About Pomona

First Presbyterian Church serves the community of Pomona through our church services, food pantry, community partnership with Pomona Hope and the Pomona Community Garden, collective action in partnership with One LA, and several outreach events throughout the year.

Pomona, the largest city in the San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles County, is one of the poorest cities in the United States in per capita income. Median income for families was $30,000 in 2000 while only $26,000 for a family headed by a female. 22% of the population lives below the poverty line (currently at $18,100 for a family of four). Only 57.3% own or are purchasing their homes, while 42.7% rent their dwelling. Pomona is 64.5% Hispanic, 10% African-American, 7.2% Asian and 9.6% non-Hispanic White. The “parish” area of First-Pomona is almost entirely Hispanic and African-American. Only 54.7% of the couples heading families are married. Nearly 22% of all households have neither a father nor mother present. Violent crime (murders, rapes, robberies, assault) are double national averages. 50% of all students are classified as having Limited English Proficiency. Nearly 50% drop out of school before graduation. Recent assessment of student work reveals basic deficiencies in reading, writing and math skills; computer literacy is negligible. Pomona also faces high levels of unemployment, prostitution, and drug use.

The congregation of First Presbyterian Church feels called by God to minister to this city. We believe he has sent us here to work and pray for his shalom, and to partner with residents in addressing the struggles they face.