn't' have good credit (bad from previous life). But God worked miracles and they bought a house only 10 minutes from where I live. Again, a couple years later, they announced they were going to open a mobile dog grooming business. Again, I didn't' think they could do it because the truck was over $100K. I suggested they consider a store because it would be a smaller investment for them to start up. But God had other plans, and they opened their mobile dog grooming business on February 14, 2020. Yes, February 2020. A month before the Covid shutdowns in California. But once again, God had a plan for them, it was mobile grooming because when all the brick and mortars closed, they were able to operate and within two months they were turning away business. It was also about this time that they announced they were having a baby, and on October 25, 2021 Camille was born. During these 7 years, Ariel and her husband have been very involved in the church they attend, and serve regularly on the worship team (Ariel lighting and her husband on the drums). They also regularly attend Celebrate Recovery which is a wonderful program for anyone struggling with hurts, hang-ups and habits. The Dream Center turned my daughter's life around. It changed her, for the better. She jokes occasionally and says she was brainwashed at the Dream Center. It wasn't easy for her, lots rules and structure. She had to sacrifice a lot of what she thought was important to her. But she doesn't regret it and has a lot of fond memories of the friendships that she formed while there. I highly recommend the Dream Center to anyone who is struggling in life. There is no denying the miracles that God did and continues to work in my daughter's life. Without the Dream Center, Ariel would have never understood how to have a relationship with Jesus, and have faith in God, and hope again. She didn't see a future before the Dream Center. But when she left, she saw all the possibilities and she went after them. I am excited to see where God leads her life next. I know there is more greatness to come. Thank you Dream Center for turning around my daughter life. read more

The Dream Center - Married 1 year after the dream center - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Came here in the late 90, s. And I am glad I left. Was never homeless never strung out on drugs or fresh out of prison just a kid looking for encouragement and to be ministered to but was treated like homeless strung out felon . Program was weird, take everything from you and trust you with contemp every second. The guy that ran the place was a bully treated people like crap. Had stuff stolen from me from the drug addicts they had there . I was told it was a good program from a pastor that was the old pastor of the church I went to back then. It was more of a halfway house than anything . My experience was less than inspirational. Hope it's changed but the reviews I've read looks like it's the same. read more

Last Saturday the ministry I work for came in and volunteered at their "clothing store" to help those affected by the Los Angeles fires, and it was amazing! I had never heard of this place before but it's truly an amazing place! The name is very fitting for the amazing work that is done here. Their store was filled with brand new items (many popular brands) fitting every style and size. They also include necessities such as backpacks, shoes, toilet paper, etc and the rule is YOU CAN TAKE AS MUCH AS YOU NEED! Usually there's a limit but not here, they provide you with trash bags and you can take as much as needed. They also have an area for groceries, toys, hot food, and so much more! It was truly amazing working here and seeing so many families being helped. There were so many volunteers and so much resources being passed out, I've never see anything like it. I recommend this place for anyone who is having a tough time, facing homelessness, job loss, etc to seek this place out. They also help with finding housing and schooling. Such a valuable place to the city of Los Angeles! read more

The Dream Center - Helping Hands Initiatives reporting for duty. - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I went to drop off clothes on a Thursday morning. Before we could even fully walk up, Ruben acknowledged us. I was expecting it to be like a Goodwill where people aren't that friendly. But Ruben was beyond amazing. He answered all our questions and gave us information about how Dream Center gives back to the community. It really made me happy to know that dad's old clothes were going to a place that give away the clothes and not sell them. Thank you Ruben for making our morning so amazing. Especially after driving in 1.5 hours of traffic :P read more

I was so blessed to receive a Air Purifier from your organization. The other agency were not up and running for distribution like The Dream Center is. Thank You read more

Great place to serve the community and to come to recover your life if you need help.The Dream Center loves to help people. It is free! I myself graduated both programs, and I am now a volunteer staff. read more

