Homelessness is a complex and pressing issue that affects communities worldwide. In our own community, we witness individuals and families struggling to find stable housing and access essential resources every day. While addressing homelessness requires coordinated efforts at various levels, there are numerous ways individuals can contribute to making a positive impact right in their own neighborhoods. In this article, we'll explore ten actionable steps that anyone can take to help combat homelessness and support those in need in our community. 1. Educate Yourself Take the time to educate yourself about homelessness, including its underlying factors such as poverty, lack of affordable housing, mental illness, and substance abuse. Knowledge empowers action, and by becoming informed, you can better advocate for meaningful solutions. 2. Volunteer at Local Shelters Consider volunteering your time at a nearby shelter, whether it's serving meals, organizing donations, or offering your skills in administrative tasks. Your presence and assistance can make a significant difference in the lives of those in need. 3. Support Affordable Housing Initiatives Attend city council meetings, sign petitions, and join advocacy groups working to address housing affordability issues. Affordable housing is essential for preventing homelessness and providing stability for individuals and families at risk. 4. Donate to Homeless Outreach Programs Consider making a donation to support programs, whether it's monetary contributions, clothing, hygiene products, or non-perishable food items. Every donation, no matter how small, helps provide essential support to those experiencing homelessness. 5. Volunteer for Street Outreach Join a local street outreach team or participate in organized outreach events to engage directly with individuals living on the streets. By offering compassion, support, and resources, you can help build trust and connect people to the help they need. 6. Advocate for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Advocate for increased funding and access to mental health and substance abuse treatment services in our community. Support initiatives that aim to provide holistic and comprehensive support to individuals struggling with these issues, including housing assistance, counseling, and rehabilitation programs. 7. Support Employment and Job Training Programs Stable employment is essential for individuals to achieve independence and break the cycle of homelessness. Support local employment and job training programs that provide opportunities for individuals experiencing homelessness to gain job skills, training, and employment placement assistance. By supporting these programs, you're empowering individuals to rebuild their lives and regain self-sufficiency. 8. Foster Compassion and Understanding Foster a culture of empathy and understanding in our community by challenging stereotypes and advocating for dignity and respect for all individuals, regardless of their housing status. Engage in conversations, educate others, and lead by example in promoting compassion and inclusivity. 9. Volunteer Your Professional Skills Utilize your professional skills and expertise to support organizations and initiatives working to address homelessness. Whether you're a healthcare professional, legal advocate, educator, or IT specialist, your skills can make a meaningful impact. Offer pro bono services, participate in skill-based volunteering opportunities, or mentor individuals seeking to overcome barriers to stability and employment. 10. Be a Good Neighbor Finally, be a good neighbor and actively engage with those in your community who are experiencing homelessness. Offer a smile, a kind word, or a listening ear to someone in need. Small acts of kindness and human connection can go a long way in restoring hope and dignity to individuals facing homelessness. Treat everyone with compassion, respect, and understanding, and together, we can create a more supportive and inclusive community for all. Addressing homelessness requires a collective effort and a commitment to compassion, empathy, and action. By taking these ten actionable steps, you can play a vital role in making a positive impact on homelessness in our community. Whether it's volunteering your time, advocating for policy change, or supporting local initiatives, every contribution, no matter how small, helps create a brighter future for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Together, let's work towards building a community where everyone has a place to call home.
In the heart of our cities, amidst the unnoticed struggles, lies a challenge often unseen but deeply felt by the unhoused – the intricate maze of obtaining an ID. Imagine Douglas, a man experiencing homelessness, whose path to recovery is hindered not just by his circumstances but by the absence of a basic identification document. This lack is not just a missing card in his wallet; it's a missing piece in his journey to reclaim his life. For individuals like Douglas, the path to obtaining identification is laden with bureaucratic hurdles and systemic barriers. The lack of a permanent address, necessary documentation like birth certificates or social security cards, and the financial burden of ID fees create a labyrinth that seems impossible to navigate. These challenges are not merely inconveniences; they are formidable obstacles that block access to employment, housing, healthcare, and even the right to vote. Douglas is just a typical, but a real life example is the viral TikTok story of Mr. Alonzo and the young college student, Nai, who felt compelled to assist him beyond what he requested from her (hot tea). The college student was not equipped with the knowledge of how impactful identification would be to help Mr. Alonzo beyond the hot tea. Expectedly, it has become quite the barrier, especially when it comes to accessing the funds that were raised on his behalf. Organizations like A Step to Freedom, Inc. (ASF) recognize the gravity of this issue and are at the forefront of providing assistance. Our programs are designed not just to help in acquiring these vital documents but also to navigate the complex pathways that lead to them. By collaborating with advocates, ASF plays a pivotal role in transforming bureaucratic mazes into passable roads. As we consider the intricate challenges faced by those without identification, what innovative approaches can your organization contribute to streamline this vital process, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity?
