Monday, December 28, 2015

EXPOSE HOMELESSNESS IS A COMMUNITY SERVICE BLOG!

EXPOSE HOMELESSNESS IS A COMMUNITY SERVICE BLOG!

WE DO NOT CHARGE MONEY AND WE DO NOT MAKE MONEY.
We do not pay for any Blog related services. 


GOOGLE BLOGGER IS FREE FROM GOOGLE as are all Google products we use. 

WE WANT TO THANK GOOGLE FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY.

If you are or were homeless and would like to volunteer to help us make phone calls about food banks and shelters,  be a guest writer, help us with updating or checking links, or otherwise contribute to this blog, please leave your email address on a comment with the words DO NOT POST.  We will contact you privately!

Saturday, December 19, 2015

TENT ANGEL ARNOLD HARVEY - WASHINGTON DC CITIZEN PROVIDING TENTS TO HOMELESS - ACTIVATES TO SHELTER IN THE COLD

WASHINGTON POST - ARNOLD HARVEY - GIVING TENTS TO WASHINGTON DC HOMELESS -

Citizen delivers tents that have been returned to stores to the homeless...

About 1500 feet from the KENNEDY CENTER there is a tent city.
There's about a half-dozen Coleman tents on the grassy medians near Foggy Bottom along the Potomac River. They’ve been spotted all over town. A few near E Street. One near Children’s Hospital.

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

CHRISTMAS PRESENTS FOR THE STREET HOMELESS? - THINGS WE REALLY NEED - and SOME ADVICE FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO GIVE



WHAT's IN THE BOXES?  and LOTTO TICKETS!

*****

Here are some things that street homeless can really use: 
GIFT CARDS from close by stores such as Target, Trader Joe's, etc.  (Food and Essentials)
New Clean Socks.  (Don't buy white tube socks that don't fit in everyone's shoes and show dirt right away.)
New Clean Underwear  (Rarely available at clothing giveaways.)
New Shoes - FLATS - rarely does a street homeless person find walking in high heels possible.

Giving food?

We think you should give to a shelter or organization for them to distribute and call them ahead, don't just show up at the gates of the shelter with a hundred peanut butter sandwiches.

Consider that a homeless person cannot carry too heavy a load.

*****




SAN DIEGO

*****

We're sometimes asked where people who want to give can go to give the sandwiches or scarves they've made, and the thing is,  YOU CAN GO ANYWHERE THAT YOU SEE A HOMELESS PERSON, go up to them, and hand them whatever it is, but it's possible you could run into some trouble for doing it, because we've seen it.  Someone who delivers food to the homeless at a bus stop every morning harassed.  Even churches who set up to give away bagged lunches have been harassed.  See if you go up to a single person and hand them a bag of clothes or half your lunch that's a personal interaction.  If you intend to reach many people in one place at one time, that's a giveaway.

We've heard many stories of police preventing or harassing people who want to give because they see homeless "gatherings" as threatening.   Police often run checks against license plates or ask people for their ID's and run checks on them, sometimes finding an outstanding warrant.  So our advice is, CALL A LOCAL SHELTER or other organization that deals with the homeless and ASK THEM if you can help out at a meal, bring sandwiches, or if they will distribute for you.

The local people should be able to give you some advice on where and when it's best to give.

We've seen it that sometimes there are some homeless people hanging out in the park and a pizza delivery truck shows up and tells them that someone ordered them pizza.  But we know that this is left over pizza that the driver is handling out rather than take it back to the bakery and dump it.

Though most homeless people are not violent or mentally ill, some are.  There is always a possibility that you might encounter such people and not know how to handle it.  But when a group goes out to give you're safer.  Another issue is that in some places far more food from movie sets, restaurants, and so on would be given away but health laws prevent it. 

Joanne has reminded us that little portable umbrellas may be helpful and appreciated.



Tuesday, December 15, 2015

LOS ANGELES (FINALLY) HAS A RENTERS UNION! PROTESTS - EVENTS - RENTERS PUSHED INTO THE STREETS OVER ELLIS EVICTIONS

LA CURBED - LOS ANGELES TENANTS UNION

EXCERPT:   WHERE WILL YOU GO WHEN YOU CAN'T AFFORD YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?

*************************************************************
***************************************************************
Los Angeles has the highest percentage of renters of any big US city, well over half of Angelenos rent, and still renters are pretty much second class citizens. Property owners have spent the years since the last recession raising rents in LA to outpace inflation, and to far outpac wages, to where a person earning LA's median income has to put nearly half of that money toward paying rent (forget ever saving enough to buy). And still landlords lobby city and state governments to pass on more and more costs—water, important earthquake retrofits—to their tenants, even though they'll reap all the financial benefits from making them.

Finally, having had enough, here comes the LA Tenants Union to represent renters and those pushed out of housing altogether, into the streets (those numbers are rising in LA too). It's open to all (they meet twice a month) and are member-led—attendees vote on which issues are priorities and how they'll deal with them. They formed this summer and in the week leading up to Halloween are holding their first major series of actions: Day of the Dead. Days of Rage.


FACEBOOK LOS ANGELES TENANTS UNION - UPCOMING PROTESTS and EVENTS

Monday, December 14, 2015

NATIONAL HOMELESS MEMORIAL DAY COMING UP on DECEMBER 21 2015 - REMEMBERING THE PEOPLE WHO DIED HOMELESS

NATIONAL HOMELESS ORG - and the MEMORIAL DAY FOR HOMELESS   link to resources, registries for events, and where you can attend.

National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day takes place each year on the longest night of the year, December 21st.

The 2015 National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day will take place on Monday, December 21st.
Anyone can coordinate an event including advocates, service providers, organizations, homeless and formerly homeless individuals/families, religious leaders, city representatives, students, and concerned citizens.

****

Perhaps one of the most DISGUSTING experiences one of us had was living in a shelter that they did this little MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE for the people who had died at the shelter that year, but they had just CLEARED THE PLACE OUT by throwing others out, like they were sending those other people, who were back to living behind stores,  to their death.


Saturday, December 12, 2015

UNION STATION ADULT CENTER - PASADENA

UNION STATION ADULT CENTER - PASADENA

412 S. Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105   626-240-4550

The 56-bed Adult Center provides homeless men and women with a safe, substance-free shelter, meals and supportive services. The Adult Center is also home to our Community Meals and Shower programs.

Persons interested in accessing the Adult Center can either be referred through CES, or meet with the shelter intake coordinator Monday-Friday between the hours of 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm on a first come first serve basis. A clear TB test and verification of homelessness are required prior to being interviewed for shelter. If you need help obtaining a verification letter or a TB test, we can help.