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Called dream center over a month ago was called back told to apply online for Hosuing f(need housing for family myself) two children and mother. Submitted application and haven't heard back at all. They won't handle over the phone so how does the public apply and get any assistance if they can't speak to a person to answer questions. Programs are provided to help and yet they don't. Is it any wonder there's a Hosuing crisis all over Los Angeles. At least an email saying they are full or any other information would be appreciated. read more

Great place to start a new life, change your circumstances. Great staff, Pastor Matthew & family really care & go out of their way to give you a chance to succeed. read more

This place has transformed my life and has help me rebuild my life, when I didn't deserve it. There's no other place like the Dream Center. There is countless other people with the same story. Pastor Mathew has given up so much for the community and still continues to love after 28 years. read more

I serviced the dream center with LED lighting retrofit and had a chance to see closely at what is happening at this amazing property. (we where there every day for two months) I was very impressed with the dedication of the staff to help those in need in every way they can and they are doing so with a grate respect to each individual. They give them kids tools for a better life. Keep on the good work it's very much appreciated. read more

Our family attended today because we heard about the free tennis shoe give-away. We are caring for our grand-son, and he can always use new shoes. We didn't stay to get the shoes; as we saw how many people there are in need, in that community. BUT, It was worth it. The facility is beautiful; all the staff so polite and helpful; Prking is easy, the sermon and message inspirational. We even got free water, and Tony and Arthur got a hot dog. We got a fresh, warm chocolate chip cookie upon exiting. It is a ways for us to travel as we live by Santa Monica, but we will definity go back/. I have a dream that one day my homeless daughter will go to something similar and get help w/ substance abuse. Have to keep moving forward and expecting miracles. It can happen. Praise be to God. In His Time! read more

Amazing service. They really care for the community. When covid hit they supplied me and twenty other families with pallets of free food for over 6 months weekly. They are super generous with food. The building is sleek and clean. I personally know people who've come out of the programs changed for the better. Complete life restoration like that is rarely seen at any other facility. read more

As with any religious organization, The Dream Center gets some bad Yelp reviews from people who don't agree with their doctrinal message or their methods of pushing said message. But my experience with the Dream Center is very positive. I served there for two weeks on a short term mission and these people had a kindness and a heart for God that astounded me. I often find myself agreeing with the evangelical mission but desiring the community involvement and charity that is more common with mainline Protestant and Catholic Churches. The Dream Center and Angelus Temple split the difference with their commitment to saving earthly lives AND eternal lives. If you are broken and struggling person in this city, or want to make an impact on your community, you'd be making a good decision by reaching out to them. read more

Their goal of helping people is amazing and there's a lot of opportunity to preach the word out there but their STAFF are really HORRIBLE.

The Dream Center is an amazing place that meets all different kinds of people from all walks of life; if you're fighting drug, alcohol, addictions et cetera, even homelessness this place has a hope for you! Maybe you have some free time and would like to get involved with the many daily missions that go on here such as the food truck program or adopt-a-block in which you go out to lend a hand and clean up the local neighborhoods in urban Los Angeles in doing so your help is invaluable to the community and really builds great rapport among other volunteers whom have made this a weekly mission. This place has so many things going on its exciting and really an endeavor to understand all the wonderful lives that are being touched and turned around as a result of somebody caring and showing love its just contagious to say the least. women whom are battered and escaping human trafficking and families that otherwise would be homeless as well as minors that turn 18 in the welfare system would be literally emancipated and thrown out with no where to go are all part of this ensemble, this refuge known as the "The Dream Center". I highly encourage all whom have the time to get involved to do so, there's nothing like showing love to help change Live(s)! For further information call (213) 273-7000 and or visit www.dreamcenter.org read more