Second Chance Month is a national observance in April aimed at raising awareness about the barriers faced by people with criminal records and advocating for policies that promote second chances. Our organization is dedicated to serving justice-impacted individuals by providing resources and support to help them successfully reintegrate into society. Through job training, education, and counseling, we aim to break down the systemic barriers that prevent individuals from moving forward after a conviction. During Second Chance Month, we are committed to amplifying the voices of justice-impacted individuals and advocating for fair and equitable policies that promote rehabilitation and reentry. Herbert Petty, Program Manager as A Step to Freedom Petty is the Program Manager at ASF 80th A and 80th B sites. At one point of time he ran 106th ODR site at the same time as 80th A & B. "I have been responsible for 21 employees at once, and 3 sites." - Petty "Before coming to ASF, I was incarcerated for 2 years and had only been free for six months before finding employment with the company. I come from South Central L.A. and I'm very familiar with gangs, crime, and seeing the effects of what crack cocaine and gangs have done to the city. So when I'm doing this work I do it with passion." A Step to Freedom’s Re-entry (Vital Documents) Program helps participants obtain the vital documents required to secure employment (i.e., birth certificate, ID/Driver’s License, Social Security card, etc.) taking them one step closer to self-sufficiency. The purpose of the program is to reduce the barriers that hinder a participant’s ability to obtain stable employment and permanent housing.
The reality is, people are in need. There are over 60,000 men and women living on the streets on any given night is L.A. County. Those folks need us to show up! We cannot afford to miss the mark. So in four days, WE WILL PULL THIS OFF!! Our unhoused neighbors will get these Blessing Bags.
LADWP Financial Assistance Programs We know managing your energy bill can be challenging – especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s why LADWP offers a variety of financial assistance from payment plan options to income-based discount programs. All of these programs are designed for your individual situation to help you manage costs and make ends meet. Under the Low-Income Discount Program, if your income and household size qualify for this rate and your application is approved, LADWP will apply a discount to your electric and/or water bill. Senior citizens, customers with disabilities, customers on life support equipment, and those who meet physician-certified requirements may also be eligible for a special discount on their LADWP bill as well. LADWP payment plans and payment arrangements are available to customers who may be short on cash and their bill has become delinquent. Just call (800) DIAL-DWP to discuss the various options available to help you continue to make bill payments. The State of California also has programs available to help you pay your utility bills. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides financial assistance for low-income customers to offset the costs of heating and/or cooling dwellings and/or to have dwellings weatherized. LADWP customers can also receive assistance through the State’s Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) and the Emergency Rent Assistance Program. For these State administered programs, visit their program websites directly to determine eligibility and to apply. LADWP also has a wide variety of conservation-related programs to help customers conserve water and energy to help you save money on your bill. Visit ladwp.com/save for a complete list of these programs or call (800) DIAL-DWP to speak with a representative about ways you can save water, power and money. LIHWAP - Low Income Household Water Assistance Program A State of California, California Department of Community Services administered program LIHWAP offers assistance for low-income Californians to help manage their residential water utility costs. California was allocated $116 million in one-time federal funding to provide LIHWAP assistance. An application is required. Complete program details and to apply: LIHWAP website. The following local groups are available to assist: Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment, 213-353-3982 Maravilla Foundation, 323-721-4162 Long Beach Community Action Partnership, 888-351-4061 Rent and Utility Assistance ProgramA State of California, California Department of Housing and Community Development administered program Financial assistance to help pay rent and past-due utility bills is available to tenants that meet income requirements. An application is required. Complete program details and to apply: Rent and Utility Relief program website. For more information on these programs and to apply, visit ladwp.com/financialassistance.
What a Blessing it is to SERVE!! The 2021 Blessing Bags Drive (toiletries) served 600 people experiencing homelessness in the Los Angeles. Our initial goal was 500 and we exceeded our own expectations with the donations and support of donors, sponsors, volunteers, and friends. We met a single-mother, who was walking down the street, pushing her child in a stroller. As a volunteer handed her a blessing bag, she expressed gratitude and began bragging to her friend because she hadn’t received anything for Mother’s Day. It's very rewarding to see the smiles on the faces of each individual who received a blessing bag. For many, our token of love was a reminder that they were not alone or forgotten. There are thousands of people who are in need of housing, resources, support and love. We encourage you to stay connected with us as we continue to roll up our sleeves and relentlessly advocate for the disenfranchised within our communities. Click here to complete the volunteer interest form. We would love to have you join us as we make a great impact on the lives of those who need us the most. Thank you to our 2021 sponsors Breathe Love, South Bay Mambas & Free From Hardship!
There are several ways you can get involved as a volunteer in your community. Here 5 quick steps to get started building your volunteer experience. Decide which causes you care about. Determine how often you can volunteer. Research volunteer opportunities in your community. Begin with a limited commitment. Be Professional.
The latest LA's annual homeless count shows that 66,433 people now live on the streets, in shelters and in vehicles within the county. According to the LA Homeless Services Authority report, LA's homeless services system placed nearly 23,000 people in homes. "If we were in any other jurisdiction, we'd be celebrating the fact that we take that many people out of homelessness," said LA County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas. Our focus is getting people placed in safer environments and for those that we can’t get off the streets, we offer support through blanket drives, PPE and toiletries.