ALJAZEERA AMERICA on NEW YORK CITY HOMELESS - No Place Like Home for the Holidays by Wilson Dizard
EXCERPT:
The charity Coalition For The Homeless estimates that as of September there were 58,000 people in the city shelters. But shelters can be dangerous for vulnerable members of the homeless community, according to those who opt to stay away.
According to a New York City census conducted earlier this week, "Of the 58,913 individuals in shelter there are 12,316 families with minor children and 2,135 adult families. There are 11,357 single adults."
The city's Department of Homeless Services said that according to an annual estimate last conducted in January 2014 about three to four thousand people sleeping outside each night in New York. The agency said it could not respond to "anecdotal" accounts of dangerous conditions at indoor havens for the homeless, adding that many families sleep each night at public facilities.
“In New York City, there is a legal right to shelter all eligible families and individuals in need," the DHS said in a statement. "This mandate requires us to provide a comprehensive system of services to homeless New Yorkers, treating them with dignity and respect.”
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
RUNAWAY HOMELESS YOUTH and TRAFFICKING PREVENTION ACT IS SITTING IN SENATE WITH 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF PASSING - NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT
SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT - HOMELESS YOUTH RESOURCES by Christina Kelley full article
EXCERPT:
The Runaway Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act (RHYTPA, S. 2646) is a reauthorization that would provide additional federal grants to public agencies (as well as nonprofit private agencies) to provide street-based services to runaway and homeless youth, and street youth who have been subjected to, or are at risk of being subjected to, sexual abuse, violence, trafficking in persons, or sexual exploitation. It also allows for extra funding for the provision of specified resources for gay and trafficked youth. The bill is currently sitting in the Senate with a 20 percent prognosis of passing next year and needs support.
It is not enough that California has one of the largest homeless youth populations in the country with over 200,000 of the 1.6 billion homeless teens in the U.S. More concerning is that Santa Barbara County has between 5,000-10,000 of these young people, a large percentage of whom are gay. Gay runaway homeless youth have the highest potential risk of being sexually exploited, trafficked, and committing suicide.
There are currently only 15-17 beds available in Santa Barbara for homeless or placement youth funded by the local YMCA and the county’s Independent Living Program in an effort to assist the foster care system and those who have aged out of that system. Further, the resources for runaway homeless LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-sexual) and trafficked youth in Santa Barbara are slim to none. Pacific Pride Foundation’s staff provides street outreach and basic education in HIV and AIDS awareness and prevention. However, there are no specific resources to aid these youth in meeting their specialized needs.
PACIFIC PRIDE FOUNDATION link to place that is doing outreach on the streets of Santa Barbara.
EXCERPT:
The Runaway Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act (RHYTPA, S. 2646) is a reauthorization that would provide additional federal grants to public agencies (as well as nonprofit private agencies) to provide street-based services to runaway and homeless youth, and street youth who have been subjected to, or are at risk of being subjected to, sexual abuse, violence, trafficking in persons, or sexual exploitation. It also allows for extra funding for the provision of specified resources for gay and trafficked youth. The bill is currently sitting in the Senate with a 20 percent prognosis of passing next year and needs support.
It is not enough that California has one of the largest homeless youth populations in the country with over 200,000 of the 1.6 billion homeless teens in the U.S. More concerning is that Santa Barbara County has between 5,000-10,000 of these young people, a large percentage of whom are gay. Gay runaway homeless youth have the highest potential risk of being sexually exploited, trafficked, and committing suicide.
There are currently only 15-17 beds available in Santa Barbara for homeless or placement youth funded by the local YMCA and the county’s Independent Living Program in an effort to assist the foster care system and those who have aged out of that system. Further, the resources for runaway homeless LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-sexual) and trafficked youth in Santa Barbara are slim to none. Pacific Pride Foundation’s staff provides street outreach and basic education in HIV and AIDS awareness and prevention. However, there are no specific resources to aid these youth in meeting their specialized needs.
