Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Spare Some Change? How Do You Respond?
In the article Spare Some Change? How Do You Respond? By Heather Donckels of Religion News Service I am quoted as saying:
“Just don’t give. Money given straight to the homeless generally goes toward supporting a drug or alcohol habit,” he said.
Smith, whose LA Mission offers meals, beds, education and counseling to the poor in what he calls the “homeless capital of the U.S.,” said he learned not to give new shoes or sleeping bags when he heard homeless people sold them and took the money to buy drugs.
What’s more important than money, he said, are the few seconds it takes to spend a little time treating the homeless as human beings. “The relationship issue is tantamount,” he said.”
While I stand by my comments I think a few qualifiers are in order.
1. Don’t give directly – Give through a trusted organization that can help screen true needs or provide direct services such as food, clothing and shelter.
2. Giving stuff randomly such as shoes and sleeping bags is subject to being sold. But, that does not mean we should not give such items to those we know have need.
Most importantly, give time to those you know that have a need or to a ministry like the Los Angeles Mission that can help with more than spare change. The relationship issue is tantamount.
Joel Roberts of PATH is also quoted in the article. He is right on that it is more than “3 hots and a cot.” We at the Los Angeles Mission don’t stop with a meal but go on to provide spiritual counseling, work training and relationships with the goal of a good job and housing to break the cycle of homelessness.
--Herb Smith, President
“Just don’t give. Money given straight to the homeless generally goes toward supporting a drug or alcohol habit,” he said.
Smith, whose LA Mission offers meals, beds, education and counseling to the poor in what he calls the “homeless capital of the U.S.,” said he learned not to give new shoes or sleeping bags when he heard homeless people sold them and took the money to buy drugs.
What’s more important than money, he said, are the few seconds it takes to spend a little time treating the homeless as human beings. “The relationship issue is tantamount,” he said.”
While I stand by my comments I think a few qualifiers are in order.
1. Don’t give directly – Give through a trusted organization that can help screen true needs or provide direct services such as food, clothing and shelter.
2. Giving stuff randomly such as shoes and sleeping bags is subject to being sold. But, that does not mean we should not give such items to those we know have need.
Most importantly, give time to those you know that have a need or to a ministry like the Los Angeles Mission that can help with more than spare change. The relationship issue is tantamount.
Joel Roberts of PATH is also quoted in the article. He is right on that it is more than “3 hots and a cot.” We at the Los Angeles Mission don’t stop with a meal but go on to provide spiritual counseling, work training and relationships with the goal of a good job and housing to break the cycle of homelessness.
--Herb Smith, President
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Project 50 – Let’s at least give it a chance!
L.A. County might get new homeless program
Supervisors expected to approve Project 50, which aims to get skid row's most vulnerable people into supportive housing.
By Susannah Rosenblatt
Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
November 19, 2007
“Los Angeles County supervisors are poised to approve a program that will identify the 50 most vulnerable homeless people on downtown's skid row and move them within 100 days into apartments with readily accessible support services.
The program, patterned after projects underway in New York City and elsewhere, is not only aimed at saving the lives of those most likely to die on the streets, but also is expected to save taxpayers the millions of dollars typically spent on people who cycle in and out of shelters, jails and emergency rooms.”
The story has hardly hit the street and the flack has begun. Housing 50 vulnerable people is not enough. But in the spirit of the Los Angeles Mission story, lives are changed one life at a time. To fix a 70,000 person housing problem requires 1, then 50, the 1000 and so on until the job is done.
The issue is not one-sided. The federal government’s homeless czar Philip Mangano and UCLA’s Professor Gary Blasi, both quoted in the Times article can point to success stories – and, of course, we can point to failures. We at the Los Angeles Mission can point to success and others can criticize our operations and methods. The point is to do something for those in need. My regret is that it takes a person from “New York City” (to quote the salsa commercial), to do what I know Angelinos can do for themselves! But, everyone loves New York. So…
I tend to agree with Councilwoman Perry that those in emergency shelter should be given the first hand up. But, lets see how this works. 50 persons off the street, if successful, is a start. If these truly are the hardcore chronic homeless who are shelter resistant, let’s give it a try. After all, they aren’t coming into the beds available in our emergency overnight shelter. If we celebrate anything in the country at Thanksgiving, we celebrate an individuals right to choose. So, if the current smorgasboard of services isn’t working for them, then let’s find something that will!
