“Who Gets to Go Home?” A Mission Focused Invitational Retreat

You are invited to attend a unique two-day retreat focused on our mission to end homelessness.

Monday, May 26th – Wednesday, May 28th, 2025

While we all share a tireless commitment to solving the housing crisis in Los Angeles, we seldom have the chance to slow down and cultivate deep focus, establish novel ideas and partnerships with fellow problem solvers, and take full advantage of the multiplier effect of cross-sectoral collaboration. This retreat aims to change that. What makes this retreat different: instead of packed agendas and presentations, we’re creating space for meaningful relationship building.

Registration for this retreat closes on May 12th, 2025 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. If looking to join after this date, please inquire at guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org

WHO WILL ATTEND?

This is an invitation-only event. We are inviting a select group of movement organizers, policy advocates, philanthropic leaders, and other strategic partners – we believe that stronger personal connections and honest, reflective conversations about obstacles and opportunities will naturally lead to more effective collaboration in our work. We hope you’ll join us, space is limited.

We’d love your suggestions and recommendations on who to invite to this invitational and expand our reach. Please send your recommendations to: Conway Collis (Conway.collis@mayorsfundla.org), Indu Subaiya (Isubaiya@healthcareinaction.org), Louis Tse (ltse@studentmojo.org), Bill Resnick (bill@bigbearretreatcenter.org) or Seyron Foo (Seyron@hiltonfoundation.org)

RETREAT COST

This invitational is offered FREE of charge to guests with the invitation to offer contributions towards fees at registration; this helps us to offer programs like this.

The collective power and magic of a retreat like this arises from the container we co-create. We ask that attendees intend to be present for the duration of the program from dinnertime on Monday to retreat close on Wednesday. We understand that there may be extenuating circumstances please reach out to guestservices@bigbearetreatcenter.org to adjust your attendance.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Your stay with us includes:

• A private bedroom in a shared retreat cabin (up to 3-4 rooms), with wifi, a kitchen, living room, central heat, and a private deck in nature
• Healthy freshly prepared, delicious meals provided by the BBRC Culinary Team. Breakfast and lunch will be vegetarian and meat will be offered at dinner.
• Access to center amenities and natural environment and trails

RETREAT SCHEDULE

A full retreat schedule will be sent to all participants prior to the retreat start. Here is a sample schedule for Arrival + Departure Day:

ARRIVAL DAY, MAY 26th

2:00pm – 4:00pm        Arrivals + Registration
4:30pm                          Welcome Walk
5:30pm                          Dinner
6:00pm                          BBRC Orientation Talk
7:00pm                          Retreat Opens

DEPARTURE DAY, MAY 28th

8:00am                         Breakfast
9:30am                         Cabin Check Out
10:00am                       Retreat Closes
12:00pm                       Departures

*please note that schedules are subject to change.

FEEL WELCOME AND INCLUDED: A PLACE TO BELONG

Our intention is to be as accessible as we can, even in ways that we may not be aware of yet. We hope this is a space of inclusivity where people feel welcome and held. For us, it is a practice of consistent attunement, presence and care to our community. However you identify – race, gender, sexuality, disability, mental health, and so on – it is our wish to meet your needs for belonging.

Please consider this about our environment:

• The center is on a hill with outdoor walkways between dining, gathering, and residential spaces.
• We are located at an elevation of 6,500 feet altitude in a ski town in the mountains of Southern California.
• We experience weather of all four seasons.
• We are located about 2 hours from Los Angeles and near 3 major airports. Learn more about getting here.
• We have a commitment to everyone’s mobility needs. Please contact us about ADA accessibility.

See our FAQs for more detailed information on accessibility to our campus and programs.

SIMPLE YET COMFORTABLE, NESTLED IN NATURE

Simple and elegant lodgings to support rest and renewal. Our rooms are uniquely designed to offer comfort, convenience, and simplicity. All of our cabins are surrounded by nature with forest sights and sounds. Lodgings are a short walk from spaces for dining and gathering. See a video tour of a cabin.

Our Meditation Hall is spaciously designed to provide an atmosphere that feels deeply integrated with nature and the surrounding forest. The versatile space is conducive for meditation, movement, workshops, training, and other community gatherings.

Food that nourishes to support healing, restoration, and community. Our organic and seasonally inspired menus feature creative and nourishing meals. We use fresh and locally-sourced ingredients when possible. Our indoor and outdoor dining hall is open 24/7 with self-service coffee, tea and healthy snack options.

HEAR MORE ABOUT BIG BEAR RETREAT CENTER

Big Bear Retreat Center is exceptional in every way. The accommodations are outstanding, food exceptional, staff very responsive and helpful and the teachers are always so loving and knowledgeable. Just a top notch retreat experience!! – Sheila

I love Big Bear Retreat Center. It’s my dharma home away from home. Everything about it – staff, teachers, food, accommodations, setting – is exceptional. A true gift to the community!!

Big Bear Retreat Center is indeed a refuge. A safe space to open your heart. – Laura