PACIFIC PRIDE FOUNDATION link to place that is doing outreach on the streets of Santa Barbara.
Saturday, December 27, 2014
SPIRIT OF SANTA PAULA -RICHARDS DROP IN CENTER - VENTURA COUNTY HOMELESS COURT, FOOD PANTRY AND 600 HOT MEALS A WEEK
SPIRIT OF SANTA PAULA - nonprofit - feeds - warming center etc
Our services range from serving a generous and nutritious hot meal each week for 600 people to assisting the community with rental assistance and utility payments. Each Wednesday from the Presbyterian Church at 121 Davis.
We serve as advocate in Homeless Court, counseling at Richard’s Drop In Center for Homeless people. Open on Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3 pm. It is located at 123 North 10th in the Century 21 Hometown Realty office.
Also located there is the food pantry, 15 refrigerators and freezers and our biblical counseling center and library. We met and greet people who are homeless. Many of the visitors just need a friend to help them connect with resources. They can check email or listen to the news. Veronica is supervisor.
Also Pastoral visits to the jail to working with parolees. We assisted in the Homeless Count for Ventura County and we do food rescue, provide a food pantry, and supervise a USDA food distribution on Saturday mornings. SPIRIT also provides counseling and neighborhood mediation for all ages.
We also provide free mediation and counseling services by appointment.
We need people to pray for us.
The work is hard but the worth it beyond measure.
Email Kay Wilson-Bolton at Kay@spiritsp.org 805.340.5025.
Dawn Bavero at dawn@spiritsp.org 805.302.9939'
Veronica Sandez at Veronica@spiritsp.org 805.625.4898.
Our services range from serving a generous and nutritious hot meal each week for 600 people to assisting the community with rental assistance and utility payments. Each Wednesday from the Presbyterian Church at 121 Davis.
We serve as advocate in Homeless Court, counseling at Richard’s Drop In Center for Homeless people. Open on Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3 pm. It is located at 123 North 10th in the Century 21 Hometown Realty office.
Also located there is the food pantry, 15 refrigerators and freezers and our biblical counseling center and library. We met and greet people who are homeless. Many of the visitors just need a friend to help them connect with resources. They can check email or listen to the news. Veronica is supervisor.
Also Pastoral visits to the jail to working with parolees. We assisted in the Homeless Count for Ventura County and we do food rescue, provide a food pantry, and supervise a USDA food distribution on Saturday mornings. SPIRIT also provides counseling and neighborhood mediation for all ages.
We also provide free mediation and counseling services by appointment.
We need people to pray for us.
The work is hard but the worth it beyond measure.
Email Kay Wilson-Bolton at Kay@spiritsp.org 805.340.5025.
Dawn Bavero at dawn@spiritsp.org 805.302.9939'
Veronica Sandez at Veronica@spiritsp.org 805.625.4898.
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
MAHALIA JACKSON - OH HOLY NIGHT This one goes out to those of you who Believe in Jesus
We believe homeless outreach and services should be given to homeless without any requirement that they believe, profess, or convert to Christianity or any other religion, but we know that many of you, despite everything that has happened to you and that you've experienced still believe in Jesus. This one is for you.
Monday, December 22, 2014
Sunday, December 21, 2014
CHRISTMAS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA an original song by ANNABELL OSWALD
This one goes out to all of you who came to Southern California for work
and found yourself homeless instead!
Friday, December 19, 2014
VATICAN HOMELESS WILL HAVE SHOWERS - POPE FRANCIS SHOWING THE WAY
RELIGION NEWS - HOMELESS SHOWERS IN ST PETERS SQUARE full article
"It’s an unconventional move, even for a pope who constantly preaches that more should be done to help the poor. It also could rankle traditionalists as the homeless line up to wash beneath the extravagant apostolic apartments that Francis shunned after his election....
