See how the overwhelming homeless issue in Los Angeles provided an opportunity for one person to make a difference in the lives of thousands of people.
How Should We Respond? According to the Los Angeles Union Rescue Mission.
1. Don't give cash to a homeless person. If a person is hungry, give food, coupons, and gift certificates. Or refer them to an agency that can provide food and shelter.
2. Talk to them with respect. Taking time to talk with a homeless person in a friendly, respectful manner can give them a wonderful sense of dignity.
3. Recognize that homeless people (and their problems) are not all the same. The person you meet may be a battered woman, an addicted veteran, or someone who is lacking job skills. The list goes on. Encourage them to get help through a mission. Rescue missions offer immediate food and shelter, and many offer long-term rehabilitation programs that deal with the root causes of homelessness.
4. Support local homeless ministries your donations. Most missions receive little or no government funding. They are supported by caring individuals, churches, businesses, and civic groups. Donations of food, clothing, personal items (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, combs), diapers, toys, etc. are very needed.
5. Volunteer your time. This supports the work of homeless shelters/missions, and it allow you to get to know and love those people in need.
6. Pray for the poor and homeless in your community, as well as the residents and staff at rescue missions.
Comments Thoughts? Concerns? Have other ideas of what should be done?
Cool idea! Thanks for doing this By: Anonymous on November 01, 2006 1:31 PM
I really like this video By: Anonymous on November 03, 2006 8:21 AM
I really like this video. By: Anonymous on November 03, 2006 8:22 AM
Thanks for doing this video...good luck with everything you guys are doing. By: Anonymous on November 03, 2006 8:58 AM
I just found this and I'm featuring it on our blog. I am a friend of Andy's and spent 9 years doing urban youth ministry in skid row. This is a good thing that you are exposing this because the issue of homelessness is growing in Los Angeles, even within the last 2 years.
I know you guys are in Pasadena, and there's a small ministry there called Doors of Hope which homeless families are given shelter and a second chance... There are possibly some great stories from that place also. By: urBenLA on January 09, 2008 4:55 PM
Welcome to the Chronicle Project video blog. This is the place we post recent videos and short films CP has produced.
Most of these videos have been produced in partnership with non-profits in an effort to educate and inspire audiences to action. We hope you like them.