PROGRAM FACTS
  • More than 180 homeless men and women live at the Adult Center each year.
  • The average length of stay is three months.
  • Residents meet with their case manager weekly to address the issues that led to their homelessness.
  • Residents receive services to improve their physical, mental and financial well-being.
  • All residents save 70% of their income towards future housing.
  • More than 60% of residents exiting our program move on to stable housing.
***
PLEASE NOTE that as of SPRING 2016 we have heard that this nonprofit may be completely or partially shut down but is still asking for and getting funds. PLEASE PHONE THEM and ASK THEM SPECIFICALLY WHAT SERVICES THEY ARE USING FUNDS FOR, IF THEY ARE STILL HELPING HOMELESS PEOPLE IN PASADENA, etc.  We look forward to more information from YOU!

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

HOBBIT MAN DAN PRICE LIVES ON $5000 a YEAR IN HOME MADE SHELTER

DAILY MAIL - HOBBIT MAN  full article  on Dan Price who leases 2 acres of land for $100 a year...

EXCERPT:

He lived in a string of rustic dwellings—a cabin, an old flophouse, even a tepee—before building the tree-covered Hobbit hole out of mostly found materials in Joseph, Oregon.
Now, twenty years after seeing the light in simple living, Price is still in his 8-foot dwelling in the ground.
In the carpeted, wood-lined circular room, Price has everything he needs. There appears to be electricity in his hobbit hole and a hot plate for cooking. Though it barely seems to fit, a cushion rolls out for sleeping.
While he prefers his surroundings relatively bare, Price’s life isn’t without its modern comforts: he has both an iPad and a MacBook Air. He also pays $53 per month for his cell phone.



Sunday, December 6, 2015

NEZZI WADE - AFFORDABLE HOUSING ALTERNATIVES



TIMES STANDARD - TINY HOUSES - OPTIONS FOR HOUSES - AFFORDABLE HOUSING ALTERNATIVES  full article

EXCERPT: The first-ever “Tiny House Expo” will be held Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 24 Fellowship Way. Affordable Homeless Housing Alternatives is sponsoring this expo of small, affordable living units for the homeless in a village setting. It will feature Humboldt-made dwellings that can provide legal, safe, warm and dry places to sleep for those who need them.

Guests at the free expo can tour examples of tiny houses in a village set-up, temporary shelter/tent camps, car camping and more. Activities typical of community life in villages and camps will be part of the event, including a bike kitchen, solar-powered equipment, cottage industry demonstrations, animal kennels and writing groups.


Thursday, December 3, 2015

PENNY LANE TRANSITIONAL YOUTH PROGRAM OPENS NEW SHELTER IN PACOIMA

PENNY LANE ORG - go to this link for more information on the many services offered including transitional and permanent housing.

EXCERPT: 

Transitional and Permanent Supportive Housing Program

The Transitional Housing Program offers housing for youth ages 18 to 24, who are either working or in school. Many Transitional Aged Youth are emancipated foster youth. At the age of 18, these youth “age out” of the foster care system and are at high-risk of homelessness without the support of friends or family. This program provides independent living skills, job/career development, emotional, and academic support so that each youth may achieve independence. The Penny Lane Transitional Housing Program has also had success in placing its clients into Permanent Housing thus providing safe affordable housing to low income adults and families.
 
 
Penny Lane Centers is a member of:
California Alliance of Child and Family Services
Human Rights Campaign- All Children, All Families Seal
Association of Community Human Service Agencies
 
Penny Lane Centers is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that cares for over 3500 abused and neglected children, youth and families a month. We provide therapeutic residential services, foster family home placements, adoption services, transitional and affordable housing, family preservation, wraparound and mental health services for children youth and families throughout Los Angeles County.

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

EQUAL PAY FOR EQUAL WORK MAY HELP STAVE OFF HOMELESSNESS FOR WORKING WOMEN

THINK PROGRESS - CALIFORNIA EQUAL PAY LAW STEP FORWARD  detailed report by Bryce Covert

EXCERPT:

...the California Senate unanimously passed an equal pay bill with the strongest measures aimed at closing the gender wage gap in the country. Gov. Jerry Brown (D) has said that he’ll sign it into law.
The bill has a number of provisions, but the piece that stands out the most is one that requires employers to pay men and women the same for “substantially similar work,” not just the exact same job, unless differences are based on productivity, merit, and/or seniority.

California’s new bill also bans employers from retaliating against employees who discuss pay. Even though all American workers have a legal right to discuss compensation with each other, about half say that doing so is either discouraged, prohibited, or could lead to disciplinary actions. That poses a significant hurdle for women trying to address unequal pay, given that it makes it very difficult to find out what everyone else at their job makes. Lilly Ledbetter, for whom the Lilly Ledbetter Equal Pay Act was named, didn’t know she was being paid less until 19 years later. On the other hand, in places like the federal government and unionized workforces, where pay is usually transparent, the gender wage gap is much smaller.

Monday, November 30, 2015

GILROY, SUNNYVALE, and SAN JOSE COLD WEATHER SHELTERS OPEN

HOMEFIRST COLD WEATHER SHELTERS 2015-2016

The Cold Weather Shelters will be open November 30, 2015 through March 31, 2016.
From the Monday after Thanksgiving through the end of March, we open two additional sites and continue year-round operation of the Boccardo Reception Center (BRC) shelter with additional beds. These seasonal nightly shelters serve as a refuge from harsh winter weather conditions for homeless men, women, and families. The program is funded by the County of Santa Clara.

Locations

Boccardo Reception Center (BRC)
2011 Little Orchard
San Jose, 95125
Near “The Plant” shopping center
(408) 510-7502

Adults only. Space limited to 50 with additional capacity for inclement weather as authorized by the County of Santa Clara. Clients must be onsite by 3:30 p.m. to join the lottery for bed assignments, and the shelter opens at 4:00 p.m. Meals served daily.

Gilroy National Guard Armory
8490 Wren Avenue Gilroy, 95020
Near Las Animas Park
(408) 712-0453

Adults and families served. Space limited to 100-130 as authorized by the National Guard and County of Santa Clara. Clients must be onsite by 6:00 p.m. for intake. Meals served daily. Note: There are some offsite nights each month due to Guard exercises.

Sunnyvale - Onizuka Air Force Base  (Please note comment below... our information came from the HOMEFIRST COLD WEATHER SHELTERS SITE.)
1100 Innovation Way
Sunnyvale

Sunday, November 29, 2015

WHY DOGS ARE SO IMPORTANT FOR THE HOMELESS - COMPANIONSHIP - SAFETY - CONSISTANCY - MENTAL and EMOTIONAL HEALTH

Although some homeless in vehicles keep cats, it's dogs who make the best companion animals for the homeless, because they are so responsive and  loyal.