Upon arriving in LA, and initially being rejected by PATH (People Assisting the Homeless), the Dream Center was presented as a shelter option for our homeless family. Strangely enough, 211, the homeless resource guide, has NO mention of the Dream Center. I wouldn't have even known it existed if we hadnt been referred to the Dream Center by members of the Presbyterian Church during a feed. A member of the church even drove us across town to check into the Dream Center and assured us that the Dream Center would be able to help our homeless family. A few things disturbed me immediately. We were told that the families who did stay there had lived there for 3 years or longer. I thought this was a transitional shelter? How do they ever make room for new families? Our family was instructed to wait outside in the courtyard and to check in periodically to see if the Dream Center had room. We waited all day and into the evening. We have 2 young children, and despite the fact we had been driven out to this place with nowhere else to go, we were denied a place to stay, but invited to attend service and dinner. The "church service" we attended had an intense but incredibly misleading message. "All of the homeless are Jesus in disguise"? What? As badly as the homeless are treated here in LA, who believes that? Also, as a fellow homeless person, I can assure you that there are some sketchy peeps who are NOT Jesus. What the heck? During the dinner held after the service, a lesbian girl sat beside me, looked me up and down, and hit on me in front of my family and two young children. Um... gross? Whose idea of a dream is this? The same girl gave us a few blankets and wished us luck finding a place nearby to camp with the kids. The following morning, my husband entered the Dream Center alone to inquire about a place to stay. The gentleman he spoke to assumed he was a single male and went to enroll him right away. But when he saw that he had a wife and kids, he said this, AND I QUOTE. "It doesn't matter how bad your situation looks. If there's no room, there's no room". And with that, he walked away. But when he thought my husband was alone, he was ready. Like, super ready. All we experienced at the Dream Center was the nightmare we have repeatedly encountered here in Los Angeles. Families in hardship are disregarded and disrespected. And with that, we left. read more

Always bringing "out-of-their-mind" people around the neighborhood. I've been yelled at and preached to by so many random strangers... "Good neighbors" don't bombard other neighbors with religion! On Wednesday, their free food day, I am guaranteed that my yard will be littered with the free-food-getter's trash. Noise pollution is also another factor, many mornings- I've been awoken by sounds of their drums, trucks, people yelling at each other, people yelling together, people yelling to themselves, etc. One good thing about the Dream Center is that they send their people to clean the street that their goers pollutes. read more

I love the Dream Center and all the work they do in the community! It's a shame that people are upset and giving them a low score because they. Couldn't help them in the time frame they expected. Give them a chance! They want to help but sometimes things take time. I love what they do so much. We need more places like this in the world! read more

I've been in some of the most dire situations anybody could imagine and this place was there for me when I needed them. To all the people given negative reviews have you been homeless? Or are you just another misinformed idiot? read more

I am greatly saddened by all the negative comments, it really hurts me, because this is most def. not my vision of this place, exactly the opposite. I was near LA several years ago, and the one thing that I wanted to visit was the Dream Center, having heard about it online. I was very pleased with what I found, and got to go to a couple of church services, which I felt were very anointed, I have since thought about volunteering there, but since I live many states away it has not really been an option, but I greatly applaud them for the work that they do to help the ones who are less fortunate. Keep up the good work Dream Center!! read more

I love the dream center. I'm so grateful for pastor matthew and his wife, caroline. I went through the discipleship program in 2001. They reach out to so many people, and they helped me when I had cancer treatment. They are truly a blessing. read more

This is such a great place and great people for doing this. Getting people off of the streets and into God filled communities is much needed in this hard city. read more

The Dream Center is an amazing ministry that helps so many. Whether it is an addict, a homeless person or family, human trafficking victims, someone transitioning out of prison/jail... This is the place to find help, support, acceptance and love! I can not say enough good things about this place and the effect it can have on a person. If you are not in need of "help," you can volunteer, physically and/or financially. read more

