About us
How it started
Paul Avila's son, Pauly, was born blind, autistic, and nonverbal — and found his peace in music. Watching Pauly light up to a song, Paul felt something shift. If music could do that for his son, what could it do for someone sleeping on the street?
In 2013, Paul began bringing Pauly on outreach trips to Skid Row — delivering meals, clothing, and kindness to people the world had stopped looking at. He started handing out radio headsets so people experiencing homelessness could have what his son had: music, comfort, and the feeling of being seen. Word spread. Donations came in. The mission grew.
Over the years, Pauly's Project expanded into monthly distributions of food, hygiene supplies, and clothing. Workforce development. Job fairs. Autism awareness events. Music programs. All of it rooted in the same belief Paul carried from the beginning — that every person deserves dignity, community, and hope.
Paul Avila passed away on July 1, 2025, at 48 years old. His sisters, his board, his volunteers, and his community carry his mission forward — one heartbeat at a time.
What we do
Monthly outreach
Autism 5K run & walk
Job & resource fair
Monthly distributions of food, hygiene kits, clothing, and supplies delivered directly to individuals and families experiencing housing instability across Los Angeles and Southern California. Alongside outreach, we run workforce development programs, job fairs, and mentorship — because showing up for someone means more than handing them a bag.
Resource events, family support, and advocacy for the autism community — inspired by Pauly, whose love of music is at the heart of everything we do. The 5K, the awareness events, and the community programming all exist because of him.
As seen in
Over a decade of community impact covered by local and national media.
"Found Frequency" — a 12-minute documentary film about Paul and Pauly's connection through music. Produced by UCLA.
Watch the film →"Pauly's Project brings joy to LA's homeless community through music." Full feature story, 2019.
Read the story →Featured on one of LA's largest radio stations — Paul's mission to bring music to the unhoused community.
Read the feature →Kari Steele interviewed Paul about Pauly's Project and its growing mission across Southern California.
Read the feature →Selected participant in a coalition program blending art, music, workforce development, and community reentry support.
View the listing →Published a detailed feature on Paul Avila's life and legacy — recognizing over a decade of impact on Skid Row.
Feature available in printThe people behind the mission
Paul built this. His family and team are making sure it lives on.
In loving memory
The man who started it all — with a headset, a son who loved music, and an unshakeable belief that every person deserves to be seen. Paul built Pauly's Project from nothing into a movement. His family carries it forward.
USC graduate and 25-year Bank of America VP — leads grants, strategy, and operations.
Manages fiscal health and long-term sustainability for the organization.
Helped shape Pauly's Project's original outreach strategy from the ground up.
Father of an autistic child and advocate for suburban outreach and housing transitions.
Volunteer since 2014, managing donor relationships and community networks across LA.
CEO of HandsOn — leads event planning and organizational coordination.
Whether you want to donate, volunteer, or walk with us at the 5K — there's a place for you in this community. Paul built Pauly's Project on the belief that everyone has something to give.
Pauly's Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are tax deductible.
© 2026 - Pauly's Project - All Rights Reserved.