A DOG AS A COMPANION IS A CONSISTANCY

This is especially true it a person had the dog BEFORE they became homeless.
We've met people who are homeless because of their pet or pets.  They can't find another place to live that will take them and the pet or pets so they prefer their van or RV.  This may seem ridiculous to some people, but not when you face the fact that if you give your pets up at a shelter they might be facing death.  Older cats and dogs especially. (In LA County about 40 % of cats turned into county shelters are put to death.) You made a commitment to them, love them, and will not put them to death.

Then you may have to keep moving or not know exactly where you're going to sleep.
BUT YOU DO KNOW WHO WILL BE RIGHT THERE BESIDE YOU - your DOG.
Some of the dogs are great as watch dogs and protectors.  Maybe they wouldn't bite someone attacking you, but they might give them pause, or wake you up so you know someone is coming.

SO SAFETY FIGURES INTO WHY A HOMELESS PERSON WANTS A DOG BESIDE THEM.

COMPANION and SERVICE ANIMALS that you want to take into libraries and other places usually have to be ID'd as such.  It's pretty easy to get the paperwork from a doctor if you have been diagnosed as mentally ill, or in need of emotional support.  The animal should be able to stay by your side quietly for as long as you're on a computer or reading in a corner or keep them right beside you in the store.  Some people do have the letter from their doctor for their dog to be ID'd as a companion or service animal but can't afford the ID, Vest, or other paperwork.  THE DOG'S FUNCTION CAN BE ANYTHING FROM ALERTING YOU TO AN EPILEPTIC ATTACK, REMINDING YOU TO TAKE A MEDICINE, or KEEPING YOU CALM.

PEOPLE WITH POST TRAUMATIC STRESS such as veterans can benefit from having a calm and loving protector by their side. 

FINALLY,  HOMELESSNESS can BE LONELY.  A homeless person may not have family, may have been abused by or abandoned by family, have experienced the death of their spouse and be in mourning, or suffering from the loss of their home and possessions.  They may not be getting love or be able to give love to anyone right now.  Their dog is always ready, willing, and able to be loved and most of us think - give love in return.

Friday, November 27, 2015

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

DOWNTOWN WOMEN'S CENTER - HOMELESS WOMEN's RESOURCE - DOWNTOWN WOMAN'S ACTION COALITION

DOWNTOWN WOMEN'S CENTER

442 S San Pedro St
Los Angeles, CA 90013

(213) 680-0600
 
FROM THE SITE:
Homelessness increased 12% in LA County in the past three years, from 39,461 to 44,359 individuals. While the numbers reveal a concerning state of affairs for our City, they serve as a call to action to prioritize affordable and permanent supportive housing as the solution to end homelessness.  ... While median rents in our state have increased over 20% from 2000 to 2012, the median income dropped by 8% and California still has a shortfall of over 1.5 million affordable rental homes. ... At the federal level, DWC supports full funding for the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grants and Section 8 Tenant-Based Rental Assistance program.

State Level
At the state level, DWC supports state legislation that preserves and rehabilitates existing affordable housing stock and the establishment of a permanent funding source for affordable housing.

City Level
At the local level, DWC supports County and City efforts to end homelessness through increasing affordable housing for all homeless individuals including veterans and people on probation or parole, streamlining systems, and grassroots advocacy efforts led by the Downtown Women’s Action Coalition

Sunday, November 22, 2015

ASCENCIA NEW LOCATION FOR 80 BED WINTER SHELTER FOR SINGLES -OPEN NOW THROUGH END OF MARCH 2016

ASCENCIA WINTER SHELTER PROGRAM
NEW LOCATION OF SHELTER (note that this is not the same address as the program)
1219 Los Angeles Street, GLENDALE, CA  91204

Homeless Single Adults (18 years old and up).  80 Beds.  If you are person 81 in line you will be referred elsewhere.  First Come First sere.  Arrive at the address above between 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM - important - no early line ups/loitering.

If you are working and cannot arrive that early, please call first

(818) 246-7900 extension 100

BURBANK CLIENTS CAN RECIEVE BUS TOKENS AND OTHER INFORMATION THROUGH

BURBANK TEMPORARY AID CENTER
1304 West Burbank Blvd.

(818) 848-2822 extension 104

Actual address of
ASCENCIA ACCESS CENTER
(i.e. intake and interviews for program other than first come first serve shelter above.)
1851 TYBURN STREET
GLENDALE, CA  91204

(818) 246-7900

(They can use volunteers and food donations.)

Friday, November 20, 2015

OPEN YOUR WALLET TO THESE HOMELESS and POVERTY ACTIVISTS INSTEAD OF SPENDING IT ALL ON BLACK FRIDAY! OUR 2015 PICKS

OUR EMPHASIS THIS YEAR IS ON SMALL GROUPS or ORGANIZATIONS WITH "ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES" TYPE MANAGEMENT and VOLUNTEERS who personally interact with the homeless and poor or organizations whose work benefits thousands - but through smaller settings. 

MY FRIEND'S PLACE - Hollywood Homeless Teens (Many coming in from other parts of the Country)
MY FRIENDS PLACE  100% privately funded

"In 1988, Steve LePore and Craig Scholz initiated a volunteer-led, mobile meal program to distribute sack lunches to the homeless youth in the Hollywood community. Soon the volunteers built trust with the young people and realized that youth are driven to the streets by abuse, abandonment and neglect by families and caregivers. The needs and challenges of homeless youth go well beyond the critical condition of hunger.

Two years later, the volunteer group first opened the doors of a facility they called My Friend’s Place where they began to offer social services and creative opportunities in addition to basic needs . Today, My Friend’s Place is a thriving, professionally staffed drop-in Resource Center serving more than 1,400 homeless youth ages 12 to 25 and their children each year. Our primary goal is to lower traditional barriers to service and provide homeless youth with the opportunity to improve their psychological, intellectual and physical capacity to reach their potential...."

*****

Curt's Kitchen serving the poor hot meals in San Pedro

137 N. Pacific Avenue , San Pedro, California.
(between First Street and Santa Cruz)
If you'd like to volunteer or donate contact
Helen Grove at 310.831.3480   San Pedro Catholic Worker lay ministry group
INFORMATION LINK for CURTS KITCHEN
HOLY TRINITY PARISH LINK  (source of outreach workers)

BE SURE YOUR DONATIONS ARE MARKED FOR CURTS KITCHEN.  San Pedro has become a very expensive area to live in, situated next to the Palos Verdes peninsula.  Many of the low income residents are people who have lived in the area since before it became so expensive.

