NEW FRIENDS HOMELESS CENTER SERVES 200 HOMELESS THANKSGIVING MEAL - TWICE A WEEK MEALS

DAILY NEWS ON SAN FERNANDO VALLEY THANKSGIVING and PASTOR APRIL BELT

Nearly 200 homeless San Fernando Valley residents milled about a hall at St. Nicholas Episcopal Church in Encino on Thursday, greeting each other with smiles and hugs at the Thanksgiving dinner hosted by New Friends Homeless Center...The holiday event is in its third year and the all-volunteer group targets its outreach to the estimated 5,000 homeless residents of the San Fernando Valley. While funding and attention often goes to Skid Row programs and downtown shelters, Pastor April Belt of Woodland Hills’ Miracle Minded Ministries said there is a need in the Valley, even if it isn’t as prominent as in other areas....

Robert Gale, a retired Los Angeles Police Department captain, volunteers as chef for the weekly dinners, and Thursday was no different as he oversaw the turkeys, stuffing and other sides heading out the kitchen door.

“You know, when I first started helping out with this, I didn’t want to do it at all. I used to work foot patrol on Skid Row as a cop, and I couldn’t stand being around homeless people. I did it because Pastor April asked me to, but I wasn’t happy about it.”

But in the communal atmosphere of the group, Gale said he let go of those notions.

“There was one guy I met who told me his story and he told me he used to be an airplane pilot. I thought, ‘Yeah, uh huh. Sure.’ He told me he was the first guy to land a 747 at LAX and that there was a plaque with his name on it in a hanger at the airport. Well, one day, I was down there and some friends of mine let me go take a look. Sure enough, there’s his name on a plaque.”
Gale said the man had battled cancer, lost most of his belongings and his home.

NEW FRIENDS HOMELESS CENTER link

Tuesday 6:30pm - 8pm
St. Nicholas Episcopal Church
17114 Ventura Blvd.
Encino, CA 91316

   

Friday 6:30pm - 8pm
United Methodist Church
5650 Shoup Ave.
Woodland Hills, CA 91367

HOW TO USE THIS BLOG TO FIND SERVICES

HOW TO USE THIS BLOG TO FIND SERVICES

The SEARCH feature ( the white input block on the left side of the blog) is enabled so that you can run a search within EXPOSE HOMELESSNESS for information by using the exact name, part of the name, a TAG (which will bring up all posts in a category) such as "YOUTH",  "SHELTER", "ORANGE COUNTY",  or "QUESTIONS", as examples.

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You can also use this anonymous function to ask us to contact you without exposing your contact info.  Simply advise us DO NOT POST!

JOAN BAEZ - THERE BUT FOR FORTUNE

POPE FRANCIS ASKS "HOW CAN IT BE THAT IT IS NOT NEWS WHEN AN ELDERLY HOMELESS PERSON DIES OF EXPOSURE?"

THE GUARDIAN - POPE FRANCIS ON CAPITALIST TYRANNY  Full article link!

"Pope Francis has attacked unfettered capitalism as "a new tyranny", urging global leaders to fight poverty and growing inequality in the first major work he has authored alone as pontiff.
The 84-page document, known as an apostolic exhortation, amounted to an official platform for his papacy, building on views he has aired in sermons and remarks since he became the first non-European pontiff in 1,300 years in March.

In it, Francis went further than previous comments criticizing the global economic system, attacking the "idolatry of money" and beseeching politicians to guarantee all citizens "dignified work, education and health care".

He also called on rich people to share their wealth. "Just as the commandment 'Thou shalt not kill' sets a clear limit in order to safeguard the value of human life, today we also have to say 'thou shalt not' to an economy of exclusion and inequality. Such an economy kills," Francis wrote in the document issued on Tuesday.

"How can it be that it is not a news item when an elderly homeless person dies of exposure, but it is news when the stock market loses two points?"

PROJECT POP DROP DELIVERING FOOD TO SKID ROW MISSIONS SHELTERS AND KITCHENS

PROJECT POP DROP SITE
PROJECT POP DROP is a philanthropy organization created by and sponsored by Platinum International Products And Services.  (They sell toner for copiers.)

"Our team does a monthly Pop Drop the last week of every month. We deliver food, clothing, medical supplies, beauty products, toys, electronics etc., to local missions, community programs and philanthropy driven organizations. Our focus is to help the epicenter of homelessness in America... Skid Row (Los Angeles). Our plan is to expand to many other cities as well.

