Los Angeles Mission's Blog

Regardless of your politics on the Iraq war, I think this country needs to think more strategically about where it spends its resources. I do this periodically with my personal finances and so do you.

My point here is the dollar cost of the war, not whether it is right or wrong. I cede that to more brilliant minds and elected officials.

The war has cost between 360 and 600 billion dollars so far, depending on who’s counting, with no end in sight I wonder if it is worth the dollar cost. Check out the National Priorities Project for one source. It reminds me of that old Tom Hanks and Shelly Long picture “Money Pit” where no end of dollars was needed to rebuild a hopelessly dilapidated old house.

Speaking of houses, we get to the crux of my comparison. The median home prices in August 2006 were $229,000 nationally and $472,000 in sunny California. Using the $360 billion per the Congressional Budget Office spent to date we could have bought and housed 1.57 million homeless nationally or nearly 762,000 in California. That is about 2 median priced homes for every individual person deemed homeless in the National Coalition to End Homeless report of 2005! Or, one for every one to live in California! With some careful buying I bet it could be increased by 10-20%.

Ok, so maybe not all of that money is available. But what about using the excess billings just from Halliburton alone at $1.45 Billion! Since it has already been “spent” it is not earmarked for another program yet, so call it mad money and do something wild and crazy like helping some one or perhaps 6550 persons nationally or 3200 in sunny California.

At the Los Angeles Mission we know it is not just about a roof, but having additional affordable housing sure would help!

--Herb Smith, President

Reluctantly, I have to agree with a few of my fellow bloggers such as DGarzila and Joel John Roberts that the end result of the LAHSA count conducted last week will be politically messaged. That said, I do think something is better than nothing in this regard.

More importantly, I am a bit miffed with the implication that people who are or were homeless are not able to conduct a count – and should be considered untrustworthy. The Los Angeles Mission fielded 5 graduates of our rehabilitation program , all formerly homeless, who worked diligently all three nights. They were not sitting at Arby’s drinking coffee and falsifying reports. They are examples of the positive changes that can occur in a person’s life. They were willing to stay out until 2:00 AM checking under bridges and behind dumpsters. Not many takers for that job at $10 per hour! Why disparage them just for the sake of a headline!

At the Los Angeles Mission, we never tire of expecting the best out of people. We treat them with dignity, hope and respect. And you know what? Much of the time they rise to the occasion because someone actually cares and listens and provides accountability rather than just ignoring them or putting them down one more time.

The political spin on the homeless census will come soon enough whatever the final count tallies. Let’s just get over it and realize that as long as one citizen of Los Angeles is homeless we all have work to do!

--Herb Smith, President

In modern times a sanctuary is thought of as a place of safety. Historically it has several references. One under old English law a sanctuary was a place of refuge and safety for criminals or those seeking safety from prosecution or death. In recent history it has been a place to protect those fleeing legal action on the basis of justice.

The Long Beach Congregational Church’s pastor Jerald Stinson has asserted this concept on behalf of the homeless as a justification to allow them to sleep outside the church on church property. (LA Times story January 20th.) I wonder why it wouldn’t be more humane and an act of genuine religious love to provide a space inside the church, out of the cold where people could sleep. The experience of the Los Angeles Mission’s Lobby Nights program has show us that if we don’t have a bed even a warm bench or floor inside is welcomed by those in need.

The old English law did require someone to go inside the premises. I applaud Pastor Stinson and his congregation for their care of the poor and homeless. I challenge them to provide such care with dignity and hope. Jesus suggested if we were asked for something we give that and more. Is that a room inside where God is present?

--Herb Smith, President

“Capt. Andy Smith of Central Division said the cold weather is pushing people into shelters or homes,” said a recent Downtown News story, but service providers said that the homeless are also being pushed out of the area because of increased police enforcement. “If you're going to harass people on the streets, they are going to move out,” said Bob Erlenbusch, executive director of the Los Angeles Coalition to End Homelessness and Hunger. He said service providers in Venice and South L.A. are seeing more homeless people than they did previously.”

