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Homeless Awareness Week How Can I Help? There are a number of different ways each of us can help those who are homeless. SAY HELLO The first and foremost way – which happens to cost nothing – is to see them, acknowledge them, and say “Hello”. Our normal response to the presence of a homeless person is to try to ignore their existence. A friendly nod and a smile will help each one in immeasurable ways. Normally, unless you know for sure their situation, it is not suggested to hand them money. Panhandling seldom is a good solution for a homeless person. Something better to give is the Pocket Guide Resource Directory (from the MSC – see below). It lists several places where they can get real help. Volunteer
There are many opportunities for
volunteering help in Long Beach. Food Bank One of the most respected food banks in the nation is Food Finders. Since 1989 they have delivered over 39 million pounds of food. They have an extensive volunteer program and particularly need help with food pickup and delivery and with staffing their thrift store on Atlantic Ave. (just north of Wardlow). The volunteer contact is Chris Fischer at 562-598-3003. Their website is www.foodfinders.org.
Food Finders Meals Helping serve meals is a very popular and useful way to help. There are several indoor, community provided, free meals throughout the week in Long Beach. A full list of those is available from the MSC, but two that have received particular recommendations are: St Luke’s Episcopal Church 525 East 7th Street (at Atlantic), Long Beach 90813 562-436-4047 They
serve lunch on Monday, Wednesday and Friday Christian Outreach in Action 515 East 3rd Street, Long Beach 90802 562-432-1440 They
serve breakfast and dinner Monday through Friday These indoor meals meet health department and nutrition standards. They are served in a clean environment, with proper kitchens, and bathroom facilities. Feedings in the city parks are strongly discouraged by the city as unsafe and detrimental to neighborhoods. Outreach There are many opportunities to go out and help homeless people. One of particular note to Namasté is “Stand Up for Kids”. A member of our community, Debbie Dexter is involved in this organization. They are committed to the rescue of homeless and street kids.
Stand Up for
Kids “Serenity Village” This organization mentors at risk “Motel” kids. Namasté’s contact is Caroline Reynolds, and the web site is www.SerenityVillage.org Things The Long Beach Multi-Service Center (MSC) is a central resource for the homeless, providing a central access point to the many services available to them in the City. They also provide much needed material resources. Coordinate donations/deliveries by calling 562-733-1147. They are located at 1301 W. 12th Street, Long Beach, 90813. The most needed donations – for adults and children – include: new socks and shoes, new underwear, bath towels, jackets and sweaters, personal care products, and school supplies.
Long Beach
Multi-Service Center (MSC) Money Monetary donations can be made to Long Beach Cares. This is a non-profit arm of the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services. These funds go directly to help those in need that fall through the cracks of the official, rules laden, government guidelines. Checks should be written to “Long Beach Cares” with “Homeless” or “MSC” (for Multi Service Center) written on the memo line. (Beware there is also a “Long Beach Cares Hurricane Relief Fund” that is NOT this fund. Hence the note in the memo field is important.) Checks can be sent to “Long Beach Cares”, 2525 Grand Ave., Room 280, Long Beach 90815.
Long Beach
Cares – “Homeless” or “MSC”
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