In Los Angeles County, an estimated 1.17 million households (41%) struggle to make ends meet, including paying for housing, food, childcare, health care, transportation, and taxes. More than 1 million households pay 30% or more on housing.
"Housing, education and opportunity for all that's what we believe in, and that's why we're here for today," said Elise Buik, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Los Angeles. "We know that our future lies in our young people, in their talent, in their resilience and in their potential to rise when given the chance."
"We are proud that this year's walk has a special focus on education as a critical pathway to economic mobility," said Los Angeles Rams President Kevin Demoff. "The Rams believe in the power of education, and we live out that belief in our S.T.E.A.M. literacy, mentorship, and scholarship programs, just to name a few."
The stage program also featured a jazz performance by the HOLA (Heart of Los Angeles) Eisner Intergenerational Orchestra, along with remarks from Pasadena City College President José A. Gómez on the critical role community colleges play in advancing equity and opportunity.
Participants also enjoyed fun activations such as photo opportunities with the 2026 Rams rookies, Rams Cheerleaders, mascot Rampage, Rams Kids Zone, food trucks, picnic area, outdoor games, and more.
WalkUnitedLA 2026: Housing, Education, and Opportunity for All was made possible through the generous support of presenting sponsors the Los Angeles Rams and East West Bank, and thanks to major sponsors including Edward Jones, The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, Banc of California, BMO, City National Bank, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Kaiser Permanente, KPMG, L.A. Care, U.S. Bank, and media sponsor ABC-7/KABC-TV Los Angeles.
The proceeds from the walk benefit United Way's life-changing programs focused on creating pathways out of poverty. People are encouraged to donate at WalkUnitedLA.org until May 31 to help United Way's transformative initiatives aimed at providing high school and community college students with equitable access to essential resources that help them stay enrolled, graduate, and build successful futures.