LA County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky met with local Hancock Park residents on Thursday evening on behalf of Imagine LAÂ to discuss the homeless problem in Los Angeles and ways in which the average Angeleno, like you and me, can make a difference. Now considered the Homeless Capital of the country, an estimated 50,000-70,000 homeless are scattered about the greater LA area, including some 8,000 family units now living on the streets and mostly headed by single women.
Imagine LAÂ has developed a mentorship program that partners homeless families with individuals, faith communities and city departments. Once a homeless family is re-installed in housing, Â Imagine LA volunteers might assist by donating household items to furnish/outfit apartments; network to help a family find better jobs, schools, medical care and enrichment; or provide training in skills that are essential in getting back in the game (budgeting, computer training, cooking healthy food, etc.) It’s a safe, well-thought-out opportunity for an individual to make a difference helping a family break the cycle of poverty.
There are also other opportunities to help out: making a financial or in-kind contribution, or connecting your faith community with Imagine LA. Find it all on the Imagine LA website.
So next time you avoid eye contact with that homeless person on the street and feel that twang of guilt, perhaps it’s time to reach out to Imagine LA. The issue is immense, but if each of us tackle one small portion of the problem, we can make a difference.
