“Homelessness isn’t universal. It’s unique to the person who’s experiencing it at the time.” (Herb Smith, Los Angeles Mission President)
While the U.S. is currently facing high homeless rates, in Los Angeles, Calif, other statistics show, men in their forties are more likely to make up the homeless
population.
Additionally, the study by the Weingart Center show African Americans make up about half of the homeless population, most, of which, reside in the downtown Los Angeles, Skid Row. Skid Row, by definition, is geographically “a run-down, dilapidated area with a large, impoverished population.” For Los Angeles, it is one of the largest areas where the homeless population live, but Los Angeles MissionPresident, Herb Smith says, “Skid row used to be that kind of a place, but today, that lead to something else, a change in the culture and a change in the individuals and interestingly enough we are now seeing people who are saying, ‘skid row is my home of origin… this is my community’.
One of the largest missions in the country, the L.A Mission provides homeless in and near Skid Row with many services including,
- Hot meals, served 3 times daily,
- Overnight shelter,
- Clean clothing,
- Showers,
- Shaves,
- And temporary baggage storage
The Los Angeles Christian Health Centers works with the mission to provide free medical services, such as,
- TB screening and follow up therapy,
- HIV Education,
- Counseling,
- Testing and follow up,
- Dental care,
- Chiropractic care
- And other general health services.
Many people, Smith says, that come into the mission are “non-skilled”.
Additionally, he says, the mission sees “education as a critical component to the solution of homelessness long term”.