Krajewski (Archbishop Konrad Krajewski, the papal almoner who distributes charity on the pope’s behalf) who is also Polish, was not available for comment. He told La Stampa’s Vatican Insider that he had visited 10 parishes in Rome where the homeless gather and asked them to install shower facilities. He said he tells parish priests: “The Holy Father is paying!”
The Community of Sant’Egidio, a Catholic charity that helps Rome’s homeless, also publishes a handbook, titled “Where to eat, sleep and wash,” in several languages.
“It is not simple, because it is easier to make sandwiches than run a shower service,” Krajewski said. “We need volunteers, towels, underwear.”
"It’s an unconventional move, even for a pope who constantly preaches that more should be done to help the poor. It also could rankle traditionalists as the homeless line up to wash beneath the extravagant apostolic apartments that Francis shunned after his election....
Krajewski (Archbishop Konrad Krajewski, the papal almoner who distributes charity on the pope’s behalf) who is also Polish, was not available for comment. He told La Stampa’s Vatican Insider that he had visited 10 parishes in Rome where the homeless gather and asked them to install shower facilities. He said he tells parish priests: “The Holy Father is paying!”
The Community of Sant’Egidio, a Catholic charity that helps Rome’s homeless, also publishes a handbook, titled “Where to eat, sleep and wash,” in several languages.
“It is not simple, because it is easier to make sandwiches than run a shower service,” Krajewski said. “We need volunteers, towels, underwear.”
Monday, December 15, 2014
MAYOR ERIC GARCETTI TO COHOST HOMELESS AND MENTAL ILLNESS SUMMIT ON DEC 17 2014
VAN NUYS PRESS - Eric Garcetti to Cohost Homelessness and Mental Illness summit
... list of confirmed speakers include but are not limited to: Don LeStrange, Van Nuys LAPD Volunteer and Community Police Advisory Board (CPAB) Homeless Committee Chair. Representatives from the Office of Councilwoman Nury Martinez (CD6). Anthony Gonzales from the Village Family Center in North Hollywood. Ryan Bell from Community Outreach for PATH in Los Angeles. Representatives from the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission. Representatives from the National Coalition For The Homeless. Representatives from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. Representatives from the Weingart Center Association. Representatives from the Homeless Health Care Los Angeles. Representatives from the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. And representatives from the Los Angeles Coalition to End Hunger & Homelessness.
... list of confirmed speakers include but are not limited to: Don LeStrange, Van Nuys LAPD Volunteer and Community Police Advisory Board (CPAB) Homeless Committee Chair. Representatives from the Office of Councilwoman Nury Martinez (CD6). Anthony Gonzales from the Village Family Center in North Hollywood. Ryan Bell from Community Outreach for PATH in Los Angeles. Representatives from the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission. Representatives from the National Coalition For The Homeless. Representatives from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. Representatives from the Weingart Center Association. Representatives from the Homeless Health Care Los Angeles. Representatives from the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. And representatives from the Los Angeles Coalition to End Hunger & Homelessness.
Sunday, December 14, 2014
SAN BERNARDINO MASSIVE HOMELESS STUDENT POP 33, 859
VVDAILY PRESS : SAN BERNARDINO STUDENT HOMELESSNESS 2014 full article linkl
San Bernardino County ranks fifth among all counties in the state with a homeless student population of 33,859 out of its 411,000 students in K-12 public schools, according to data released Wednesday by the California Homeless Youth Project. The report states that 8.1 percent of the county’s students are homeless — more than double the statewide average of 4 percent. California accounts for more than one-fifth of all homeless public school students in the United States, according to the report from the California Homeless Youth Project, in partnership with the Lucile Packard Foundation of Children’s Health.
San Bernardino County ranks fifth among all counties in the state with a homeless student population of 33,859 out of its 411,000 students in K-12 public schools, according to data released Wednesday by the California Homeless Youth Project. The report states that 8.1 percent of the county’s students are homeless — more than double the statewide average of 4 percent. California accounts for more than one-fifth of all homeless public school students in the United States, according to the report from the California Homeless Youth Project, in partnership with the Lucile Packard Foundation of Children’s Health.
