May 5, 2026

Lowe’s Volunteers Help Transform North Hollywood Housing Community for Residents Rebuilding Their Lives 

At 7am on a recent Friday in April, more than 20 Lowe’s associates arrived at the Klump Apartments in North Hollywood with a clear mission: to bring some much-needed improvements and TLC to the property. The building, a permanent supportive housing community owned by LAFHBuilds with services provided LA Family Housing (LAFH), is home to residents rebuilding their lives after homelessness.  

As many as eight local Lowe’s stores joined forces on the project—donating all materials and mobilizing a team of employee volunteers who were ready to roll up their sleeves. 

“I know we’re all excited. These are some of the best days at work because this is where we get to use the knowledge that Lowe’s teaches us to help our customers in the aisles, and we can bring these projects to life,” said Justin Naples, HR Business Partner for Lowe’s. “Our volunteers love days like this because we get a chance to come out and help the community.”  

After being welcomed by LAFH President and CEO Stephanie Klasky-Gamer and learning more about the property and importance of their work, the team jumped into action. 

The day’s project was ambitious: painting first- and second-floor hallways and a community room, installing shelving and blinds in some of the apartments, staining new picnic tables, building a grill for the shared outdoor space, and assembling welcome kits with essential household cleaning supplies for incoming residents. The work followed a previous upgrade—new hardwood floors installed by Lowe’s several weeks earlier. 

The volunteer effort is part of Lowe’s Hometowns, a nationwide program that encourages staff at the more than 1,700 Lowe’s stores to go into the local community and make a difference. In 2025, the company made a commitment to deliver 10 million square feet of impact— part of a more than 100-year legacy of rolling up their sleeves to help neighbors when they need it most. 

“It’s a chance for our teams to come together, connect, and support their local communities,” said Tina Gilbert, HR Business Partner at Lowe’s. “Most of our associates live 10 to 15 minutes away—and when we ask who wants to come to a project, we always have more than enough volunteers ready to jump in.” 

The improvements come at an important moment for the Klump Apartments. When LAFH first acquired the property in 1998, it was a 26-unit single-room occupancy building with shared bathrooms and a communal kitchen. In 2015, LAFH transformed the building into 14 studio apartments—each with a private kitchen and bathroom—creating a more dignified living environment. With newly secured rental subsidies, LAFH and LAFHBuilds saw an opportunity to further enhance the space for both current and future residents. 

“We simply couldn’t have completed these upgrades without the generosity and hands-on support from Lowe’s,” said Jimmy Douglas, LAFH’s Director of Community Engagement. “Corporate partners, like Lowe’s, bring not only critical resources, but also expertise and a spirit of service that truly enhances our work. Their volunteers show up ready to contribute, and the impact on our buildings—and the people who call them home—is significant.” 

For the volunteers, the impact goes both ways. 

“Knowing that the work we’re doing will make a difference for the people living here—that’s what it’s all about,” said Omar, Store Manager for Lowe’s in Burbank. 

And for residents, these efforts create a space that feels cared for and respected. 

“I hope the residents that live here are excited to see these upgrades and the investment that we’re trying to make in the community. I want them to be proud of the space that they live in and I want them to feel at home,” Justin said.