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Free From Hardship La Inc

EIN 85-1064249 · Inglewood, CA

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood75 out of 100GovernanceFair59 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

Points to look into

  • It reported loans to or from officers, directors or other insiders.

These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.

What it says it does

Free From Hardship L.A. Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a safe and sober living environment for men and women transitioning from displacement homelessness and incarceration.Our vision is to break the cycle and create hope. 1 in 3 American adults have a criminal record with limited possibilities for education employment housing and other resources they need to become self-sufficient.

Income
$559,799
Spending
$498,541
Spent on programs
89%
Reserves
2.8 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 65%
Employees
3
Volunteers
30
Highest pay
$74,627, executive director

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 75 out of 100. Higher than 72% of charities in its peer group (housing, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 2.8 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 11% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 178% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    89% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 2 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Fair: 59 out of 100. Higher than 17% of charities in its peer group (housing, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    18 of 25

    3 of 4 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    0 of 10

    Reports at least one of: diversion of assets, excess benefits, loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (2)
  1. $388,191 spent. Housing Support: Served 1850 people.Created supportive environment for individuals in recovery addressing the need for a safe and structured space during the crucial phase of sobriety. With 24 7 staff support evidence-based therapies and a strong sense of community our safe and sober home offers a haven for those seeking to rebuild their lives free from substance abuse.Career Development: Our workforce readiness services in an atmosphere of dignity that enhances the lives of those seeking to become self-sufficient. We help individuals feel empowered to enter the workforce with confidence through multifaceted training connections and interview preparation to jobs that match their skills and interests. Housing for Woman:FHHLA provides support for women and families struggling with trauma domestic violence and substance abuse as well as re-entry into society after incarceration. Our wrap-around services provide comprehensive care to each individual and their family. We help them redefine their futures and build a foundation of stability for themselves and their families.Behavioral Health Program:We partner with treatment programs using cognitive behavior approaches coupled with more traditional twelve-step and relapse prevention services that are helping break the cycles of recidivism. Programs are provided for both individuals and women parenting children as well as for youth referred by the criminal justice system. Total 40 permanent housing facility provided and 4 communities served.
  2. $54,881 spent. Career Development: Our workforce readiness services in an atmosphere of dignity that enhances the lives of those seeking to become self-sufficient. We help individuals feel empowered to enter the workforce with confidence through multifaceted training connections and interview preparation

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 10, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since July 2020.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.