I’m Summer Phillips, founder of Save The Hood First (STHF), a mission-driven initiative born from my passion for community care and mental health advocacy. With over ten years of experience working with at- risk youth, housing-insecure populations, and community organizations, I am committed to fostering resilience, equity, and mental wellness in underserved communities. The idea of STHF began in 2016, and started off providing hot meals and essentials for our houseless neighbors on the East Side of South Central Los Angeles. Most of he items were funded by myself, as well as donations being provided from members of the community. Over the last eight years, STHF has participated in community pop ups, providing free coaching sessions and hosting community gatherings to provide a safe space for members of the community to congregate and exchange resources. Now located in Oakland, my understanding of the cultural richness and challenges of marginalized communities has deepened. I’m excited to expand Save The Hood First’s impact by collaborating with local organizations, schools, and leaders to bring equitable care and mental health resources to Black communities and beyond. This relaunch is more than a rebrand—it’s a promise to continue advocating for the collective wellbeing of our neighborhoods while building pathways to hope, healing, and opportunity. -Summer Phillips