We at the Los Angeles Mission will continue to serve the hundreds of persons we care for every day with food, clothing, shelter and services to reestablish themselves as productive citizens. And, we will do so until the last person in need has gone to their new home.
--Herb Smith, President
Supervisors expected to approve Project 50, which aims to get skid row's most vulnerable people into supportive housing.
By Susannah Rosenblatt
Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
November 19, 2007
“Los Angeles County supervisors are poised to approve a program that will identify the 50 most vulnerable homeless people on downtown's skid row and move them within 100 days into apartments with readily accessible support services.
The program, patterned after projects underway in New York City and elsewhere, is not only aimed at saving the lives of those most likely to die on the streets, but also is expected to save taxpayers the millions of dollars typically spent on people who cycle in and out of shelters, jails and emergency rooms.”
The story has hardly hit the street and the flack has begun. Housing 50 vulnerable people is not enough. But in the spirit of the Los Angeles Mission story, lives are changed one life at a time. To fix a 70,000 person housing problem requires 1, then 50, the 1000 and so on until the job is done.
The issue is not one-sided. The federal government’s homeless czar Philip Mangano and UCLA’s Professor Gary Blasi, both quoted in the Times article can point to success stories – and, of course, we can point to failures. We at the Los Angeles Mission can point to success and others can criticize our operations and methods. The point is to do something for those in need. My regret is that it takes a person from “New York City” (to quote the salsa commercial), to do what I know Angelinos can do for themselves! But, everyone loves New York. So…
I tend to agree with Councilwoman Perry that those in emergency shelter should be given the first hand up. But, lets see how this works. 50 persons off the street, if successful, is a start. If these truly are the hardcore chronic homeless who are shelter resistant, let’s give it a try. After all, they aren’t coming into the beds available in our emergency overnight shelter. If we celebrate anything in the country at Thanksgiving, we celebrate an individuals right to choose. So, if the current smorgasboard of services isn’t working for them, then let’s find something that will!
We at the Los Angeles Mission will continue to serve the hundreds of persons we care for every day with food, clothing, shelter and services to reestablish themselves as productive citizens. And, we will do so until the last person in need has gone to their new home.
--Herb Smith, President
Skid Row or Rodeo Drive – Watch your child!
Skid Row or Rodeo Drive – Watch your child!
Toddler snatched from unattended stroller
This article of November 17, 2007 in the Los Angeles Times got my attention from its open ended headline. To my surprise it actually happened in Skid Row. In spite of all the clean up that has gone on here, like anywhere else Skid Row, is still not a place for unattended children!
I reprint the words of Lt. Paul Vernon quoted in the article:
"First, leave the stroller at the door but take the child with you; second, don't underestimate the honor of some of the people who find themselves on skid row; and, finally, remember this incident the next time someone questions why the police cite for illegal behavior like drinking and being drunk in public."
Whether on skid row or on Rodeo Drive, parents need to be responsible for taking care of children. The Los Angeles Mission thanks the “Good Samaritan” who stepped in to help in this situation. It is with the same spirit we help the residents of skid row every day with the support of our donors from Rodeo Drive.
--Herb Smith, President
Toddler snatched from unattended stroller
This article of November 17, 2007 in the Los Angeles Times got my attention from its open ended headline. To my surprise it actually happened in Skid Row. In spite of all the clean up that has gone on here, like anywhere else Skid Row, is still not a place for unattended children!
I reprint the words of Lt. Paul Vernon quoted in the article:
"First, leave the stroller at the door but take the child with you; second, don't underestimate the honor of some of the people who find themselves on skid row; and, finally, remember this incident the next time someone questions why the police cite for illegal behavior like drinking and being drunk in public."
Whether on skid row or on Rodeo Drive, parents need to be responsible for taking care of children. The Los Angeles Mission thanks the “Good Samaritan” who stepped in to help in this situation. It is with the same spirit we help the residents of skid row every day with the support of our donors from Rodeo Drive.
--Herb Smith, President
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
To give or not to give?
L.A. hits mute button on giving money
By Nazbanoo Pahlavi, LA Daily News November 7, 2007.
