Written in Partnership with Alter New Media
As life slowly began to shift back to pre-pandemic life, and the official emergency order issued for LA County lapsed at the end of March 2023, other challenges emerged: inclement weather, unrelenting unemployment challenges, and now, of course, the Hollywood strikes brought forth by the WGA and now SAG-AFTRA. Though most people associate Los Angeles with the glamorous lifestyles of reality stars on shows like “Selling Sunset,” many live at or near the poverty line.
For entertainment professionals barely scraping by, the seemingly unending strikes have intensified concerns about how they will make ends meet. In 2021, professional actors made a median salary of $46,960, with the lower quartile averaging $30,040.
Beyond financial hardships, the emotional and psychological toll is palpable. For those in the industry, their craft isn’t just a job – it’s a part of their identity. The void left behind can lead to many mental health challenges when that is taken away. The Hope Booth seeks to address this very void.
Having already made a mark in cities worldwide, including the UK, The Hope Booth is no stranger to urban challenges.
The organization has partnered with notable influencers, including Dani Coke, Ellie Holcomb, Norense Odiase, and Keith Powers.
The Hope Booth doesn’t just represent a stand-alone initiative; it embodies a community-driven response to the increasing mental health challenges the city’s residents face. In an era where human connections are increasingly digital, this initiative brings back the tactile experience of hope.
This BIPOC-led nonprofit, hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, offers three-minute interactive, immersive experiences that deliver artistic messages of hope and connection to resources through remodeled telephone Booths. Strategically placing these Booths in cities like Los Angeles and beyond, the mission is clear: Make hope tangible.
“Hope Booths also provide invaluable information on mental health resources and services geared towards mental health contributing factors within a five-mile radius such as employment services, food pantries, community centers, housing assistance and more,” remarked Hope Booth founder, Gloria Umanah.
The overarching sentiment is that while problems might be multifaceted, solutions can be simple, effective, and accessible. The recent uptick in therapy patients, as reported by the Hollywood Reporter, underlines the situation’s urgency.
Umanah, the force behind The Hope Booth, envisions a future where these Booths become integral in offering support. “Imagine having a sponsored Booth on the strike’s picket lines, offering a vestige of hope to actors and writers feeling the mounting pressures of limited to no income,” she mused. In a city of dreams, The Hope Booth is a beacon, signifying that no one is alone in their struggles and that hope is, quite literally, just around the corner.
Learn more about The Hope Booth and sponsorship opportunities here.
Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.