*****

Angel Hanz for the Homeless (and their Pets) serving in North Hollywood at the park near the library.

ANGEL HANZ FOR THE HOMELESS

Angel Hanz for the Homeless assists the homeless with keeping their animals out of the killing shelters by supplying the animals with comfort and care, including medical, while they are on the streets. This non profit has the potential to expand services but is in need of volunteers and donations.  This group has an increasingly vegan point of view.

The group recently provided FREE RABIES SHOTS FOR CATS and DOGS by a vet!  Angel Hanz has deep empathy from personal experience.

"We always appreciate additional VOLUNTEERS!"
Call 818.358.3663 if you would like to help or if you would like more information.

You can donate via PayPal

or by mail: ANGEL HANZ FOR THE HOMELESS, INC. P.O. BOX 10716, Burbank, CA 91510


***** 

LOS ANGELES REGIONAL FOOD BANK (the source for 680 other sites for distributions.)
LA FOOD BANK - STATS and links to how to donate

One in SIX people in LA experience HUNGER.  1.7 MILLION

The bank has 680 distribution sites/agencies.
 
97Cents of every dollar you donate actually used for services including food in the parks and food for seniors on fixed incomes. 
 
 
  

*****

ANY ORGANIZATION THAT PROVIDES SHOWERS FOR THE HOMELESS

Monday, November 16, 2015

UNCONSCIOUS MAYORS OF BALTIMORE, PITTSBURGH, and 100 OTHER CITIES PRIORITIZE REFUGEES OVER CITIZEN HOMELESS!

We're irate when we hear about Mayors in 100 cities including Baltimore and Pittsburgh welcoming refugees - for whom there will be PUBLIC FUNDING when THERE ARE SO MANY HOMELESS IN THESE PLACES, not to mention CHILDREN WHO GO HUNGRY.  These cities have major depressed areas, impoverished areas.  They have homeless people living under bridges.

THEY DO NOT SERVE OR SUPPORT THE AMERICAN MADE REFUGEES called HOMELESS.

What the hell is WRONG with these people?

CHRISTIAN TODAY - MUSLIM IMIGRANTS INVITED DESPITE TERRORISM RISKS

Further in California we are already dealing with illegal immigrants using SOCIAL SERVICES and PUBLIC funding for housing, food, education, and health care.

It's not that we don't know this is a nation of immigrants.  It's not that we don't think some of these people have something to offer.  It's that OUR COUNTRY CANNOT AFFORD it.

So long as the United States welcomes in refugees and illegal immigrants, AMERICAN CITIZEN HOMELESS SHOULD FEEL NO SHAME AT ALL ABOUT BEING ON BENEFITS.



Saturday, November 14, 2015

STAR STUDDED TASTELESS HOMELESS THEMED BRONX PARTY FEATURED TRASH CAN FIRES and BULLET HOLED CARS

DAILY MAIL UK - WATERFRONT CONDOS PARTY TASTELESSLY FEATURES HOMELESS THEME  - see pics!

"The venue is just down the road from Mitchel Houses, one the largest housing projects in New York City.  
 
City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito tweeted on Saturday: 'Lack of empathy and basic awareness are signs of an ailing society. Who thought "Bronx is Burning" theme a good idea?'
 
'Trivializing legit community concerns not welcome. Neither are attempts to erase neighborhood's culture & history,' she added."  (EXCERPT from full article linked above.)   Attending were Carmelo Anthony, Naomi Campbell, Adrian Brody, Gigi Hadid, and Kendall Jenner....  The party was backed by real estate firms Somerset Partners and The Chetrit Group.
 

7th ANNIVERSARY OF THIS BLOG - EXPOSEHOMELESSNESS.BLOGSPOT.COM - INCREDIBLE

 
CHECK OUT OUR AMAZING LIST OF
 OTHER HOMELESS and POVERTY ACTIVIST BLOGGERS
ON OUR SIDEBAR!

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Saturday, November 7, 2015

50,000 HOMELESS VETERANS EACH YEAR - LA HIGHEST POPULATION - SAN DIEGO SECOND



PUBLIC CEO on SAN DIEGO HOMELESS VETS full article

EXCERPT:

San Diego has the second-highest number of homeless veterans in the state, yet it barely secured any money from a new state program that doles out funds for new veteran housing projects.

California launched its Veterans Homeless and Housing program this year, making $75 million available to private developments that would build new homes for low-income and homeless veterans.  San Diego was meant to get about $5 million of that money, based on the size of its homeless population.

But just one project in the county applied for the state funds, securing just under $1 million – the  smallest of all grants awarded. Los Angeles, meanwhile, brought in $25 million for eight veteran housing projects.

The rest of the money meant for San Diego projects was left up for grabs for other projects in the state.

Thursday, November 5, 2015

LAMP COMMUNITY for SERIOUSLY ILL HOMELESS - 30 YEARS in BUSINESS - HOUSING FIRST?

LAMP COMMUNITY - program for mentally ill homeless

"What sets Lamp Community apart from other service providers in Los Angeles and Skid Row is its expertise in outreaching to those who have the most complex, high-barrier conditions contributing to their homelessness, including untreated, severe and persistent mental illness and physical disabilities including chronic disease. Without intervention, members of our target population can end up on the streets again and again and cycle through institutions, shelters or jails for years.  ...  Our programs are based on the “Housing First” model, which Lamp helped pioneer more than two decades ago and that is recognized as a best practice by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Services are provided within a high-tolerance, harm reduction framework, meaning there are no preconditions such as sobriety, religious participation or income. This allows us to house the most vulnerable – those who have been shut out of other programs and left to fend for themselves on the streets. Clients receive stable housing and are surrounded by services essential to maintain it, treat mental and physical illnesses and achieve self-sufficiency on their own terms. Lamp is one of only a few agencies that houses the chronically homeless and 95% of Lamp clients remain in their housing long-term..."

***********************

If you are in need of help or want to make a referral, please call the main line.  INTAKES are conducted in person at the FRANK RICE ACCESS CENTER, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 11 am.  Walk ins are welcome.  A formal intake is not required to use the ACCESS CENTER.  Homeless can use the restroom, take a shower, or meet others.  The ACCESS CENTER is open seven days a week from 8 AM to 5 PM.  SHOWER EVEN IF YOU DO NOT DO INTAKE.

Center is located at 627 San Julian Street (between 6th and 7th streets) LA CA  90014

PHONE  213-488-9559

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

2015-2016 WINTER SHELTERS WEINGART CENTER and WEST LOS ANGELES ARMORY - Also WINTER SHELTER HOTLINE

LAHSA WINTER SHELTER PROGRAM PDF FILE
Winter Shelter Hotline
Remember that ARMORYS CAN BE CLOSED FOR MILITARY OPERATIONS OR PRACTICE and on those dates YOU MAY NOT HAVE SHELTER THERE ON THOSE NIGHTS.

