West Side Homeless Outreach, Inc.

TEN FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Are you a homeless shelter?

No, we deliver nutritious food, healthy beverages, clean clothing, sleeping bags, warm blankets and other essentials to homeless people throughout west Los Angeles County. We frequently refer homeless people to local shelters, though.

2. What do you need most?

Financial support. We don’t stockpile food, clothing and other provisions. Instead, we quickly convert money you donate into these basics. We promptly distribute donated items too. Generally, about three times weekly (depending on our resources), we deliver these essentials to west L.A. County’s neediest unsheltered homeless people.

3. The communities you serve?

Culver City, El Segundo, Hollywood, Inglewood, the LAX area, Santa Monica, the South Bay, Venice, West Hollywood and all other communities within west L.A. County.

4. What are your mission and vision statements?

Our Mission

“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.”

Our Vision

“Together with caring individuals from local communities, West Side Homeless Outreach boldly envisions the elimination of homelessness worldwide.”

5. Besides food, clothing and other essentials, what resources do you offer west L.A. County homeless people?

West Side Homeless Outreach operates a 24-hour homeless referral service. Anyone can log on to our resources page or call 310-570-9065 and receive recommendations to shelters, places that serve free meals, and government social-service agencies. You might also visit our articles page, where you’ll read more about our commitment to local homeless people.

6. Why not refer all homeless people to shelters?

Unfortunately, in Los Angeles County, there aren’t enough shelters and shelter beds to go around. On the other hand, some homeless people won’t go a facility. They fear community centers, missions and shelters, dreading the intimidators and predators that can lurk there. Other homeless people don’t get what they need in these environments, so they avoid them. Understandably, shelters and other facilities require obedience to rules, but some homeless men and women simply can’t comply.

7. Do you help anyone who isn’t homeless?

No, our resources are limited, so we focus our efforts on homeless people. Many throughout west L.A. County might benefit from our services, but our mission is strictly to people who must live on the streets.

8. Aren’t you enabling homelessness?

No, most homeless people prefer not to live on the streets. They want comfortable dwellings—and had them most of their lives. But due to decimating financial setbacks, they can no longer afford places to live.

9. Do you cooperate with other homeless-helping agencies?

Yes, but our mission can differ. Through compassionate hands-on effort, we deliver nutritious food, clean clothing, warm bedding and other necessities to people living on the streets. We lack a large staff and big budget, but that won’t stop us from accomplishing our mission to help west L.A. County homeless people.

10. What’s the best way to help?

Financially support West Side Homeless Outreach. Also donate food, clothing, blankets and sleeping bags, and personal-hygiene items to us. We’re an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) charity, so your donations are completely tax deductible. Click on donate; or mail checks and money orders to West Side Homeless Outreach, Inc., PO Box 5761, Playa del Rey, CA 90296-5761. Our federal tax-ID number is 26-3640548. Thanks for your support.

Looking Ahead

Can You Pass This Month’s Quiz on Homelessness?

Formerly employed and productive, this Santa Monica homeless man seeks a productive future. You can help him and others by supporting West Side Homeless Outreach.

WSHO RADIO INTERVIEW

On December 16, West Side Homeless Outreach exec Loren Franck was a guest on L.A. Talk Radio’s “Rare Women” program, where he discussed crucial aspects of homelessness. To hear the show, click here.

Homeless people receive a hand up,not merely a hand out, from West Side Homeless Outreach.