Friday, December 12, 2014
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
WAUNAKEE WISCONSIN KIDS MAKE CARE PACKAGES FOR HOMELESS - KIDS OUTNUMBER ADULTS
CHANNEL 3000 - Children - CARE PACKAGES FOR HOMELESS - Waunakee Wisconsin article by Matthew Simon - go to link for video
FACEBOOK PEOPLE PAYING IT FORWARD
“I think it's so important we show our children how to be involved in the community, be thankful for the things they have and really pay it forward anytime they have to do so,” organizer Lisa Whiting said.
A few years ago Whiting’s daughter caught her throwing away travel shampoo, and came up with the idea of saving them and giving toiletries, food and warm clothing items to area homeless.
What started as a small, family pay-it-forward project for the last couple of years, grew into a large community affair this year. Whiting credits a simple Facebook post for the more than 230 care packages collected."
FACEBOOK PEOPLE PAYING IT FORWARD
“I think it's so important we show our children how to be involved in the community, be thankful for the things they have and really pay it forward anytime they have to do so,” organizer Lisa Whiting said.
A few years ago Whiting’s daughter caught her throwing away travel shampoo, and came up with the idea of saving them and giving toiletries, food and warm clothing items to area homeless.
What started as a small, family pay-it-forward project for the last couple of years, grew into a large community affair this year. Whiting credits a simple Facebook post for the more than 230 care packages collected."
Monday, December 8, 2014
GLORIUS - ONE VOICE CHILDEN'S CHOIR
Though the LDS church has its own social services, yes, we have met homeless Latter Day Saints.
Glorious is by David Archuleta from Meet the Mormons.
Saturday, December 6, 2014
ORANGE COUNTY - MERCY HOUSE COLD WEATHER SHELTER OPEN - SANTA ANA HOMELESS SHELTER BATTLE CONTINUES - RESIDENTS HOSTILE TO STEREOTYPE HOMELESS
VOICE OF ORANGE CO - BATTLE OVER SANTA ANA HOMELESS SHELTER CONTINUES
"The proposed site, near the Madison Park, Wilshire Squire, and Cornerstone Village neighborhoods, has drawn fierce opposition from residents who, along with school district officials, argue the shelter would be too close to an elementary school and put neighborhood children at risk.
Meanwhile, some county officials, as well as homeless advocates, say the proposed site is in a light industrial area and that the residents' concerns are unrealistic and rooted in bigoted stereotypes of homeless people...."
MERCY HOUSE COLD WEATHER SHELTER OPEN
General Information
"The proposed site, near the Madison Park, Wilshire Squire, and Cornerstone Village neighborhoods, has drawn fierce opposition from residents who, along with school district officials, argue the shelter would be too close to an elementary school and put neighborhood children at risk.
Meanwhile, some county officials, as well as homeless advocates, say the proposed site is in a light industrial area and that the residents' concerns are unrealistic and rooted in bigoted stereotypes of homeless people...."
MERCY HOUSE COLD WEATHER SHELTER OPEN
2014 -2015 Armory Emergency Shelter Program
SHELTERS WILL OPEN AT BOTH ARMORIES ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17TH, 2014
General Information
Armory Emergency Shelter Info. (714)836-7188 ext. 131
Armory Locations:
Santa Ana Armory – 612 East Warner (Warner / Main)
Fullerton Armory – 400 South Brookhurst (Brookhurst / Valencia)
Bus Pick Up Locations:
(There will be pick-up at these sites on dark nights)
Fullerton
Pick Up #1 5:00PM
N. La Palma Park Way & Harbor, Anaheim
On North La Palma Park Way between Harbor and Homer (Northwest Side of Park)
Santa Ana
Pick-Up #1 5:00PM
Flower & Civic Center – near 6th Street, Santa Ana
Pick Up #2 5:30PM
1901 W. Walnut, Santa Ana
Dark Nights and Alternative Sites:
The National Guard Armories are not available for use a few nights per month. On these “dark nights,” clients will be sheltered at alternate sites.