GOOD NIGHT TO FIND A 24 HOUR COFFEE SHOP!

GO TO THE PDF FILE TO FIND SOUTH LA SHELTERS - We know that not everyone can download PDF on their cell phones so...
Phone: 1-800-548-6047
TDD: 1-800-660-4026

WEINGART CENTER
Planning area 4
36 Bed Program
566 South San Pedro Street (downtown LA)
(213) 833-5020
walk in shelter.  arrive between 8 am and 2 Pm to sign up for that evening.


WEST LOS ANGELES ARMORY - 150 BEDS
(Planning area 5)
1177 West 25th Street, Los Angeles

(323) 758-4670

November 1 2015- March 31 2016
Pick up at the VENICE BEACH BOARDWALK at Market Street and Ocean Front Walk
at 5 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:15 PM
 
********************************************************************

Monday, November 2, 2015

2015-2016 LAHSA WINTER SHELTER PROGRAM LOCATIONS NOW OPEN : LANCASTER and CITY OF BELL POMONA - PICK UP LOCATIONS

Opened on October 15th. 

We're looking for other locations but you can always call the winter shelter HOTLINE number below. 

If its cold or raining, please get inside!   Don't catch a virus, allergies, fever, pneumonia... There's still something called THE WINDCHILL FACTOR here is Southern California, which means that it can feel MUCH COLDER due to the wind than the temperature on the thermostat.  CALL AHEAD IF YOU WANT TO DRIVE YOUR OWN VEHICLE IN.  Remember these shelters are for ALL HOMELESS, even those living in RV's, Vans, and cars.

If you are NEW to being HOMELESS, even if you're in a vehicle, a cold weather shelter is an option for you, for warmth, for safety, for showers and food, and possible links to other social services that may help you.    You will probably be on army cots, not " beds."  OUR ADVICE TO YOU IS THAT WHILE AT A COLD WEATHER SHELTER NIGHTS you use your days TO APPLY TO ALL PERMANENT HOUSING PROGRAMS POSSIBLE.  Get on wait lists rather than get used to the street.




WINTER SHELTER HOT LINE  1-800-548-6047

TDD 1 - 800-660-4026  (Deaf and hearing disabled line.)

CITY OF LANCASTER - GRACE RESOURCES   35 BEDS  (in our opinion way too few!)
(Antelope Valley Planning Area)
44611 Yucca Avenue, Lancaster, CA
Open this year through March 31, 2016

(661) 945-7524

Pick up locations:  Corner of K8 and Gingham Ave  at 2:40 PM in the afternoon.

and

Grace Resource Center
45134 North Sierra Highway, Lancaster - COURTYARD is meeting place at 2:50 PM in the afternoon.


POMONA ARMORY - 100 BED PROGRAM
(San Gabriel Valley Planning Area)
Volunteers of America - Los Angeles
600 South Park Avenue
Pomona, CA  91767
Open this year through March 31, 2016

(909) 524-9799

OPERATING AS A WALK IN SHELTER.  You're encouraged to take the public bus.  If you need special assistance getting there, please call ahead.


BELL SHELTER - 79 BED PROGRAM
(East LA Planning Area)
Salvation Army
5600 Rickenbacker Road,
City of Bell, CA  90040

(323) 263-1206

Operating until March 15, 2015

Pick up locations:

Salvation Army Southeast Corps
29665 E. Gage Ave, Huntington Park, CA   at 3:30 PM in the afternoon

and

Salvation Army East Los Angeles Temple Corps
140 Eastman Ave.  East Los Angeles, CA  at 4:00 PM in the afternoon

and

Veterans Center
Corner of Olympic and Goodrich, East LA  at 4:45 PM


 

Saturday, October 31, 2015

SYLMAR and PACOIMA COLD WEATHER SHELTERS OPEN FOR 2015-2016 Season

UPDATE for 2016-2017 COLD WEATHER SHELTERS - PLEASE CALL 211 to FIND A SHELTER OR VERIFY THAT THE LIST BELOW IS STILL OPERATIONAL.  We've been looking for current information on the Internet and are running into a lot of very old useless news.  THERE SHOULD BE OPENINGS BEGINNING END OF OCTOBER 2016.


HOPE OF THE VALLEY ORG will run Sylmar and Pacoima

Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission · Phone
8165 San Fernando Rd, Sun Valley, CA 91352
 
(818) 392-0020  PHONE NUMBER ADDED NOV 2 2015

It is official- Hope of the Valley will be operating the Sylmar Winter Shelter and the Pacoima Winter Shelter serving the Valley, Burbank and Glendale. We will be opening 220 beds beginning November 1st. As details become available we will let you know. We are in partnership with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, The City of Los Angeles and the County of Los Angeles. Volunteers will be needed!

DAILY NEWS = SAN FERNANDO VALLEY SHELTERS-open-early

The shelters, which have a total of 220 beds, are at the

Greater Community Missionary Baptist Church   OPEN TILL END OF MARCH 2016
11066 Norris Ave. 
Pacoima  CA 91331

(818) 899-9155  CHURCH PHONE NUMBER  added Nov 2, 2015

National Guard Armory  OPEN TILL END OF MARCH 2016
12860 Arroyo St.
Sylmar
CA. 91342

661-259-1298  THE NUMBER WE HAVE ON FILE.  Please leave us a comment if you find this number from last year is not working.  CALL HOPE OF THE VALLEY for more information.

CALL AHEAD TO SEE IF YOU CAN DRIVE IN WITH YOUR OWN VEHICLE OR WALK IN.
SYLMAR USUALLY HAS A PICK UP IN VAN NUYS near the CIVIC CENTER AREA

OFFICIAL FROM LAHSA  AS BELOW

** Times may vary due to traffic or weather. Schedule maybe adjusted to meet current needs. Please arrive 5 minutes early. ** 3
Shelters Opening on November 1stand 2nd, 2015

Hope of the Valley – Pacoima
(100 bed program)
Greater Community Missionary Baptist Church 11067 Norris Ave, Pacoima, CA 91331 (818) 207-8776
Shelter Operates: November 1, 2015 through March 31, 2016
Transportation Pick-up Point Pick-up Address: Time:
Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission Parking Lot 8165 San Fernando Road, Sun Valley 5:00pm and 6:25pm
Sunland Senior Center Parking Lot 8640 Fenwick St., Sunland, CA 91040 5:15pm
Near Smart & Final Corner of Van Nuys Blvd. and W. Arminta St. 5:50 PM
Walk-up guests are welcome. No one is allowed on the property before 5:30pm. No shopping carts will be allowed in the shelter. Each guest may bring one small bag.
 

