Former gang members have united to turn their lives and their communities around through programs offered by Homeboy Industries, a nonprofit based in Los Angeles. From gang member to green collar, Homeboy gives ex-gang members green-tech job opportunities as solar installation technicians.
Former foes can now be found car pooling together every morning.
In its 20 year history, Homeboy Industries has had an important impact on the Los Angeles gang problem, with young people from over half of the region’s 1,100 known gangs seeking a way out through Homeboy. Thousands of young people have walked through the doors of Homeboy Industries looking for a second chance. They go to work in the Homeboy bakery or the Homegirl cafe, choose maintainence or silkscreen, and now have an opportunity to apply for green technology jobs.