About Us

The John Eric Swing Foundation was founded in memory of John Eric Swing, who died from complications from COVID-19. John was born in Los Angeles on May 2, 1972, the oldest of three children of Filipino immigrants Ellis D. and Aurora S. Swing. His father is a political consultant and businessman; his mother is a retired clinical laboratory scientist.

John earned a bachelor’s degree in ethnic studies from the University of California, Riverside, in 1995 and spent six years in the Marine Corps Reserves as a personnel and administrative clerk.

After a stint as a probation corrections officer in Riverside County, he worked as an education and health consultant for programs in Costa Rica, Vietnam and the Philippines. Returning to Los Angeles, he worked at several Filipino-American cultural and business organizations before joining SIPA.

He died with plans unrealized, including a workshop to address anti-Black stereotypes among Filipinos. He also participated in community efforts, like a $500,000 city project to build a gateway arch and columns marking the entrance to Historic Filipinotown, which crosses the neighborhoods of Echo Park and Silver Lake. Next was a plan to redevelop SIPA’s headquarters to include sixty-four affordable housing units. Its small business center bears John’s name.

At the John Eric Swing Foundation, we aim to create lasting and positive societal change by addressing three critical issues: homelessness, environmental sustainability, and substance abuse. We are committed to providing shelter, hope, and opportunities for those experiencing homelessness, revitalizing California's green spaces by planting trees and reducing cocaine use across the United States. Our holistic approach aims to transform lives, protect the planet, and build healthier communities. 

Our vision is a future where homelessness is eradicated, California's landscape flourishes with vibrant greenery, and substance abuse is significantly reduced in the United States. We envision:

1. Ending Homelessness: A society where everyone has access to safe and stable housing, homelessness is a thing of the past, and individuals and families are empowered to lead fulfilling lives.
2. Green California: A transformed California with lush forests, clean air, and thriving ecosystems, where planting trees symbolizes our commitment to environmental sustainability and a legacy for future generations.
3. Healthy Communities: Communities across the United States that are free from the devastating effects of cocaine and substance abuse, where individuals receive the support they need to overcome addiction and lead healthy and productive lives.
4. Collaborative Solutions: A world where collaboration, innovation, and compassion are at the heart of our efforts, where diverse stakeholders come together to tackle complex societal challenges.
5. Inspired Action: A society encouraged to act, where individuals, businesses, and governments are committed to making a difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness, the health of our planet, and the well-being of those affected by substance abuse.