Service Planning Area: 2 (San Fernando Valley) Hope of the Valley – Sylmar Armory
(120 bed program)
Sylmar Armory 12860 Arroyo Drive, Sylmar, CA 91342 (818) 207-8776
Shelter Operates: November 1, 2015 through March 31, 2016
Transportation Pick-up Point: Pick-up Address: Time:
Van Nuys – Bus stop in front of the courthouse Corner of Van Nuys Blvd. and Erwin 5:00pm, 5:05pm, 6:00pm & 6:40pm
North Hollywood: Near McDonalds Corner of Lankershim Blvd. and Strathern St. 5:20pm & 5:45pm
Hansen Dam Recreation Center 11770 Foothill Blvd., Los Angeles. Pick up near Foothill Blvd and Osborne near the LVT sign. 5:30pm & 6:10pm
Walk-up guests are welcome. No one is allowed on the property before 5:30pm. No shopping carts will be allowed in the shelter. Each guest may bring one small bag.

Thursday, October 29, 2015

STOP DEFINING "CHRONIC" HOMELESSNESS as A MERE SIX MONTHS

Let's say you just got evicted after years of being a working, paying taxes, U.S. Citizen.  You may not have any of the stereotypical homeless issues such as mental illness or drug addiction or a criminal past.  Now, be it that you sofa hop, live in your vehicle, go to a Cold Weather Shelter, or another shelter program THAT ADVERTISES ITSELF TO BE A SOLUTION TO HOMELESSNESS, that CLAIMS that it get's people housing.

DID YOU KNOW THAT IF IT TAKES YOU MORE THAN SIX MONTHS TO BE IN A PLACE TO LIVE AGAIN, we mean at least a room for rent, a Section 8 apartment, on a lease or rental agreement somewhere YOU ARE CONSIDERED TO BE CHRONICALLY HOMELESS?

THIS WORKS AGAINST YOU if you ever have another bout of bad luck in this economy.

THEN YOU ARE CONSIDERED A REPEATER.

THE LONGER YOU ARE HOMELESS THE MORE STEREOTYPICAL DEFINITIONS STICK TO YOU.

LANDLORDS don't want to read your last address as a HOMELESS SHELTER.  LANDLORDS DON'T WANT TO RENT TO PEOPLE WHO THEY ASSUME ARE A STEREOTYPE!

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

CASA ESPERANZA MERGER - NOW PATH SANTA BARBARA

CASA ESPERANZA now PATH SANTA BARBARA

What value does PATH bring for the local Santa Barbara community? PATH offers...
  • A customized approach for reducing homelessness in Santa Barbara
  • Best practices that have been proven in other communities
  • A focus on measurable, achievable outcomes
  • A priority on improving local neighborhoods
  • A deeper level of client-centered programs and operational expertise
All donations will support people experiencing homelessness in Santa Barbara
Onsite programs at the interim housing facility embody a "one-stop shop" model of integrated housing and resources, designed to reduce barriers for people experiencing homelessness so they can access the support they need - all under one roof.
Programs focus on the following:
  • Permanent Housing Support
  • Employment & Job Training
  • Respite Care, Healthcare Coordination & Wellness Programs
  • Recovery & Community Re-integration
  • Rental Assistance & Rapid Re-Housing
  • Neighborhood Connections & Healthy Communities
  • Community Kitchen & Food Re-Distribution
  • Support for Veterans
The interim housing program includes 100 shelter beds open 24/7, and an expansion to 200 shelter beds during the winter months of December through March.

****
We think that the RESPITE CARE IS MOST IMPORTANT.  People who are too ill or weak to be homeless cannot focus on moving forward.  They are the most stuck in survival.

Sunday, October 25, 2015

MARK LIPMAN at FREEVENICEBEACHHEAD NEWSPAPER ON THE POLITICAL WILL OF CREATING HOMELESSNESS

FREE VENICE BEACH HEAD - FOLLOW THE MONEY - POLITICAL WILL OF CREATING HOMELESSNESS  full article by Mark Lipman

EXCERPT:

You see, the actions the city are taking are quite understandable, if you look at it in a detached objective manner. What is happening is there is a major conflict of interest going on involving incredibly large sums of money. Homelessness is a very profitable industry.

By Pacific Division’s own numbers, 80% of all their policing revolves around interactions with homeless people – mostly ticketing and harassing people for actions of basic survival, like sitting, sleeping … existing. That’s a lot of money, to pay a lot of police salaries … money we wouldn’t have to spend – police we wouldn’t need on the streets – if we simply provided the basic services that our communities have been demanding for well over a decade.

Then of course, we cannot ignore that incarceration costs the city over $62,000 per year for every person we jail. That is an awful lot of money that pays for prison guards … no wonder their union is the strongest in the state. And how many private contracts to companies get paid for with that money? Jails are big money and make a handful of people very rich … and just perhaps those riches get turned into influence to keep the system working just the way it is … perhaps?

Friday, October 23, 2015

HOLLYWOOD HOMELESS YOUTH PARTNERSHIP

HOLLYWOOD HOMELESS YOUTH PARTNERSHIP

Hollywood Homeless
Youth Partnership
4650 Sunset Blvd., MS#2
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Phone: (323) 361-3273

The Hollywood Homeless Youth Partnership (HHYP) agencies have been actively collaborating since 1982, and HHYP was formally established in 1999. Its member agencies are among the pre-eminent experts on the issues of youth homelessness in Los Angeles, the current homeless capital of America. As service providers, HHYP works to achieve best practices in service delivery with the goal of strengthening interventions to help homeless youth exit the streets, overcoming the traumatic experiences at the core of their homelessness. Since 2000, the HHYP has been a Level III Community Trauma Treatment Center under the auspices of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA).
In addition, HHYP conducts research with some of the most notable agencies in the United States including the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Authority (SAMHSA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). HHYP members help develop policy by testifying in Washington, DC and Sacramento, CA and locally to educate federal and state legislators about the issue of youth homelessness and advocate for legislation that helps provide services to homeless youth. HHYP members also present the results of its research and policy work at local and national conferences to support the capacity of other organizations and help educate and train service providers across the country.

HHYP members are available for training, consultation, information sharing and select research collaboration. HHYP also seeks collaboration with reputable agencies committed to supporting homeless youth and young adults in their transition towards stability.

