San Pedro Recovery Alliance Headquarters Holds Grand Opening – New Date To Be Confirmed

Non-profit Organization In Heart of Downtown San Pedro Dedicated To Providing Housing Resources and Job Skills for Those In Recovery & Unsheltered

San Pedro Recovery Alliance or SPRA, founded in March 2022 by Catalina Hinojosa, will hold its grand opening of their office in downtown San Pedro, Aug. 20.

Local elected officials, civic and business leaders and invited guests are expected at the event that will launch the newest addition to the many non-profit organizations in San Pedro who share similar missions to help individuals in need. SPRA is committed to provide assistance to the homeless and those affected with addiction to obtain long term stability by providing connections to housing and treatment services and potential job placement.

Hinojosa has been working in the realm of homeless services for more than six years. Prior to that she had her own challenges: homeless single mother of two, former drug dealer, served prison time.

While she was incarcerated she went through the Alternative Custody Program that allows convicts to spend the last year of a jail sentence in community service. Upon being released from prison she went through a treatment facility then worked for Homeboy Industries, Harbor Interfaith Services, Fred Brown Recovery Services and Homeless Healthcare L.A. Now Hinojosa is outreach coordinator for Christ Centered Ministries metro office.

Hinojosa said, “Many who have gone through addiction treatment have nowhere to go after they complete a program. They have often been ostracized by family and friends and often end up back on the streets.” 

SPRA is offering a way to make the transition from recovery to productivity. Through Hinojosa’s dedication and help from local supporters SPRA has been awarded grant funding to assist those seeking housing and help prepare them to apply for jobs and re-integrate into the workforce.

Hinojosa also is training outreach workers to be more personable to those seeking temporary or permanent housing “as if they are someone you just want to have a conversation with, to honor their dignity with humanity.” She acknowledges that her personal life experience gives her a unique perspective while working with the “unsheltered.” Her work with those who SPRA is serving is reaping successful results.

The SPRA is also building reciprocity with other nonprofit organizations and service groups; and a tradition of service and volunteering for local organizations with the motto: “Volunteers for a donation,” be it fiscal or in-kind.

There will be a brief program with announcements. Light refreshments served. Emcee is Stephanie Mardesich, director of LA Harbor International Film Festival or LAHIFF, an in-kind sponsor of SPRA.

For more contact: Catalina Hinojosa: 424-364-4742; chinojosa.spra@gmail.com

Time:  Proposed date of Sept. 10 to be confirmed.

Details: www.sanpedrorecoveryalliance.com

Venue: SPRA, 819 S. Pacific Ave., San Pedro