Since  Project Pop Drop launched in 2011, we are thrilled and humbled that we have helped facilitate feeding over 90,000 meals per month. We believe that every movement starts with local leadership and that we can all help make a difference and impact our communities."

They have helped Goodwill Industries,  The Downtown Women's Center, and Hope Gardens.

1-818-491-3954 phone number

7065 Hayvenhurst Ave Suite 10
Van Nuys CA, 91406

SHOE CREW PROVIDING SHOES THAT FIT FOR CHILDREN

THE SHOE CREW ORG  TEENAGERS DOING GOOD

Mission Statement

The Shoe Crew collects new shoes that are donated to underserved youth and their families, those who are in need of disaster relief, or those who need assistance due to financial hardships.  The Shoe Crew believes that everyone deserves comfortable new shoes, and that nobody should have to suffer through day to day life without proper footwear.  The Shoe Crew also distributes clothing and other supplies on a seasonal basis to the same demographics through The Prom Crew (formal wear) and The Supplies Crew (school supplies). These divisions of The Shoe Crew provide clothing and other necessities to those in need.  The Shoe Crew distributes all items donated by working directly with other non- profit organizations who serve the same demographics.  In addition, The Shoe Crew also contributes directly to communities, individuals, churches and schools as specific needs are identified.

KELLY THOMAS : CHECK OUT THE PICKS OF KELLY BEFORE AND AFTER THE BEATING

UNIVERSALFREEPRESS - KELLY THOMAS BEATING  picture of Kelly who died a few days after being ganged up on in a police free for all, from the web site which is a WORDPRESS BLOG.

 

The site has other pictures and videos.  Please check it out!

 

WE AWAIT THE VERDICT


OK - SO WE ARE HORRIFIED!  WE ARE SHOCKED!  The jurors have communicated that this level of violence is OK over - not an armed robbery - not a gang holding guns - but a homeless mentally ill person being shook down by the police!


WE ASK YOU THIS : WHAT WOULD MARTIN LUTHER KING HAVE TO SAY ABOUT IT!

BUTTERFLY BOUQUET COLORING PAGE FOR OUR HOMELESS CHILDREN

JANIS IAN - SOCIETY'S CHILD

This is for Linda who told us this song is the story of her life.

COLD WEATHER SHELTERS LOS ANGELES 2014-2015 UPDATED ***** IT'S COLD OUT THERE!

LINK TO 2014-2015 http://lahsa.org/winter_shelter_program.asp

Winter shelters provide shelter, warmth, food and comfort to homeless individuals during the cold and wet weather season.
The 2014-2015 Winter Shelter Program (WSP) operates between December 1, 2014 and March 15, 2015. A total of 1,521 beds are available across the City and County of Los Angeles at 21 different shelter locations.
For the past 20 years LAHSA has coordinated the Winter Shelter Program in partnership with local non-profit homeless service agencies to administer the day-to-day operations of each program site.
Winter shelter beds are designated in the following Los Angeles City and County areas:

• Bell
• Downtown (Central City East)
• Glendora
• Hacienda Heights
• Lancaster
• Long Beach
• Pacoima
• Pomona
• Rowland Heights
• Santa Clarita
• South Los Angeles
• Sylmar
• Valinda
• West Covina
• West Los Angeles

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Previous year's shelter list removed....  we do not see Glendale or Burbank on this list, however, call Ascencia and ask them just in case!

SKY PILOT - ERIC BURDEN AND THE ANIMALS - NATIONAL COALITION FOR HOMELESS VETERANS

NATIONAL COALITION FOR HOMELESS VETERANS

For our HOMELESS VETERANS

FOOD FORWARD - THE GLEAN TEAM

FOOD FORWARD ORG  Known for their fruit pickers, we've blogged about this organization before.  They are working with three LA farmers markets - Santa Monica and Hollywood and Studio City to glean produce that goes unsold.  They get the veggies.

100% of what is Donated goes to SOVA and MEND and other food pantries.

THEY CAN USE VOLUNTEERS.  IT'S A GREAT WAY TO QUIT THE GYM and MEET SOME PEOPLE.

CAREHARBOR FREE MEDICAL CARE EVENT - OUR REVIEW UPDATED ***** MEDICAL PRIVACY AT QUESTION - THE LADIES LOVED THE PAUL MITCHELL HAIR CUTS

REVIEWS BELOW : We asked a few people who went to this years CAREHARBOR which took place last week at the LA SPORTS ARENA , a free medical care event, what they experienced.