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

SANTA BARBARA LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS - ON HOUSING FIRST


Published on Mar 19, 2015
League of Women Voters of Santa Barbara
Video by Larry Nimmer

SANTA BARBARA LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS on HOMELESS HOUSING

2015 The HOMELESS COUNT... including shelters, streets, and vehicles.  Using HUD's definition of individuals and families residing in places not fit for living, shelters, and transitional housing.

Their definition of CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS is expanded to a year and a half, or four bouts in three years.

An hour and a half of video, but a candid look at how they figure out who is prioritized for housing.


Monday, October 19, 2015

ONE SHOWER AT A TIME - BUSES BRING BATHROOMS TO THE CITY OF SAN FRANCISCO - RADICAL HOSPITALITY



 Lava Mae is a nonprofit with an interesting idea. They convert old donated city buses into mobile shower units for homeless people, bringing them health, hygiene and humanity.


LAVA MAE ORG

GREAT IDEA!   LOS ANGELES?!


Saturday, October 17, 2015

MEETING EACH NEED WITH DIGNITY = MEND CHARITY NAVIGATOR GIVES IT FOUR STARS



MENDPOVERTY.ORG

MEND offers a shower program to its homeless clients and those who otherwise do not have access to a washroom. In 2014, the program provided access to 1481 showers, and volunteers dedicated 717 hours to make this possible. Information about the shower program is distributed to various homeless service agencies. Once a client registers with MEND, he or she can use the shower facilities every Tuesday.
In addition, all day Tuesday, MEND’s homeless clients have access to toiletries, hot meals, a box of nutritious food meant to last 3 to 4 days, clean clothing, and MEND’s wide array of referral services.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

AIDS HEALTH CARE FOUNDATION - CONDOM FACTS

AIDS HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION  TESTING, MEDS, RESOURCES


"FOR ANY SEXUAL ENCOUNTER, CONDOMS WORK.  IN FACT THEY'RE 98% EFFECTIVE.  HOWEVER CONDOMS AFFORD NO PROTECTION IF THEY'RE NOT USED.

BY 2013  THE MAJORITY OF ADOLESCENTS WERE USING CONDOMS.  LIKEWISE THE MAJORITY (64%) of GAY MEN.  FEMALE SEX WORKERS IN NEVADA BROTHERLS ARE REQUIRED TO USE CONDOMS, RESULTING IN ZERO CASES OF HIV TRANSMISSION.

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

CLOTHING GIVEAWAY - NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN - FAIRFAX AREA - COMING UP SUNDAY DEC 6 2015

We apologize for our mistake.  The giveaway is DEC 6 2015  not Dec 2 as we originally stated on our post title.

**************************************************

543 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036 · (323) 651-2930
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN

The annual clothing giveaway is in a couple weeks.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:

You  ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BRING YOUR OWN BAGS, SUITCASES, ROLLING CARTS, etc inside the giveaway area, not even if you're crippled with back pain or arthritis and can't stand long or carry much..    This makes it damn difficult if not impossible for homeless people to get clothes.  But if you're living at a shelter and can show up just you, come on down.

When you get inside they will ask you how many people are in your family.  They will give you a bag for each person.  You can fill that bag (s).  But you personally probably CANNOT CARRY more than one full bag of clothing out.  One full bag is really heavy.

THE LINE MOVES REALLY FAST, so grab what you think will work.

THERE IS NO TRYING CLOTHES ON.

PARKING IS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, so not always easy or close.  You can drop people off and find them later, but people in line hate it when they see a bunch of people get in front of them claiming that others were saving their place in line.

THERE IS A  MTA BUS THAT DROPS YOU OFF WHERE THE LINE STARTS.

CLOTHING GIVE AWAY CONTINUES TILL ABOUT NOON.  Clothing is brought out by volunteers continuously.  So getting there real early may not make any difference.

THERE ARE SECURITY GUARDS WALKING THE LINE but people sneak past them and cut in line all the time anyway.

USUALLY SOME FOOD VENDERS SHOW UP SELLING HOT DOGS.  You could be in line a couple hours.  BRING YOUR OWN SNACKS and WATER but... but... are there porta potties somewhere cause we haven't seen them.

WE WOULD PREFER A SYSTEM WHERE YOU GET A NUMBER and go SIT or COME BACK CLOSER TO THE TIME OF YOUR ADMITTANCE.  But that long line of desperation makes for good television news/ PR.

WE HAVE NO REASON TO BELIEVE THEY ACCOMODATE THE DISABLED.  BUT THEY HAVE TO.  So call ahead to see if you and your wheelchair or your ACCESS drop off will get you priority admittance or any help.

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN  offers other events, activities, and social service type opportunities, including therapy.

 

Friday, October 9, 2015

POMONA ARMORY SET TO OPEN OCTOBER 15th FOR EL NINO 2015-2016 COLD WEATHER SEASON - SIX WEEKS EARLY!

SAN GABRIEL TRIBUNE - POMONA SHELTER OPEN EARLY OCT 15 2015 COLD WEATHER  ( EXPECT CHRISTIAN SERVICES)   Inland Valley Daily Bulletin


EXCERPTS:

In the meantime, Clark, who was awarded an authority grant to operate the winter shelter in Pomona, is preparing to have the armory ready to welcome 125 homeless beginning the evening of Oct. 15. That’s 25 more than in past years, he said.

Although the Pomona Armory will be available this winter, it is not expected to be available for the 2016-2017 winter, said Benita DeFrank, Pomona’s neighborhood housing service manager.

The additional time will make it possible to develop a plan to replicate the model the East San Gabriel Valley Coalition for the Homeless uses to run its winter shelter, DeFrank said.

The model involves several churches taking turns serving as winter shelter sites two weeks at a time.
Several churches, including Shield of Faith Christian Center, expressed a desire to open their doors but said they could not be ready for the Dec. 1 start of the program.

 Trying to get ready this winter would mean scrambling to move church programs and other services to free up facilities to accommodate the homeless, said Bishop Henry Alexander, senior pastor at Shield of Faith.

The church will be ready to serve as a shelter next winter, he said.

“We’re are committed to next year,” Alexander said.

Opening the doors to the homeless is “something churches should accept as a responsibility,” he said. “It’s an appropriate commitment for churches, a moral obligation.”

Monday, October 5, 2015

MY FRIENDS PLACE - HOLLYWOOD : DID YOU JUST GET OFF THE BUS at HOLLYWOOD and VINE after RUNNING AWAY FROM AN ABUSIVE HOME?

MY FRIENDS PLACE - CHECK OUT THEIR SITE FOR MORE PHONE NUMBERS

*****

ONE DAY we went down to HOLLYWOOD and VINE looking for a friend of ours and we saw this woman talking to a teenage who just got off the bus with her big heavy duffle bag.  The woman was offering to get her work, asking her what she could do for a living.