Ms Pahlavi’s story in her Daily News column is not that uncommon. As President of one of those organizations (Los Angeles Mission) that is most grateful for the generous support by the people in Los Angeles and who’s “Web sites…tax breaks and a thank-you letters” I sometimes sign, I can still relate this angst moment of what to do! It happens to me on a regular basis.
No Nazbano, L.A. has not hit the mute button on generous giving. What donors have done is listen to the charities serving the homeless when we suggest that providing cash directly is not usually the best idea. I am convinced by experience that the best offer is to pay for the services requested such as a meal, or in this case a bus token. It might have taken a minute or two away from your salmon or sushi but such is the cost of considered largess.
Being a Good Samaritan takes consideration. Remember the Samaritan in the Bible story didn’t give the injured guy by the side of the road money directly to pay for the beating victim’s recuperation; he gave money to the caregiver until his return to settle up any balance due and to fulfill the promise of help.
Nazbanoo said in her column, “My real problem is with myself. The fact is that although I gave the bicyclist a dollar, I could have given him two.” Each of us faces the real problem: what could we be doing, beyond what we are doing…
--Herb Smith, President
By Nazbanoo Pahlavi, LA Daily News November 7, 2007.
Ms Pahlavi’s story in her Daily News column is not that uncommon. As President of one of those organizations (Los Angeles Mission) that is most grateful for the generous support by the people in Los Angeles and who’s “Web sites…tax breaks and a thank-you letters” I sometimes sign, I can still relate this angst moment of what to do! It happens to me on a regular basis.
No Nazbano, L.A. has not hit the mute button on generous giving. What donors have done is listen to the charities serving the homeless when we suggest that providing cash directly is not usually the best idea. I am convinced by experience that the best offer is to pay for the services requested such as a meal, or in this case a bus token. It might have taken a minute or two away from your salmon or sushi but such is the cost of considered largess.
Being a Good Samaritan takes consideration. Remember the Samaritan in the Bible story didn’t give the injured guy by the side of the road money directly to pay for the beating victim’s recuperation; he gave money to the caregiver until his return to settle up any balance due and to fulfill the promise of help.
Nazbanoo said in her column, “My real problem is with myself. The fact is that although I gave the bicyclist a dollar, I could have given him two.” Each of us faces the real problem: what could we be doing, beyond what we are doing…
--Herb Smith, President
Monday, November 12, 2007
Into the Wild – Oscar Worthy
I’m no film critic but I have seen my share of films in 50+ years. “Into the Wild” produced by Sean Penn is one I might not have been drawn to, except that it was filmed in part here in the neighborhood of the Los Angeles Mission. Frankly, it was my curiosity and the comments of some friends who had seen it that prompted my wife and another couple to spend a Sunday afternoon at the movies.
I am so glad we did! It is not a chic flick by any means. We were all moved to tears at some points in the story but for very different reasons. The eerie part to me and others who have seen the film was that it was so borderline normal. Was it mental illness or emotional distress that caused Christopher McCandless to leave society and go into the wilderness? Was it bad parenting, poor nurture? What exactly was his relationship with God or god? Why could he walk away from those who loved him?
(Caution, plot spoiler) Because neither of us guys told our wives much about the story line in advance both wives leaned over at nearly the same point and asked “is he going to die?” Knowing the likely answer but not wanting to get up and leave if we said yes, we stalled!!
The affect on all of us was profound. A teacher, a PR executive, a pastor and a mission president were eternally affected by this most unique and exquisitely filmed work. Not to mention the sound track, which is on my shopping list for this weekend!
If you want to see homelessness in a very unique light, then see “Into the Wild.” It’s not your traditional view of homelessness but it’s a very real look at the issues that underlie it.
--Herb Smith, President
I am so glad we did! It is not a chic flick by any means. We were all moved to tears at some points in the story but for very different reasons. The eerie part to me and others who have seen the film was that it was so borderline normal. Was it mental illness or emotional distress that caused Christopher McCandless to leave society and go into the wilderness? Was it bad parenting, poor nurture? What exactly was his relationship with God or god? Why could he walk away from those who loved him?
(Caution, plot spoiler) Because neither of us guys told our wives much about the story line in advance both wives leaned over at nearly the same point and asked “is he going to die?” Knowing the likely answer but not wanting to get up and leave if we said yes, we stalled!!
The affect on all of us was profound. A teacher, a PR executive, a pastor and a mission president were eternally affected by this most unique and exquisitely filmed work. Not to mention the sound track, which is on my shopping list for this weekend!
