LALC CAReS

LALC CAReS is a core community-support program of the Los Angeles Leather Coalition. Born out of the urgent need during the COVID-19 pandemic, CAReS is designed to provide tangible aid, emotional support, and community connection for people in the leather / kink / fetish / LGBTQ+ community who are facing hardship. Though started in response to a global crisis, it has become a lasting part of LALC’s mission — ready to activate wherever there is need.

Purpose & Core Values

LALC CAReS is built around the belief that community isn’t just about visibility and celebration — it’s also about caring for one another. Its guiding values include:

  • Empathy & Compassion: recognizing that people have different needs and that being in crisis can be isolating.

  • Privacy & Dignity: applications and assistance are kept confidential. LALC

  • Accessibility & Inclusivity: the services are offered to individuals and small businesses in need, especially from marginalized parts of the community.

  • Responsiveness: CAReS aims to provide help quickly and clearly, via multiple kinds of support.

To learn more and to apply:

Learn more

Three Branches of Service

  • LALC Lifeline

    - A buddy / peer-support style system for those who feel isolated, anxious, depressed, or simply need someone to talk with.

    - Run by volunteers from the community who can be reached day or night.

    - It is meant as a human connection: someone to share with, offload concerns, feel heard.

  • The Pantry (LALC & Bullet Bar Pantry)

    - Provides physical support: food supplies, clothes, toiletries, medicines, and other essentials.

    - Sponsored by the Bullet Bar in North Hollywood.

    - Acts as an immediate resource for people whose basic needs aren’t being met.

  • Helping Hand

    - A micro-grant / emergency financial assistance program.

    - For individuals: up to $250 maximum.

    - For small businesses: up to $500 maximum.

    - The application is confidential. Approval is not guaranteed; grants are awarded based on assessment of need.

Impact & Significance

  • Reduction of hardship: CAReS has provided small but meaningful financial relief to individuals and businesses, helping cover essentials or keep doors open during crises.

  • Emotional/mental health support: The Lifeline gives people someone to connect with, decreasing isolation during times that are often invisible but deeply felt.

  • Basic need assistance: Through the Pantry, people receive food, toiletries, medicine, clothes—things that are often overwhelmed when financial stress hits.

  • Community resilience & solidarity: CAReS helps strengthen trust within the leather community: that people show up for one another, not just in times of celebration but in need.