For more information, please contact:
James Brooks at (714)836-7188 ext. 107 or jamesb@mercyhouse.net
Austin Drissen at (714)836-7188 ext. 105 or austind@mercyhouse.net
Thursday, December 4, 2014
NO WINTER HOMELESS SHELTER IN GLENDALE THIS YEAR (2014-2015)
LATIMES - NO HOMELESS SHELTER IN GLENDALE
Excerpt
"The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, which funds the shelter program, didn't support another alternative — operating a smaller shelter at Ascencia's own access center, Komuro said.
The lack of winter shelter will have no impact on any of Ascencia's existing operations, which include providing housing and other support services for the homeless.
For more than a decade, a roughly 150-bed shelter was made available each year at the Glendale National Guard Armory on Colorado Boulevard.
But the influx of homeless drew complaints from patrons at the Glendale Central Library, the Adult Recreation Center and nearby retailers.
To minimize the impact, Glendale broke from the county program in 2011 and spent roughly $150,000 in combination with the city of Burbank to run a smaller shelter, which was limited to local transients."
***********
If you're reading this searching for a cold weather shelter, please see our recent post about those shelters funded by County of LA...http://lahsa.org/winter_shelter_program.asp
Excerpt
"The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, which funds the shelter program, didn't support another alternative — operating a smaller shelter at Ascencia's own access center, Komuro said.
The lack of winter shelter will have no impact on any of Ascencia's existing operations, which include providing housing and other support services for the homeless.
For more than a decade, a roughly 150-bed shelter was made available each year at the Glendale National Guard Armory on Colorado Boulevard.
But the influx of homeless drew complaints from patrons at the Glendale Central Library, the Adult Recreation Center and nearby retailers.
To minimize the impact, Glendale broke from the county program in 2011 and spent roughly $150,000 in combination with the city of Burbank to run a smaller shelter, which was limited to local transients."
***********
If you're reading this searching for a cold weather shelter, please see our recent post about those shelters funded by County of LA...http://lahsa.org/winter_shelter_program.asp
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
LOS ANGELES COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK - POVERTY ACTIVISTS "HOUSING IS A HUMAN RIGHT"
LOS ANGELES COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK
The mission of the Los Angeles Community Action Network (LA CAN) is to help people dealing with poverty create and discover opportunities, while serving as a vehicle to ensure we have voice, power and an opinion in the decisions that are directly affecting us.
Our overarching social change goals are to:
LA CAN organizes housing committees in Downtown LA and South LA. These committees identify pressing issues and develop campaigns to address them. We are also a core member of the Los Angeles Human Right to Housing Collective, focused on building a Citywide voice for extremely low-income tenants and homeless residents.
***************
If you are homeless, ever were homeless, or want to prevent homelessness, this may be the organization to join.
The mission of the Los Angeles Community Action Network (LA CAN) is to help people dealing with poverty create and discover opportunities, while serving as a vehicle to ensure we have voice, power and an opinion in the decisions that are directly affecting us.
Our overarching social change goals are to:
- Organize and empower community residents to work collectively to change the relationships of power that affect our community.
- Create an organization and organizing model that eradicate the race, class, gender barriers that are used to prevent communities from building true power.
- Eliminate the multiple forms of violence used against and within our community to maintain status quo.
LA CAN organizes housing committees in Downtown LA and South LA. These committees identify pressing issues and develop campaigns to address them. We are also a core member of the Los Angeles Human Right to Housing Collective, focused on building a Citywide voice for extremely low-income tenants and homeless residents.
***************
If you are homeless, ever were homeless, or want to prevent homelessness, this may be the organization to join.
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