If you want to see homelessness in a very unique light, then see “Into the Wild.” It’s not your traditional view of homelessness but it’s a very real look at the issues that underlie it.
--Herb Smith, President
Friday, November 09, 2007
Homeless Vets Are a National Disgrace
The New York Times article of November 8, 2007 by Erik Eckholm titled
“Surge Seen in Number of Homeless Veterans” certainly struck a cord with my staff, board members and friends! I have more e-mails on this than any article in the last year! They are asking how we can do more to help! They are appalled by what this says about our country’s commitment to our vets.
Whatever our personal opinions on one war or another, whether we fought or protested, the fact is that young men and women have served our country when called upon.
In return for this, we as a country owe them a debt of gratitude, perhaps more than that, a debt of honor. Most importantly, when they loose their way due to the horrors of war we have a moral obligation to help. Homeless vets are not a new phenomenon. Not all vets that become homeless do so because of military service. They are not unlike the greater population of homeless who have multiple issues, including stress disorders and abuse, which can come together in time to cause homelessness.
Vets from WWII, Korea, Vietnam and other conflicts have been part of the tapestry of the homeless men and women on the streets. Iraq and Afghanistan are the new recruits to homelessness. Their issues are likely to be more substantial and complex than those faced by earlier veterans. The vets of WWII are not better people than their Vietnam counterparts. Their stories (when told, and they often are not told) are similar. Both have to deal with the moral issues encountered and the physical horrors observed in combat. But what is different between them is often expressed by Vietnam vets as their lack of acceptance and the disrespect shown to them. Disrespect is the number one issue for dealing with homelessness. Nobody, including the most down and out, wants to be disrespected.
At the Los Angeles Mission we try and treat everyone with respect as a person made in the image of God. Our doors are open to vets of any era for any reason. A quick, informal survey this week didn’t turn up any vets of Iraq or Afghanistan at the Los Angeles Mission. Let’s keep it that way. Beginning, of course with the Veterans Administration and continuing with support by the rest of us. We all need to provide the spiritual, emotional and physical assistance needed by our vets to assure their success in life after military service.
Our goal and our process is simple: give them hope with a meal, some respect and appreciation; then address their needs with compassion both here at the Los Angeles Mission and by referral to other agencies for the services they need.
--Herb Smith, President
“Surge Seen in Number of Homeless Veterans” certainly struck a cord with my staff, board members and friends! I have more e-mails on this than any article in the last year! They are asking how we can do more to help! They are appalled by what this says about our country’s commitment to our vets.
Whatever our personal opinions on one war or another, whether we fought or protested, the fact is that young men and women have served our country when called upon.
In return for this, we as a country owe them a debt of gratitude, perhaps more than that, a debt of honor. Most importantly, when they loose their way due to the horrors of war we have a moral obligation to help. Homeless vets are not a new phenomenon. Not all vets that become homeless do so because of military service. They are not unlike the greater population of homeless who have multiple issues, including stress disorders and abuse, which can come together in time to cause homelessness.
Vets from WWII, Korea, Vietnam and other conflicts have been part of the tapestry of the homeless men and women on the streets. Iraq and Afghanistan are the new recruits to homelessness. Their issues are likely to be more substantial and complex than those faced by earlier veterans. The vets of WWII are not better people than their Vietnam counterparts. Their stories (when told, and they often are not told) are similar. Both have to deal with the moral issues encountered and the physical horrors observed in combat. But what is different between them is often expressed by Vietnam vets as their lack of acceptance and the disrespect shown to them. Disrespect is the number one issue for dealing with homelessness. Nobody, including the most down and out, wants to be disrespected.
At the Los Angeles Mission we try and treat everyone with respect as a person made in the image of God. Our doors are open to vets of any era for any reason. A quick, informal survey this week didn’t turn up any vets of Iraq or Afghanistan at the Los Angeles Mission. Let’s keep it that way. Beginning, of course with the Veterans Administration and continuing with support by the rest of us. We all need to provide the spiritual, emotional and physical assistance needed by our vets to assure their success in life after military service.
Our goal and our process is simple: give them hope with a meal, some respect and appreciation; then address their needs with compassion both here at the Los Angeles Mission and by referral to other agencies for the services they need.
--Herb Smith, President
