New Cultural Landmark Opens in Historic Filipinotown
Legacy organization Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) strengthens 50 year roots in Los Angeles with opening of new offices and community center
SIPA’s offices and community spaces are on the ground floor of the HiFi Collective building at 3200 W. Temple St.
Los Angeles, CA, May 16, 2023 - Non-profit organization, Search To Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) produces programs for youth and families including mental health education, counseling, youth programs, small business support, cultural enrichment, and affordable housing in Historic Filipinotown since 1972. Their headquarters have been located in the 3200 W. Temple St. location for 30 years, and recently entered into a partnership with nonprofit Linc Housing in June 2020 to develop the property into a mixed use space, with permanent supportive housing, SIPA's headquarters and community center on the ground floor commercial space. The permanent supportive housing portion of HiFi Collective opened in fall 2022 with Linc Housing providing the supportive services to residents, thanks to funding from Los Angeles County. Now at 100% occupancy, HiFi Collective is home to 63 formerly unhoused people, with SIPA and Linc working in close partnership to ensure the entire community thrives together in their new shared space.
The new SIPA offices, meeting rooms, community kitchen, and event space are ready to open their doors with a grand opening celebration marking the beginning of the newest chapter in their 50 year journey to serve the people of Los Angeles. The celebration will take place on Friday, June 9, from 3-7 pm; the program includes blessing, remarks, music, open house, light food and refreshments.
"We are beyond excited to re-open our doors and physically root ourselves back in the very neighborhood that SIPA has served for decades. SIPA will remain committed to serving youth and families, and are prepared to bring back our after school programs, cultural programming, mental health services and basic needs support to the community of Historic Filipinotown," shares Kimmy Maniquis, Executive Director of SIPA
Local design firm Theoforma, was brought on to the project, incorporating natural elements like bamboo and rattan into the design. The aesthetic of the Philippine islands can be found throughout the space, from the fabrics and artisanal items sourced across the Philippine archipelago, to furniture manufacturers in Cebu, and Los Angeles based Filipinx American artists decorating the walls. Every detail was thoughtfully chosen to bring pride and heritage into the space.
A Culture of Care - Kapwa
SIPA was founded in 1972 by a group of young Filipino American activists including founders and early leaders - Royal Morales, Al Mendoza, Helen Brown, Paul Chikahisa, Joe Abella and Jeanie Abella, who were inspired by the Civil Rights and Anti-War movements of the 1960s. The founders wanted to address the lack of resources and opportunities for the Filipino American community in Los Angeles, particularly in the areas of education, employment, and social services.
In its early years, SIPA focused on organizing community events and cultural activities to promote Filipino heritage and identity. However, as the organization grew, it began to offer a wider range of services to the community, including job training, youth development programs, health education, and social services. Today, SIPA is one of the largest and most well-respected Filipino American organizations in the country, serving 3,800 people every year.
SIPA's legacy continues to be felt in Los Angeles and beyond, as it has inspired many other Filipino American organizations and businesses to emerge and thrive across the state of California, and beyond. From Little Manila in Stockton (est. 2002), to San Francisco’s Filipino Cultural Heritage District, SOMA Pilipinas (est. 2016), to local LA food and drink establishments The Park's Finest BBQ, HiFi Kitchen, Genever (recently shuttered), and Amboy, contributing to popularizing Filipino food and culture across the country.
Youth programming at HiFi Collective
As American As Ube Pie - Historic Filipinotown
Historic Filipinotown, also known as HiFi, is a district located in the northeast section of Los Angeles, California. The area is bounded by Hoover Street to the west, Glendale Boulevard to the east, Temple Street to the north, and Beverly Boulevard to the south. The district is one of the city's few historic ethnic neighborhoods and has a rich and complex history. During the 1930s and 1940s, the neighborhood became a hub of Filipino American culture, with a thriving community of businesses, restaurants, nightclubs, and other social institutions.
In the 1960s and 1970s, the area experienced a decline as many residents moved to other parts of Los Angeles. Many post-65 immigrants landed in the Historic Filipinotown neighborhood, forming a tight knit community, many leaving LA to neighboring suburbs as they achieved economic mobility, but many families stayed too. In the 1980s, a group of community leaders organized to revitalize the neighborhood and preserve its unique history and culture. They successfully lobbied the city to officially recognize the area as Historic Filipinotown in 2002, and it has since become a vibrant and diverse community that celebrates its cultural heritage through festivals, parades, and other events.
Today, Historic Filipinotown is home to a mix of Filipino Americans, Latinos, and immigrants and communities of color, and continues to be an important cultural center for the Filipino American community in Los Angeles and beyond.
“SIPA’s services such as mental health counseling, youth programs, small business support, cultural enrichment, and affordable housing are all absolutely critical elements of a healthy and thriving community,” said Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martínez, who represents the 13th Council District, including Historic Filipinotown. “We are so excited to welcome SIPA to their new headquarters in Historic Filipinotown, and we look forward to partnering closely with them for years to come.”
Upcoming Events at SIPA:
6/9 SIPA Grand Opening - RSVP HERE
6/11 LA Pride Parade and SIPA Open House
6/11 Book Talk with Geena Rocero in conversation with Dr. Kevin Nadal - RSVP HERE
7/8 SIPA Benefit Concert
9/30 51st Annual SIPA Barangay Awards and Gala - Buy Tix and Sponsorships HERE
Upcoming SIPA programs for the community:
Walang Hiya: Without Shame Workshops (Youth Programs, In-Person; official start date TBD)
Filipino Summer Program (Youth Programs, In-Person; official start date 06/26)
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ABOUT SIPA:
SIPA (Search To Involve Pilipino Americans) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization serving Historic Filipinotown and surrounding neighborhoods in Los Angeles. SIPA produces programs for youth and families including mental health education, counseling, youth programs, small business support, cultural enrichment, and affordable housing. SIPA was established in 1972, after the civil rights movement helped to organize communities of color. In the 80s-90s, when much violence rocked Los Angeles amidst gangs, riots and protests, SIPA served as a safe zone and pillar of strength for the community. Then and now, SIPA continues to ensure that the needs of underserved Filipinos are addressed, especially for youth and their families.
PR Contact:
Paloma@papalodown.com