What an amazing Outreach to anyone that needs it, for what ever reason. Feeding people at anytime and sheltering them. Young Runaways, victims of abuse, pregnant teens, programs for substance abuse., human trafficking, homeless families, and more than I can put into words. Giving people Hope and Love. People to care and love them. Don't ever think it can't happen to you. Think again. Instead of complaining and whininng, do something to help and be part of the solution. It's not about you. Stop being so self centered , in this fallen, broken , lost world. If your a blessed person, share your blessings. Where's the Love and compassion. Look beyond yourself. Can't take it with you when you leave this earth. Deaths is certain for all, rich or poor. Doesn't matter how and when you go, the question is where are you going when your party here on earth is over? Love and blessings to all, Minister Josie E. read more

For practically the entire month of August I was trying to get this organization to make good on their pick-up promise. I understand that this is a faith-based agency so I have to wonder W.W.J.D. on both sides of this situation. If he worked for the Dream Center, I'm sure he would have just said "Ma'am, we aren't able to pick up your items so you may want to make other arrangements." I think Jesus would have just been honest...instead of having someone lock up there dog and leave their driveway open the entire workday (on 2 separate occasions) or put the items outside of the residence (on 3 other occasion) only to return to find them still there and carried back into the yard. I donated things like computer monitors, new clothes, shoe and toys, complete bed furniture and linen (that I should have sold), and luggage because I read the Dream Center's flyer and bought into the crock they were spinning. The ministry may be amazing although I highly doubt it with the amount of integrity they've shown thus far. All I asked for was a bit of accountability and honesty. To make it even worse, whenever I did call, the person on the other end of the phone always knew my exact address without me telling them. This tells me that 1) I hadn't imagined all the previous appointments I set and 2) Dream Center has some serious mismanagement going on. The rating is on the mailed card/pick-up business. I have no prior experience with the rest. read more

The Dream Center, much like other so called "Churches" are deceiving millions of people and leading them away from the real Way, The Truth and the Life. Matthew 7:7 tells believers to seek the truth in any and every way possible in modern terms...one always have to doubt the radical claims and be responsible for what they allow themselves to believe. Modern day churches have no association with the message of Christ but have taken the role of the anti-Christ...The chosen ones of Christ will not be deceived for they are diligent in seeking the truth...DO YOUR RESEARCH and find out how Christianity formed and by whom...the answers and the truth are in front of you...don't be afraid to ask A lot of questions and find your own answers...you must be the student and the master of yourself...then you will know what Christ wants you to know...the heaven and enlightenment must occur within each person individually...let those who hear with deaf ears remain in churches. read more

So I have NO clue why this place has such a horrible score! You'd think that people would appreciate a program that is trying to clean up the streets and get homeless people a home. With that, I digress... The Dream Center is an old Hospital that has been turned into a shelter for those that are getting away from the streets and drug abuse. Though it has religious ties with the Four Square Church in Echo Park, it is not pushy with it's religion, nor does it care whether you practice anything or not (but don't be surprised if you hear prayer or the word "Bible" around the halls). What you do here is call in advance and make sure you are registered to volunteer. This way they just have you on file and know you aren't just some random person coming in to poison the food. Once you sit down and talk to the main manager woman (totally forgot her name, though she is amazing) you are set to come in and donate your time. For you crazy kids, you can come in to help at 4am (they start working on the Breakfast run around then) and for the rest of the world, volunteer work usually starts around 12:30. Just make sure you talk to someone before hand so you get an idea for where you want to donate your time. There are many different things that you can do to help with these guys, so make sure you have a clear understanding of where your time will be going for the next 2 hours or so. Regardless, I say call in. Once they know who you are, you come on in whenever you want to be a good person. That is what the beauty of this place is. Come on in for the time asked, and do the work. It is a great place, with the most wonderful of people. 5 stars all the way and I hope more people begin showing up to help! read more

