As the Fall Quarter came to a close, UCLA Project Lux continued its mission of service, advocacy, and empowerment through meaningful community engagement. Across our committees, students worked collaboratively to increase access to resources, challenge misconceptions, and support individuals experiencing housing insecurity. Here’s a look at what our organization accomplished this quarter.

Advocacy Committee

This past fall, Project Lux’s Advocacy Committee focused on community education, awareness, and expanding access to vital resources. One of our key initiatives was participating in Servocacy Fest, an advocacy fair that highlighted student organizations engaged in service and social justice. At the event, our team hosted an interactive “spin-the-wheel” activity featuring questions designed to address common misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding the unhoused community. This activity encouraged open dialogue and helped foster greater understanding among attendees.

Throughout the quarter, the committee also created educational flyers and infographics aimed at sharing practical, easy-to-understand resources with the community. Topics included tenant rights, food bank access, health insurance information, and other essential services. To increase accessibility and reach a broader audience, several of these materials were translated into Spanish.

In addition, the Advocacy Committee dedicated time to researching and preparing for upcoming presentations at New LA Middle School, a local charter school. These presentations will cover topics such as anger management, mindfulness and stress management, creative service opportunities, how and when to access physical and mental health care, alcoholism, and peer pressure. Through these efforts, the committee aims to equip students with knowledge, coping strategies, and tools to support their overall well-being.

Navigator Committee

During Fall Quarter, Project Lux’s Navigator Committee focused on onboarding new members, hands-on training, and continued client support. The committee welcomed a new cohort of navigators, who completed training and then shadowed enrollment fairs to gain practical experience with the health insurance enrollment process.

Returning navigators played an essential role at fairs by assisting clients with enrollment and providing individualized support. Beyond direct service, committee members worked on passion projects during weekly meetings. These projects included creating informational flyers to help clients learn about upcoming enrollment fairs and understand what documents and materials are needed to enroll successfully.

Several navigators also deepened their involvement by applying to the Beacon Team, a specialized branch of the nonprofit that works more closely with clients to support health insurance enrollment and build longer-term, supportive relationships.

Enrollment Committee

This fall, Project Lux successfully completed eight enrollment fairs in partnership with community organizations, including Skid Row Refresh Spot, PATH (People Assisting the Homeless), the International Healthcare Organization (IHO) at UCLA, and California Physicians Alliance. Through these collaborations, the Enrollment Committee provided hands-on BenefitsCal enrollment assistance, helping community members access essential public benefits. In addition to enrollment support, the team distributed bus passes and referrals to reduce transportation barriers and improve access to care. The committee also created informational infographics explaining the BenefitsCal enrollment process, particularly during the government shutdown, ensuring that clients remained informed despite uncertainty and disruptions.

Care Package Distributions

To further support community members, Project Lux hosted two care package distribution events in Santa Monica this past fall. Alongside these events, members assembled thoughtfully prepared care packages containing essential hygiene products and food. These distributions aimed to meet immediate needs while reinforcing our commitment to dignity, care, and compassion.