You don't have to be homeless to attend this event.  You can be working or have health insurance, but maybe you can't afford the deductibles, or maybe you don't have coverage for dental or vision.

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OK, we're back... Sorry about that delay of a few days.

Here are some reviews from talking to people who attended this years event.  All names have been changed to protect privacy.

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DENTAL

N:  "I'm on Medical and went because I want to preserve my teeth.  After getting up real early to have a disabled van pick me up and waiting in line the day for wrist bands and then the day for dental care, I was told they couldn't help me and there was no referrals to another dental clinic.  I was so exhausted and disappointed."

We respond : We hear that by next summer Medical will be upgraded for dental so that people who don't want a tooth pulled may have better options.

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VISION

W:  "I went because I have no vision coverage.  I'm working two jobs and I can't afford my rent and new eyeglasses.  I thought the vision part of CareHarbor was excellent.  The only thing is that the eyeglass frames they had to choose from were not great. You can't give them frames you bought or brought with you.  You do get a copy of the prescription though, so if the glasses they made me are too ugly, as soon as I can afford it, I'll buy better a better pair."

We respond:  Good point! Too bad you can't hand over you old frames!

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MEDICAL PRIVACY

S:  "I'm really pissed off.  There is NO REASON TO HAVE THE LONG LINES WAITING LIKE THAT EXCEPT THAT IT'S A BIG PHOTO OP FOR CAREHARBOR.  I read on their web site that no one can take pictures inside due to MEDICAL PRIVACY.  LIE!  There were cameras in my face several times outside and the pictures on the internet and in the papers showed some people's faces.   This happened maybe five times and a lot of people were pulling their hats down or wrapping scarves around their faces or turning their backs.  Nobody was asking permission first of us to use our images.  In one case it was still dark out and while I was talking to some people I suddenly was blinded by a light - a damn camera guy from some station.  That was outside.  It wasn't much better inside."

THAT IS NOT MEDICAL PRIVACY.  On the day for care when you finally got indoors there was a BIG SIGN UP about FILMING.   HOLLWEIRD!  DAMN IT if I find my face on ANY web site, on any NEWS CHANNEL.  It's nobody's business if I stood in line for medical care.  So they are just doing it for the big news story.  That makes me sick.

We respond:  If they could give out numbers and then let you come back in a couple hours or something. Standing for hours is hard on people.

*****

MEDICAL PRIVACY

Z:  "I have an issue with their standards also.  THE INFORMATION PACKET THEY GAVE OUT ON MONDAY WHEN WE PICKED UP OUR WRIST BANDS SAID YOU COULD HAVE MEDICAL SERVICE WITHOUT AN ID.  BUT THE FIRST THING THEY DO IS USHER YOU INTO INTAKE WHERE THEY ASK FOR YOUR ID and start putting you in a DATABASE and they want to assign you to a clinic in the end.  So I agree with S, that there are some Lies in their flyers and website."

We respond:  It's important for the homeless to be able to get health care without an ID.

******

LOVED THE ACCUPUNCTURE AND CHIROPRACTIC

H: " Hi.  I'm not homeless either.  Tell you what, I was so thrilled that I could have an acupuncture and chiropractic treatment!  I know that isn't covered by Healthy Way LA or Medical, but I would go holistic if I could, especially for pain control."

*****

X:  "I loved that the PAUL MITCHELL HAIRDRESSERS WHERE THERE TO CUT HAIR!
They said it was their first year for the event.  I hope they keep doing it.  It made me relax while I waited for a pap smear."

THANKS TO BECKY FOR TALKING TO THE PEOPLE.

CHANGE LINKS - JOHN JOHNSON'S TWENTY YEAR OLD FREE NEWSPAPER NEEDS FUNDING AND VOLUNTEERS

Los Angeles natives may have seen a copy of this newsprint mini paper that has listings for events and gatherings for social justice around libraries for years.   

NOW THEY HAVE A WEB SITE AT CHANGE-LINKS-ORG .

Recently John Johnson had to put his paper on hold.  He ran out of money.  He has run the paper as a COMMUNITY SERVICE.  He lives in poverty himself.  He's getting food stamps.  The newspaper has been his avocation, his life's work. 

Organizations such as Coalition for World Peace, LA CAN MEETINGS for the Homeless Bill of Rights, and Minimum Wage activists list their meetings in the paper. 

DO YOU WANT TO HELP?

If so you can call 818 782-1412


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UPDATE SUMMER 2014 : John Johnson passed away and we don't know if the paper will still be published by others or not.

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