Sad to say, we felt pretty sure that this girl was going to end up a prostitute.  We figured this woman to be a fake.

WHY?

Sure there are good people who just want to help people with a little this or that.  But if a person is REALLY ASSOCIATED WITH A SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCY or a NONPROFIT, they will at least have a business card, where you can call a number to get ahold of them and do a little research like you are right now, on the internet, to see if such a place exists.  It's not likely they are going to just get you into their car and take you there.  They'll tell you to go the site of their shelter, office, or nonprofit.


So JUST OFF THE BUS, and dead broke, you want to go to the closest CALIFORNIA SOCIAL SERVICES OFFICE.

You can get CAL FRESH (food stamps) and GR (General Relief) and possibly a referral to a shelter, where other referrals are likely. 

WE DON'T WANT YOU TO SPEND ONE NIGHT ON THE STREET.

THOUSANDS COME TO HOLLYWOOD EVERY YEAR, figuring that if they're going to be homeless they may as well do so where it doesn't snow and hardly ever rains, where the sun shine is.

THOUSANDS think MAYBE I'LL BE LUCKY, if not become a movie star then something else wonderful will happen to me.

THOUSANDS find themselves surrounded by other's like themselves who HAVE NO WHERE TO GO, NO ONE TO TRUST, and have to rely on their wits or BE EXPLOITED.

So this is hard, but the fact is that your hunger and desperation attract criminals like you are the moth and they are the flame.  THIS ISN'T ABOUT THE CRIME YOU READ ABOUT A LOT, a tourist getting mugged by a homeless person.  THIS IS ABOUT MARRIED MEN WHO ARE CHEATING ON THIER WIVES, that live in UPSCALE SUBURBS LIKE WOODLAND HILLS, or GAY MEN COMING DOWN THE ROAD FROM THEIR HOUSE UP ON MULHOLLAND, looking to have sex with prostitutes, kids, teens,  YOUNG ENOUGH TO BE THEIR OWN CHILDREN,  NOT EVEN LEGAL ADULTS, THE AMOUNT THEY PAY YOU THAT MEANS SO MUCH TO YOU, A LITTLE BIT OF NOTHING TO THEM. 

THIS IS ABOUT DRUG PUSHERS LOOKING TO SELL YOU SOMETHING that will help you forget your terrible life - except you get to be the addict in an endless cycle of SELF DESTRUCTION.

GET LINKED UP WITH SOCIAL SERVICES and check out MY FRIENDS PLACE for starters.

WE DON'T WANT THE ABUSE YOU SUFFERED THAT MADE YOU RUN AWAY BECOME YOUR ENTIRE LIFE!



Saturday, October 3, 2015

DID LOOSING A FRONT TOOTH LEAD YOU TO UNEMPLOYMENT AND HOMELESSNESS? QUESTIONS FOR HOMELESS

We know that in today's American society having a big smile full of teeth is often necessary for employment and we've met a few homeless who say that loosing a tooth meant loosing a job!  They didn't have dental health care or they could not afford to buy a partial plate...


CHECK YOUR OBAMACARE.... YOU MAY FIND THAT YOU CAN GET A LOCAL DENTAL CLINIC TO MAKE YOU PARTIAL PLATES, CAP OR CROWN FRONT TEETH!

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

LOS ANGELES HOMELESS CRISIS STATE OF EMERGENCY

FOX NEWS - STATE OF EMERGENCY LA HOMELESSNESS - FUNDING NOW?

EXCERPTS:

"If you walk five blocks south and one block over, you'll enter the largest concentration of homeless in the country — about 4,000 homeless living in Skid Row," said Councilman Jose Huizar, who co-chairs the City Council's homelessness & poverty committee.
"Unfortunately, that is just a small percentage of the city's homeless population," he continued. "Yes, 85 percent of the city's homeless population lives outside of Skid Row, throughout the city."
The emergency declaration and the funding will require action by the full City Council. Officials didn't say exactly where the money will come from, but Council President Herb Wesson promised it would be found "somehow, some way."
...
The first rollout of funds — projected for Jan. 1, 2016 — would go toward permanent housing and shelter, according to Wesson's office.

Garcetti had already announced plans Monday to release nearly $13 million in such newly anticipated excess tax revenue for short-term housing initiatives. The bulk of that money would be dedicated to housing homeless veterans.

Alice Callaghan, a longtime advocate for the homeless on Skid Row, said the proposed funding would not be nearly enough to stop the loss of affordable housing, especially in rapidly gentrifying areas of downtown and on the city's west side.


Friday, September 25, 2015

POPE FRANCIS MAKES HOMELESSNESS and POVERTY A PRIORITY in his VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES

Pope Francis told the bishops that they should be close to the poor, close enough to carry their scent.

USA TODAY- POPE SEES SAINT JOSEPH in HOMELESS  full article

"Addressing about 200 clients of Catholic Charities and 60 parishioners of St. Patrick Catholic Church in downtown Washington, Francis compared the poor to St. Joseph, the father of Jesus.
"Your faces remind me of his," Francis said in Spanish. "I can imagine Joseph, with his wife about to have a child, with no shelter, no home, no place to stay. The Son of God came into this world as a homeless person. The Son of God knew what it was to start life without a roof over his head. We can imagine what Joseph must have been thinking. How is it that the Son of God has no home?"


Thursday, September 24, 2015

WHEN THERE ARE NO LANDLORDS WILLING TO TAKE YOUR VASH OR SECTION 8 VOUCHER BECAUSE THE COST OF HOUSING IS SO HIGH

DAILY NEWS - OPINION BY LARRY WILSON - WHEN LOS ANGELES STREETS TURN MEAN  By Larry Wilson, San Gabriel Valley Tribune


EXCERPT:

It’s not a problem tied to one city, though, is it? Whether you are sleeping in a tent on the sidewalk on Skid Row or in the bushes off some Southland freeway, whether you are baking in a San Bernardino barranca or doing the same in a Venice Beach alleyway, it doesn’t make a whole lot of difference.

One problem Garcetti has found in his crusade is that about 700 of those still homeless in his city have federal Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing vouchers that they can’t use, because they don’t come near covering the real cost of housing in Southern California.
This is the same kind of issue that so many homeless families with Section 8 federal housing vouchers find. If no landlord will take you because they can charge more than the federal subsidy will pay, you are out of luck.


***

One of our friends has tried to find housing with his Section 8 voucher.  He was told by agencies there that people in Santa Barbara are loosing their housing vouchers because of the inavailability of affordable and section 8 housing in that county.