Welcome to West Side Homeless Outreach

HOMELESSNESS IN WEST L.A. COUNTY

Seven Common Questions

By Loren Franck

1. Why are people homeless?

There are many reasons. The most common include lack of affordable and available housing, job loss, divorce, health problems, insufficient medical insurance, alcoholism and substance abuse, mental illness and lack of education.

2. Why are so many people homeless on L.A.’s West Side?

Homelessness is rampant throughout America, especially in Los Angeles County. The West Side’s mild weather and pleasant surroundings are big attractions for homeless men and women.

3. What are the best ways to help the homeless?

West Side Homeless Outreach has a saying: “Any help is good help.” Donating funds, clothes, blankets, sleeping bags, toothbrushes and other items to West Side Homeless Outreach is an excellent way to extend a hand up to homeless people. You can also give items directly to homeless people, but approach them cautiously. We don’t recommend giving homeless people money, though.

4. What are West Side Homeless Outreach’s biggest challenges when helping the homeless?

Lack of resources is our biggest challenge. Our outreach continually needs food, clothing, blankets, sleeping bags and plastic tarps, which we give to homeless people. Our outreach also needs funding. We face nonphysical challenges too. For example, some men and women actually oppose our efforts.

5. How can homelessness be eliminated?

That will require a global cooperative effort. An outreach, mission, shelter or government agency can’t do it alone. But working together, nations, government entities, private organizations, communities and individuals can ensure that everyone has a roof over his head.

6. How do West Side homeless men and homeless women differ?

Two important differences stand out. First, there are more homeless men than homeless women on west L.A. County streets. Second, although homeless men and women enjoy temporary housing, women shun shelters more than men do. Many homeless women don’t feel safe there.

7. What donated items do homeless people need most urgently?

Nutritious food, bottled water, clean warm clothing (especially men’s-sized socks and sweatshirts), sleeping bags and outdoor blankets lead the list. Other important items include backpacks, plastic tarps, toothbrushes and toothpaste, nail clippers, razors and portable radios.

Mission Statement of West Side Homeless Outreach

“Founded on compassion, fueled by urgent need, West Side Homeless Outreach extends a much-needed hand up to the west Los Angeles County homeless people who need it most.”

West L.A. County homeless people need your assistance more than ever. You can help us help them. West Side Homeless Outreach is an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) charity, so your donations are completely tax deductible. And why not approach your employer about a matching grant? Click on donate; or mail checks and money orders to West Side Homeless Outreach, Inc., PO Box 5761, Playa del Rey, CA 90296-5761. Thank you for your support.

Can You Pass This Month’s Quiz on Homelessness?

Blog Update

Our frequently updated blog shares little-known facts about homelessness that everyone should know. Click here to visit.

A $100 Donation Ensures:

1. 50 meals for homeless people or

2. 75 personal-hygiene kits or

3. 275 healthy beverages and

4. One million thank-you’s

Starting Young

This ambitious young man (above) proves you can't be too young to help homeless people. The perils of homelessness have increased noticeably on L.A.'s West Side.