The simple truth is that both are probably true. The Los Angeles Mission has experienced an increase in guests for overnight beds and use of our lobby. The sad part is that most organizations serving the homeless are burdened with a greater case load and have fewer funds (government or private) with which to operate. It sometimes feels like we are making bricks without straw.

The idea of ending Homelessness is noble. It might be a bit romantic – but it is worth trying! It’s going to require all the players to work together. We at the Los Angeles Mission are trying to address this problem offering hope with dignity one life at a time. We do it with food, clothing, shelter, education and job training and a healthy dose of spiritual guidance and personal responsibility. We need your support. Others do too. How are you helping to end homelessness?

--Herb Smith, President

I applaud Meredith Vieira and the NBC “Today Show” on their update of homeless issues in the Skid Row area of Los Angeles yesterday. Please check out this link.

This piece points out an issue that we must not overlook in our attempts to end homelessness. People may not be technically “homeless” per the National Alliance to End Homelessness study of 2005, but they don’t really have a home. They may qualify as sheltered homeless if they reside in transitional housing. They were at one time homeless living at a mission.

What they do is exist in a section of Los Angeles that is really not suitable for children. But there are high-end lofts and other residences nearby, and renovations continue creeping into the area. If, under these circumstances, urban living is acceptable – then could this become a neighborhood of hope? And even more importantly, should it be?

This out of sight, out of mind, attitude is not limited to Skid Row Los Angeles. All across the Southland there are communities where families are living inside a building but in an area where provisions such as education, transportation, social services and jobs are sorely lacking.

At the Los Angeles Mission we deal primarily with those defined as “homeless” but we are also trying to serve the “near” homeless whenever and wherever we can.

--Herb Smith, President

I was scheduled to attend the ceremony for the new police headquarters and now I regret that I didn’t. Why? Because I would have suggested that the homeless advocates take their heckling elsewhere, where they might actually make a difference!

I know this might paint me with the establishment, but really.

Who wants to be yelled at and heckled? Not me! We need a dialogue in Los Angeles concerning the issue of homelessness. What gets my attention is passionate, consistent commitment working to benefit a cause with clarity of thought and civility of action. Debate is great. Bring it on.

The first step to good communication is listening to and hearing one another. Keep the heckling, jeers and sneers out of the public arena.

By the way, I have observed Councilwoman Jan Perry for some time and I am pretty confident that she would not spend one more dime on some fortress or monument than necessary. I see that her priority is with the people. As for the old Parker Center … how about a remodel into affordable housing units, a job training center or something else that will really help the homeless and give reason for a few noisy cheers from Skid Row!

--Herb Smith, President

Thanks to DGarzila for the award for our lobby nights program. We didn’t do it for an award but appreciate the recognition when something we do works for those we serve.

Our Lobby Nights program started as our way to try and make a difference for those who could not be part of our regular overnight programs. The first night there were a meager 4 persons but the number quickly grew to about 50 in a few days. Then the cold snap hit and we were suddenly running around 100. These are men and women who needed a safe, warm place to stay. We gave them the best we had, a bench to rest on with a snack before dozing off. Then with a hot breakfast we sent them on their way for the day (although the lobby is open during the daytime hours as well). A few returned for the next night in the lobby but several went forward and signed up for a bed the next night. Then, we found some even deciding to come into our program. One life at a time, we provide hope.

The program continues every evening and will throughout the cold season. It cost us a bit of overtime for our staff but it has been well worth extra dollars. The outpouring of coats, blankets and supplies from the people of Los Angeles has been amazing. We are so grateful to be able to help those in need on behalf of our donors.

We at the Los Angeles Mission have been serving the poor and homeless for nearly 60 years but we are not too old to try new ways to alleviate suffering or to try and make long term changes in people’s lives. That is truly our mission. If we get some recognition in the process, thank you, but serving others is really the best reward we can receive.

--Herb Smith, President

Fiorello LaGuardia was by all accounts a man of principle and of action! He was mayor of New York City during the Great Depression. It is a sad day to see the closing of a facility named in his honor especially since it was his life long crusade to better the plight of the people of New York (“A Shelter Far From the Streets,” Los Angeles Times, January 9th). Times change and so too the services needed. But the Spirit of New York should not change!

