“They are Man’s . . . And they cling to me, appealing from their fathers. This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want. Beware them both, and all of their degree, but most of all beware this boy, for on his brow I see that written which is Doom, unless the writing be erased.”
–Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol (1843)
As families all over the city settle in for the holiday, some are struggling and remain unhoused – among those are far too many children. In Los Angeles County alone, School on Wheels reports there are at least 65,484 students without homes – it’s more difficult to pinpoint a number of even younger children subsisting on the streets. In California, the problem is almost unspeakable – over half a million children are homeless. One third of the homeless population in Los Angeles is under the age of 18.
Even as the Christmas holiday approaches, there are opportunities to do something for the unhoused children of Los Angeles. As the New Year grows closer, there’s an opportunity to make a fresh start with various volunteer opportunities.
In the spirit of the holiday, We encourage you to contribute in whatever way you can.
1, Fill out an LA HOP Form: The city has made it as easy to make an outreach request to aid the homeless. If you see somebody in need of help, head to the Los Angeles Homeless Outreach Portal and fill out a form. According to their site, the LA-HOP is “designed to assist people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles County with outreach services.” The information you provide will be used to dispatch a homeless services outreach team to the area. Learn more about the services and fill out a request HERE: https://www.lahsa.org/portal/apps/la-hop/request
2, Volunteer at School on Wheels: You can become a tutor with School on Wheels, helping an underprivileged child to reach their education goals and start on a path to a brighter future. There are opportunities to tutor in either virtual or in person sessions. Apply to become a tutor with School on Wheels HERE: https://schoolonwheels.org/apply-to-be-a-volunteer/
3, Give to the Union Rescue Mission: The Union Rescue Mission is the oldest of its kind in Los Angeles, and aids men, women, children, and families experiencing homelessness in L.A. There are a number of life-changing ways to help out with Union Rescue, includingdonating, volunteering, fundraising, distributing outreach kits, or even donating items or working in their thrift shops. Learn all about the faith-based organization and how you can make a difference with them HERE: https://urm.org/about/
4, Get Involved at My Friend’s Place: If you’re looking specifically to help older children, My Friend’s Place in Los Angeles provides comprehensive services for 1000 youth between the ages of 12 and 25 each year. From safe haven to education and health services, My Friend’s Place is a great start in transforming the lives of youth in L.A. If you’d like a simple way to help out, we recommend visiting their Amazon Wish List. (This happens to be a gifting option we took advantage of this season) Items will be sent directly to My Friend’s Place. Check out the list HERE: https://www.myfriendsplace.org/youth-wish-list
5, Provide Necessities for Young Children Via Baby 2 Baby: Baby 2 Baby is an L.A. organization that provides diapers, clothing, and other basic necessities for children in need. Given that diapers are the fourth most expensive household need for families with children in diapers, it’s definitely a worthy cause. During the holiday season, you can even be matched with a family to provide them with winter needs and holiday wishes. You can also assemble Baby 2 Baby Hygiene Kits from your own home, or participate in group or individual volunteer opportunities. Learn more HERE: https://baby2baby.org/volunteer-opportunities/
Compiled this holiday season in honor of Jordan and her beautiful children, Ollie, and Lainey