LAFH Awards celebrates the efforts and advocacy of fellow Angelenos in the fight against homelessness across Los Angeles.
2025 Honorees
It is our great privilege to honor the Brander family and U.S. Bank with LA Family Housing’s 2025 Inspiration Award. U.S. Bank has been a leading advocate in financial support and strategic collaboration, providing LAFH with nearly $1.7 million to fund our programs and critical supportive services, affordable housing development, and general operations. Wayne Brander, U.S. Bank’s Executive Vice President and West Region Manager, joined LAFH’s Board of Directors in 2007, and his family’s involvement began even earlier. Over the years, the Brander family has witnessed LAFH’s transformative impact firsthand, and lead by example by consistently rolling up their sleeves to support hands-on volunteer projects.
The combined efforts of U.S. Bank and the Brander family illustrate the profound impact of aligning individual passion with corporate responsibility. Together, they have contributed to creating a more equitable and compassionate Los Angeles, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We hope you will join us in celebrating their shared vision for change at this year’s LAFH Awards.
2023 Honorees
2023 Honoree
David Ambroz
David Ambroz is a national poverty and child welfare expert and advocate. He was recognized by President Obama as an American Champion of Change. Currently serving as the Head of Community Engagement (West) for Amazon, Ambroz previously led Corporate Social Responsibility for Walt Disney Television, and has served as president of the Los Angeles City Planning Commission as well as a California Child Welfare Council member.
After growing up homeless and then in foster care, he graduated from Vassar College and later earned his J.D. from UCLA School of Law. He is a foster dad and lives in Los Angeles, CA.
2023 Honoree
Alan Sieroty and Family
As a lifelong community activist, real estate developer, and philanthropist, Alan and his family have given generously to LAFH so we can bring more housing to our communities in need.
past honorees
2022 Honorees
Frances, Steve, Lucie, and Liliana Berman
More than 15 years ago, Frances Berman found LA Family Housing and made a commitment to help bring dignity and joy into the lives of the families LAFH serves. Over the years, with Steve and their daughters, Lucie and Liliana, that commitment grew from hosting activities at one apartment building to planning events for multiple families living in LAFH’s interim housing sites, including hosting an annual “Fun in the Sun” event.
2019 Honoree
Michael B. Jordan
Michael B. Jordan was taught to give back from an early age, thanks to the examples set by his parents. Michael is an inspiration on and off set, a shining example to those around him of how to contribute to the betterment of society. Through his action to support causes for good, Michael demonstrates that achieving our goals of a better future is a collaborative effort, and we must all take action together.
2019 Honoree
Ronda Rousey
Ronda Rousey demonstrates through her perseverance that no matter what situation one finds themselves in, it does not define them. Despite a brief time experiencing homelessness, Ronda has racked up an impressive resume, including the first American woman to win an Olympic medal in Judo, and first female fighter into the UFC hall of fame.
2018 Honoree
Amy Elaine Wakeland
LA Family Housing was proud to present Amy Elaine Wakeland with the 2018 Sydney M. Irmas Outstanding Humanitarian Award for her leadership to protect victims of sexual and domestic violence; especially homeless women and children.
2018 Honoree
Dwayne Johnson
LA Family Housing was pleased to honor Dwayne Johnson with the 2018 LAFH Inspiration Award for his advocacy work benefiting under-served children and his achievements as an inspirational athlete, actor, and global entertainer.
2017 Honoree
Wendy Greuel
Wendy Greuel has been a powerful voice for LA Family Housing since our inception, and we were excited to honor her with the 2017 Sydney M. Irmas Outstanding Humanitarian Award. Through her years of public service to Los Angeles, passionate advocacy as a donor and volunteer, and steadfast leadership on the LAFH Board of Directors, Wendy has elevated the conversation about homelessness in Los Angeles, a key role that honors the memory of Sydney M. Irmas.
2017 Honoree
Ice Cube
LA Family Housing was thrilled to honor Ice Cube with the Inspiration Award in 2017 for his pioneering vision and achievements as an artist and entertainer who has greatly influenced and shaped music, film, and culture throughout the world. As one of Los Angeles’ greatest icons, he inspires so many through his leadership, compassion, and unstoppable determination not only to persevere but to never give up on their dreams.
2016 Honoree
Matthew Irmas
LA Family Housing was proud to honor Matthew Irmas with the 2016 Sydney M. Irmas Outstanding Humanitarian Award. The award, named after Matthew’s late father, honors the memory of one of LA Family Housing’s first leaders and champions of those experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles.