Friday, February 26, 2016

COLD WEATHER SHELTERS - SHOULD YOU START SLEEPING IN ONE AT THE END OF THE SEASON?

There are many reasons why many homeless decide to sleep rough, or in abandoned buildings, or in their cold vehicles, rather than go to a shelter.

Sometimes a person has already tried the shelters and couldn't get in, got tired of not being guaranteed a space and standing in lines every day not knowing, they fear violence within the shelter (which DOES happen), though most armory/cold weather shelter set ups DO HAVE SECURITY GUARDS, or they don't want to be separated from their wife or husband or children or the group of homeless people who are their family of friends.

But we think, even though it's late in the season, even if the El Nino Rains or severe snow storms or freezing temperatures don't threaten you personally, that if you want off the streets you might still want to check THIS SEASONS SHELTER OFFERINGS out,  which could be different than last years, especially if you are ALONE or NEWLY HOMELESS.

HERE IS WHY:

1) THE SOCIAL WORKERS OR STAFF CAN PROVIDE YOU THE STATEMENT OF HOMELESSNESS YOU NEED TO GET YOUR FREE BIRTH CERTIFICATE and/or DISCOUNTED CALIFORNIA ID, which you need to apply for EBT-SNAP-FOODSTAMPS and/or cash benefits or welfare.

2) THEY MAY ALSO BE ABLE TO PRIORITY LIST YOU (we know it can still be a long wait so maybe the idea of a priority list is a joke) FOR A YEAR ROUND SHELTER or HOUSEING PROGRAM.

3) Sleeping on the floor or on cots can be painful if you have a bad back or arthritis or joint issues, but you'll probably be warmer and safer than sleeping outdoors, on hard cold concrete or wet ground.

4) This blog is meant to help you find services, and we know there is a lot of lines, chasing around, and paperwork, and it may come to nothing soon, but being on a waiting list is better than not being on one at all.  We think "apply to all the programs there are!"

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

SPIKE LEE ENDORSES BERNIE SANDERS FOR PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES!

ABC NEWS - POLITICS - SPIKE LEE FOR BERNIE SANDERS 

EXCERPT: Waaaaake up! Wake up, South Carolina!” Lee begins in the new spot first obtained by ABC News from the Bernie Sanders campaign. “This is your dude, Spike Lee. And you know that I know that you know that the system is rigged! And for too long we’ve given our votes to corporate puppets. Sold the okie doke. Ninety-nine percent of Americans were hurt by the Great Recession of 2008, and many are still recovering.

“That’s why I am officially endorsing my brother, Bernie Sanders. Bernie takes no money from corporations. Nada. Which means he’s not on the tape, and when Bernie gets into the White House, he will do the right thing!” the actor, writer and film producer continues in the ad. ...In the one-minute ad, Lee goes on to talk about Sanders' record fighting for civil rights, including his being arrested at the University of Chicago for protesting segregation and attending the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s march on Washington. Lee praises Sanders for his consistency on the issues.
Over the weekend, another famous African-American actor, Danny Glover, attended events in the South Carolina on Sanders' behalf as well. The state holds the next primary in the fight for the Democratic nomination on Saturday.

Monday, February 22, 2016

JEB BUSH - A REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE THAT WANTED TO CUT THE PROGRAMS THAT STOP AMERICANS FROM RIOTING IN THE STREETS

OK SO WE ARE NOT SURPRISED THAT JEB HAS STEPPED DOWN FOR HIS OWN SAKE AND THAT OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY....


HUFFINGTON POST on JEB BUSH - WHO WANTS TO CUT WELFARE and FOOT STAMPS

EXCERPT:  Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush on Friday proposed an overhaul of the U.S. welfare system that would eliminate what he called failing programs for the poor and send the federal dollars from them to the states to develop their own plans.

Bush, continuing an effort to position himself as the most serious, substantive candidate in the race for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016, laid out his plan ahead of a poverty forum in South Carolina on Saturday.

Bush said decades of federal policy have not solved the vexing problem of how to help generations of Americans mired in poverty.

"We have spent trillions of dollars on the ‘war on poverty,’ but there are now still more than 46 million Americans living in poverty," he said in a statement laying out his plan.

Bush, a former Florida governor, would take some controversial steps as part of his welfare plan.
He would eliminate the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, formerly called food stamps, housing assistance programs and a cash program called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
He would use the money to give so-called "right to rise" grants to the states to let state governments fund programs they develop as the best way to address poverty.

To encourage more Americans on welfare to seek jobs, Bush would include in "Right to Rise" grants work requirements and time limits for able-bodied adults.


***

JEB BUSH is simply out of touch with reality, and our experience is Republicans are more so than Democrats.  He doesn't seem to realize that many adults GAVE UP ON FINDING WORK after long and excruciating job hunts while on unemployment, because they face discrimination, or because their work skills need expensive retraining, or because they have had a work place injury... or simply because there WERE NO JOBS AVAILABLE in a reasonable commute from where they live.  MANY reasons besides being uninterested, unwilling, or lazy.  IF YOU WERE GOING TO LOOSE YOUR HOME or APARTMENT (and maybe your marriage, or your children, wouldn't YOU take "any kind" of job?)

We've met many people who did take part time or low paid work and slid into homelessness more slowly.  People who slowly sold off every valuable possession they had, including their furniture, to live in a vehicle.

WE SAY  JEB, go sleep on the street every night for a month with no money and no family contact and no security guards hovering to protect you. Let us know how it goes.

Saturday, February 20, 2016

VOTE WHILE HOMELESS OR IN TRANSITION! YES YOU CAN!



LA VOTER REGISTRATION - COUNTY REGISTRAR  link 

We tried the word search "homeless" and didn't find any information but there is a phone number to call which is (562) 466-1310 or (562) 466-1323. 

We've added a number of informational web sites that are National to our Blogger Sidebar that can help you learn more about your right to vote even though you are in Transition or Homeless.

SECRETARY OF STATE - CALIFORNIA - VOTING INFO INC ABSENTEE BALLOT link

contact the Secretary of State's Elections Division at (800) 345-8683

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY - VOTING link

ORANGE COUNTY CALIFORNIA - VOTING link

RIVERSIDE COUNTY CALIFORNIA VOTING link

SAN DIEGO COUNTY VOTING link

SAN BERNADINO COUNTY VOTING link

VENTURA COUNTY VOTING link

IMPERIAL COUNTY VOTING link

Thursday, February 18, 2016

NEED AN ID? CALIFORNIA LAW AB1733 EASES THE PROBLEM FOR HOMELESS - FREE BIRTH CERTIFICATES - REDUCED COST DMV ID

HUFFINGTON POST - JULY 2015 NEW LAW IN EFFECT FOR HOMELESS ID's

The thing that often stands in the way of a homeless person and housing is just a state-issued identification. But a new law in California is making sure that its residents are no longer stranded on the streets because of that issue.

In order for a homeless person to do something as simple as apply for a job, enroll in public school or access homeless shelters and food stamps, they need to provide official identification. But those IDs often get lost or stolen and homeless people lack the funds and resources to obtain new driver's licenses or birth certificates...

The bill was inspired by Kelly Thomas, a homeless man who lived on the streets of Fullerton, California, and had schizophrenia, according to KCET. Thomas was beaten by three police officers in 2011 and died five days later.  

"We are making sure they have IDs to access the services to get back on feet -- either social services or mental health services," ...

California’s government officials have stepped in where nonprofits often have to pick up the slack in other states.

***

We just ran into Harvey, who we first met on the street a year ago, and has been on the streets in Los Angeles for two years.  He came from another state.  He needs to get his birth certificate from that state.  Our referrals to Mend, Burbank Temporary Aid, have not resulted in Harvey moving towards an ID, so that he can get food stamps and a cash benefit, so instead he's going through garbage cans and recycling.  We don't know honestly if Harvey has followed through on our referrals.  We didn't promise him he'd get help, but we felt sure he'd at least get more information.  So for those of you who are in Harvey's situation...

HERE IS AN ARTICLE ON THE LAW - FREE BIRTH CERTIFICATES

SACBEE - NEW LAW - FREE BIRTH CERTIFICATES

Effective July 1, AB 1733 requires county recorders to issue free birth certificates to any person who demonstrates he or she is homeless. On Jan. 1, the law also will require the Department of Motor Vehicles to issue a free original or replacement identification card to anyone who can verify homelessness. The DMV now charges $26 for an original identification card and $8 for individuals that qualify for certain low income public assistance programs.

HERE IS HOW TO VERIFY THAT YOU ARE HOMELESS

GO TO A COLD WEATHER SHELTER.  TALK TO THE SOCIAL WORKERS.  STAY THERE.  THEY WILL PROVIDE VERIFICATION.

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/article27456901.html#storylink=cpy

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

LOS ANGELES FOR THE DISABLED - DISCOVER LA - GET FREE OR REDUCED COST TRANSPORTATION

DISCOVER LA - DISABILITY ACCESS - PLACES TO GO THINGS TO DO

Los Angeles is one of best cities in the country to visit for those with disabilities, offering convenient access to transportation and attractions throughout the city. Los Angeles International Airport provides various services for the disabled, including ground transportation and wheelchair services. Access Services is the LA County Consolidated Transportation Services Agency (CTSA), which provides a shared ride service. All Metro Rail lines and stations are accessible to persons in wheelchairs, while Metro buses are equipped with automatic wheelchair lifts. LA’s most popular attractions provide disabled access, including elevators and ramps at the California Science Center, wheelchair seats at Dodger Stadium, wheelchair service at The Grove, various rides and attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood, and many more. With access to transportation and attractions across Los Angeles, visitors with disabilities can experience the best of LA.

LOTS OF INFORMATION HERE so you CAN SO GO ON DATES!

Thursday, February 11, 2016

DO YOU SMELL GOOD? SOME SHOWERS FOR THE HOMELESS in SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

NEW!
Living Praise Church   LIVING PRAISE CHURCH ORG
9200 Owensmouth Avenue
Chatsworth, CA  91331
(818) 709-5722

Free showers and lunch to the homeless of Fridays.  Lunch is served around noon.  Shower lists starts at 9 AM.  Clean clothes, toiletries, back packs, and bus tokens also available.

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Burbank Temporary Aid Center   BURBANK
1304 W. Burbank Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91506
Phone: (818) 848-2822

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San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission - Shower Trucks  go to site for showers in Chatsworth (Monday and Friday) North Hollywood (Tuesday and Thursday)  Pacoima  (Tuesday)

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HOPE OF THE VALLEY - Sun Valley California   SUN VALLEY
As we understand it the shelter on site of the thrift store has been closed but hot meals and showers are still available.

Hope of the Valley is running a COLD WEATHER SHELTERS in PACOIMA this winter season.

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MEND - Meeting Each Need with Dignity  PACOIMA
(818)897-2443 or (818)896-0246
10641 N. San Fernando Rd. Pacoima, CA 91331
Homeless receive showers, bus tokens, food and clothing without concern for zip codes.

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UNION STATION ADULT CENTER - showers  PASADENA 
412 S. Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105
WE ARE BEING TOLD AS OF SPRING 2016 THAT THIS PLACE is SHUT DOWN.
Please contact us if you find a shut down organization that still has a live web site.


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LAMP COMMUNITY CENTER - Downtown Los Angeles  SKID ROW
Frank Rice Access Center
627 San Julian Street (between 6th and 7th Streets)
LA 90014


****  NEW as of April 2016

CHATSWORTH FOURSQUARE CHURCH
10210 Canoga Avenue (at Lanark)
SHOWERS EVERY MONDAY from 8 AM to 10:30 AM  MEALS at 12 PM to 1 PM

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH of NORTH HOLLYWOOD
11210 Otsego Street (at Lankershim)
SHOWERS 7:30 AM to 10:15  MEALS 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM

****
COLD WEATHER SHELTERS
usually have an opportunity for a quick shower.
So check our posts and links for this cold weather season shelters, many at armories!


Monday, February 8, 2016

WHERE DO YOU MAKE LOVE WHILE HOMELESS? QUESTION FOR HOMELESS

Some of you have partners, wives, husbands, girlfriends, and boyfriends, that you are homeless with on the street.  Others have sex for the enjoyment of it.  (Sadly, we know there are lots of rapes on the street as well.) 

Those of you who MAKE LOVE because you WANT TO...

Where do you go?

Saturday, February 6, 2016

weSPARK CANCER SUPPORT CENTER - FREE SERVICES FOR CANCER PATIENTS FAMILIES and FRIENDS

weSpark Cancer Support Center
13520 VENTURA BLVD
SHERMAN OAKS CA  91423
818-906-3022

FREE SUPPORT GROUPS FOR CANCER PATIENTS, FAMILIES, FRIENDS including children and teens who have a parent or sibling with cancer as well as bereavement groups for those who have lost a loved one.

GROUP CLASSES to improve your physical body as well as to stimulate your creativity and enhance your spirit including YOGA, TAI CHI, Qi GONG, GUIDED IMAGERY, CREATIVE WRITING, ART, JEWELRY MAKING and COOKING.

SPECIALTY WORSHOPS

ONE ON ONE SESSIONS including Reiki, and spiritual counseling by appointment.

WESPARK

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

We endorse BERNIE SANDERS for the NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

With one in seven Americans needing government benefits in order to eat enough nutritious food and MANY MANY THOUSANDS BARELY ABLE TO AFFORD RENT and dependent on governmental programs that provide low income people with rental subsidies, as well as many thousands of HOMELESS throughout the country - at least 50,000 her in LOS ANGELES COUNTY...

... IT'S A NO BRAINER that WE NEED A DEMOCRAT IN THE WHITE HOUSE and we think BERNIE SANDERS is our CANDIDATE.

BERNIE SANDERS OFFICIAL SITE!

Sick of the sexism of popular DONALD TRUMP, whose reception in foreign countries is likely to be negative, considering that in GREAT BRITAIN there is an outcry against him...  Unsure that HILARY CLINTON will survive her e-mail scandals, though we doubt there should be any scandal?  We've watched what's happened in IOWA, and in NEW HAMPSHIRE, and HOPE that those of you reading this post around the United States are gearing up to VOTE!

(HOMELESS CAN VOTE!  See our sidebar for more information!)