Today LaGuardia is just the name of an airport to many. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the City of New York converted that old armory area into a supportive rural housing community dedicated to Fiorello? The birds and animals could continue to be loved by those who need special help from society. Not everyone needs housing in Manhattan or the Bronx., not to mention the cost of real estate the last time I checked. Let’s remember LaGuardia with something more than a runway and create a true community dedicated to those he served so faithfully with such flair.

--Herb Smith, President

“Cold Comfort on the Street” (Los Angeles Times January 6th) highlights Raymond Barnes daily existence on the LA streets. Raymond is an interesting character. He represents a segment of the homeless that are shelter resistant. What shelter rules does Raymond find so egregious that he has to move on from shelter to shelter? Why would he turn a cold shoulder to those trying to help? Would a housing unit alone really help?

To put it another way, is Raymond a functional homeless person? He isn’t an addict. He has a faith that gives him personal comfort and friends to offer support. He is willing to work enough to cover his perceived physical needs. What is missing for Raymond?

I suggest what is missing here is the most important issue, either the personal desire for change or else the inability to understand the need for change. The Los Angeles Mission and others can help – but only when a person first acknowledges the need for change. Or, for those unable to recognize the need, a personal touch from a friend like Raymond’s friend Tony Spinetti. Someone who will reach out in little ways hoping to make a difference – one life at a time.

--Herb Smith, President

Our kudos to the Burrito Project for attempting to get people involved with helping the hungry. Many of us serving the homeless on Skid Row started out doing something just as simple, soup, sandwiches, etc. But, we soon discovered that there was more to the problem than just a missed meal. And, it costs more in human time and finances to effectively help make lasting change in the lives of the homeless.

In fact there are at least 6 other meals necessary each week if you only ate once, and there are 20 more for those of us fortunate to have three a day! Remember those college meal plans – 10, 15 or 20 per week! 21 burritos a week? Where are the pasta guys, the pizza dudes and the tofu crowd?

Burrito Project is a great way to start involving yourself in helping others. But the real work continues 24-7-365. So, please Burrito folks keep on giving. I hope you make it to every city and town on the planet with your burritos. But in the mean time don’t forget or put down those that are trying to do this 24-7. We need to work together to end hunger and homelessness.

Herb Smith, President

Suggesting we adopt homeless people in cardboard boxes like orphans in Africa is – simply put – silly! However, adopting a bed at the mission or endowing a program is not! In fact, I challenge you to put up the 50 bucks and see what the Los Angeles Mission together with faith in others can do in return!

If you really want to help year round don’t just respond to the 10 meal ads in November. How about giving a couple of meals every month? Better yet, why not sponsor a bed?

The Los Angeles Mission and others in Los Angeles are here 24-7-365 – way past Pat’s bed time! I’m sure she isn’t ready to cook 1500 meals a day or launder hundreds of pounds of clothing and bedding this afternoon. How about listening to the hundreds of stories of abuse and neglect our staff hears every day?

The truth is Pat, those adoption programs are, in reality, schools, orphanages and food distribution centers put together by relief organizations to help little Juan and other little Juans and Jaunitas! They also help their families and the entire community.

As one of our graduates put it recently, “When the Los Angeles Mission’s volunteers, donors and supporters helped Luis turn his life around, they also helped Luis’ wife and his children to a better life.” Ultimately the whole community is helped when someone gets off the street, gets a job, and becomes a productive part of society.

Say Pat, why not open your extra bedroom/s? Take someone in that needs a helping hand. That would be a real adoption.

--Herb Smith, President

Retiring LA County Administrator deserves kudos for a job well done. Anyone who has had to work with competing interests for limited funds knows how difficult it is to walk on water!

David has done the County of Los Angeles a great service in his 10 years of work on behalf of the community. His will be huge shoes to fill. We hope the County is blessed with the wisdom to select another qualified and committed public servant. Looking at the job description noted in the Los Angeles Times, I wonder how anyone can really realistically address all these issues. In fact, one person alone cannot.

We at the Los Angeles Mission commit ourselves to helping serve the people of the Los Angeles community and offer our services and counsel on these huge issues while we provide relief from human suffering 24-7-365!

--Herb Smith, President