Homeless in Los Angeles

I volunteered last weekend to go with my niece to feed the homeless. She needs to put in service hours to make her confirmation this year. The way she explained this last weekend to me was that we will be going to a sheltor in Los Angeles and feeding the less fortunate. I thought what a great thing to do right? Why not? Her mom didnt want to do it anyway so I jumped on it and we were to meet at church at 8am.

We got to the church and the plan was completely different then I had expected. Grocery stores had donated food but we were to prepare the lunches we were going to take out to them. We made them ham and cheese sandwiches, with a pastry, a piece of bread, a fruit, and a water. So we did that and packed them up, then we loaded up a few vehicles with clothing and blankets.

We did not go to a sheltor but instead went to the streets of L.A. We went to places where the homeless live. Under bridges, in washes, behind deserted buildings. I was with 4 adults and we had 10 teens with us. Granted I feared the reaction of the people on the streets and had been a little afraid. BUT wow was I so wrong.

Normal people, bad situations. Some vets, some drunks, but for the most part just people that had some bad times and things fell apart. Here are some pics of the experience we had.
















To say the least.... WHAT A REALITY CHECK.... Appreciate what you have!!!!!

 

"WHAT A REALITY CHECK.... Appreciate what you have!!!!!"

2x

 

It's so easy to just ignore the homeless, but when you go out to help them you find the true unfortunate people, not the ones who stand at the intersection with signs. I honestly have a hard time with people blocking intersections looking for a handout, and usually don't give to them. To go into their "homes" and give what you can must have been a real eye opener. Good for you, rep coming.

 

Awesome job!

 

+1 for you my friend.

P.s. sorry for about the fogging in the headlights..i had no idea

 

i feel really sympathetic for those with signs that read will work for food, or those who offer to wash your windows etc. i usually give them a job and pay them to do little things... i used to have one guy wash my truck there is a guy down the road that is basically homeless and i pay him to rake the pine needles out of my yard. I can respect people proactively trying to "work" for money

i hate the ones that say hungry need money for gas etc that just sit there with their hands out not willing to work for it...

 

I drive by this every day to work..........its a pretty sad site....you see it on tv or in pictures but to see it up close gives you a whole new perspective .....Their is a guy I see every day when I exit the 101 frwy and I usually make it a point to say hello and give him a little something......Have been homeless once myself I know how it feels.......

 

That's an awesome thing you did. This year my gf and I made plates of thanksgiving leftovers and gave them out to some of the homeless in our area. What a great feeling watching them chow down a good meal.

 

Thank you for committing a few hours to help the needy.

I love to volunteer and do it occasionally to help the less fortunate. If I am not giving them my money, the least I could do is devote some of my time.

I shall be doing the same this Saturday in City of Pasadena. Anyone interested please let me know. We could need the extra hands!

 

Wow its nice to actually see that so many of you guys have done so much. I am actually looking into doing this again. I want to take a few people from work that take their jobs for granted. People that waste their money.

 

Nice Job, my church has a program where they cook food and feed the homeless in the downtown area. I have gone on many occasions and you really come back home appreciating what you have. I also went with them to help in 911, katrina, and the fires in San Diego. It feels awesome helping others in need.

 

yeah my job has a sign up this year for any disasters. we would go to assist wherever help is needed. I signed up

 

so easy to ignor. props to you.

sorry but i laughed at this.