one star because beggars can't be choosers. I came to the dream center for their food pantry. I've gone to many food banks in my life time and am always grateful for what I receive. this time, I'm not so. the process is simple. people arrive at the crack of dawn on Wednesday to get a numbered ticket. then at noon, you line up in order and they start calling numbers at 12:30 for food. I have always been able to eat whatever was given to me from food banks. not this time. this is what I received at the food bank: three boxes of expired twinkies, 3 bags of expired hostess donuts that were visibly molding, 3 jugs of grapefruit juice, 2 bags of expired chips, 6 plastic containers of expired soup and two boxes of expired gaterade energy chews. again, beggars can't be choosers but really? the only items that weren't expired was the juice, which I am grateful for but you cannot expect people to eat expired, moldy food just because they're poor. these items weren't recently expired either. the donuts were expired in Sept, it's now late January. and now I'm sitting here with bags of expired food that I can't eat. is it even legal to give out expired food like this? read more

Lovely place. Saved my brother. Brought my family back together. Find yourself. Find God. Find hope.

Always reaching out and helping people in need. Great place to volunteer and serve your community, anyone who has a desire to help others should come here! There is always help needed and things to do! Saturday at 10:00am Adopt A Block is a great way to get started in your involvement! Check it out at www.dreamcenter.org for more information read more

The volunteers at this "church" seem to not understand the meaning of the term "not interested." They often come to the apartment projects i live at and they act like they own the place. Just the other day i was heading back to my apartment when they were here for some kind of program for the local kids, three of the volunteers were at my building handing out flyers to people, they see me walk up to my door and then proceed to walk up to me, i just looked at them and simply stated that i wasnt interested, as i opened my door to go inside my home one of them holds the door shut with his and and kept begging me to hear about whatever they had to say about thier church. I said "dude dont do that s**t" and shoved his hand away from my door and went inside. Seriously when someone says they are not interested, it means NOT INTERESTED and go bother someone else. read more

I was in the discipleship program there is so much bs going on in there people in the program are not as pleasant as they appear the RA s are sometimes control freaks there's a lot of controlling provoking and hassantment read more

This is just a review on the pick up donation process...... I am extremely saddened with the donation process. I am moving and received a donation flyer I followed the instructions...pick up day was yesterday per the card even spoke to a rep who put notes in her computer (donating a monitor) will be in a special place....long story short no pick up happened. Then when I talked to the rep today she said nothing was available til next week so kind of frustrated but I know there are other places to donate to...but with that being said its great that there is a dream center kudos to your mission!!!!! read more

The Dream center is a great place that is always working hard to help the community. With their food outreaches to their clothing ministry they are always trying to fill the needs of people that need help. If your someone that is looking to maybe dip your foot in volunteer work they have a great system in place to allow anyone to come and help out. read more

An amazing place that helps people in need. There is never enough housing or provision to take care of everyone that is homeless, needs restoration or just needs a little help, but this organization does all it can with the resources that it does have. All privately funded, The Dream Center makes more of a difference than other places with budgets ten times larger. There is no better place for you to donate your time or money. read more

Good afternoon, my name is Bernard. I am a former resident at the Dream Center (Freedom House) for former foster youth ages 18-24. This place is awesome they assisted me through up & downs. They never gave up on me and I ended up transitioning sucessfully. God is really working through the Dream Center. They have several programs. I recommend people who are in need to check this awesome non profit organization out. It can aid aid you; if you utilize it properly. Thank you Pastor Mathew,Lei, etc. read more

I love this place! What an awesome program. They are trying to help so many people. Its a real blessing to have this place in los Angeles.

The dream center has been a good place where i have been coming to improve myself. The staff are friendly and helpful helping others improve. The dream center is better than other gyms in the area read more

The Dream Center has made a huge difference in so many lives, through so many different ministries. My family has felt the compassion and ministry of this organization. The world can use more of this type of ministry and compassion. read more

I didn't have an option for 2.5 stars, but I would've selected that if given the choice. Made great connection with people in need - a real blessing; BUT it's super easy to get lost in the shuffle. Come with a friend. Or 2. Or 3. read more