Thursday, November 30, 2006
Media Attention
I am still a bit awestruck by paparazzi! Thanks to Kirk and Anne Douglas the Los Angeles Mission had a record number of media hits for the annual Thanksgiving meal celebration. My new role had me in front of cameras and microphones that I would have gladly turned over to the professionals! Kirk ever joking about the actors love for applause half jokingly wondered if we will ever have a kosher thanksgiving meal at the Los Angeles Mission! Not that it seems to matter as he has been seen enjoying a nibble of turkey or spoonful of gravy!
Speaking of transitions my entry into the world of blogging has been noticed! Thanks to Omar for mentioning the Los Angeles Mission’s need for volunteers. It was nice to meet DGarzila at our Thanksgiving event. I look forward to the exchange of ideas and trust in doing so we will positively affect the lives of those in the Skid Row area and across Los Angeles. Joel John Roberts was kind enough to highlight the red apron guests from our Thanksgiving event. While I share his concern that our volunteers may be temporarily soothing their own minds or looking for the next publicity shot, that is NOT why they are invited. Many continue to donate, volunteer or network for us during the other 364 days a year that we are serving the homeless who come to us. Let’s give them the benefit of the doubt one day a year and let them be people of good will ready to reach out to others.
I applaud Joel’s focus on housing. I believe it is a critical component of ending homelessness. BUT, it is only effective when combined with job skills, medical services and support structures that help renew the human spirit and the ability to keep that roof over the head.
So bloggers lets keep media attention focused on the issue of homelessness and poverty in hopes that one day we might all close up shop because there is no longer a need for what we had to do.
--Herb Smith, President
Speaking of transitions my entry into the world of blogging has been noticed! Thanks to Omar for mentioning the Los Angeles Mission’s need for volunteers. It was nice to meet DGarzila at our Thanksgiving event. I look forward to the exchange of ideas and trust in doing so we will positively affect the lives of those in the Skid Row area and across Los Angeles. Joel John Roberts was kind enough to highlight the red apron guests from our Thanksgiving event. While I share his concern that our volunteers may be temporarily soothing their own minds or looking for the next publicity shot, that is NOT why they are invited. Many continue to donate, volunteer or network for us during the other 364 days a year that we are serving the homeless who come to us. Let’s give them the benefit of the doubt one day a year and let them be people of good will ready to reach out to others.
I applaud Joel’s focus on housing. I believe it is a critical component of ending homelessness. BUT, it is only effective when combined with job skills, medical services and support structures that help renew the human spirit and the ability to keep that roof over the head.
So bloggers lets keep media attention focused on the issue of homelessness and poverty in hopes that one day we might all close up shop because there is no longer a need for what we had to do.
--Herb Smith, President
