A Humanitarian Cause

This is a cause that I personally feel very strongly about. Helping to get our fellow brothers and sisters fed, and allowing them to have a place to lay their heads at night. I know that we've all had people standing outside of markets, at the exits of freeways, or maybe even in a drive thru area, begging for money. And many of us are afraid to give because we believe/suspect that they will go and spend it on alcohol or the drug of their choice instead of what we intend it to be for.....food.

Well, this is a good way to give and help out our fellow human beings in need. Donating to a cause where you can be rest assured that your dollars are going towards exactly what you expect them to. I believe that we should all, regardless of circumstances, be able to eat on a daily basis. The Los Angeles Mission doesn't ask for much. You can donate $1.00, $5.00, or whatever you want.

I recently received a letter from them explaining that every summer about this time (June-Aug), donations drop off dramatically. And with the economy the way it is now, this summer could prove to be very devastating to the L.A.M.

If you're interested in donating, here is the website:
https://losangelesmission.wedid.it/?_ga=2.26456884.867987883.1495454311-1800998612.1495454311

Or, you can mail a check to:

Herb Smith- President

Los Angeles Mission

PO Box 55900

Los Angeles, CA 90055-0630

Below is an excerpt from their website:

Who We Serve

Over the past 20 years the faces of the homeless -- and their addictions -- have dramatically changed. In years past, many thought of a typical homeless person in Skid Row as a white, male alcoholic. But turns in the economy, unemployment, housing prices, the pervasiveness and easy accessibility of street drugs and other factors have changed that.

Today, the Los Angeles Mission serves a diverse population. On any given day, a drive through this area would reflect a population of 55% African-Americans, 28% Hispanic Americans, 14% Caucasians, 3% Asian Americans/others.

In 2005, 87% of the Missions' outreach population was male, with an average age of 35-44. The numbers of homeless women and children are growing rapidly.Today, 13% of the population we currently serve is women.

Homeless people today also struggle with even more debilitating habits than just alcoholism. Crack cocaine is the preferred drug for most homeless drug addicts, but there is no shortage of choices. Other drugs also devastate and kill. Physical and emotional violence produces a climate of fear while many fall prey to their own imprudent sexual practices and still others – especially women – are victims of sexual abuse. Issues surrounding education, employment, health care and affordable housing continue to plague those in our community. The Los Angeles Mission strives to reach out to every individual and offering help & hope as they face their unique needs.

From the Los Angeles Mission website (http://losangelesmission.org/aboutus/wws.html)