Helping the Homeless
LAPD / community groups / nonprofits cooperate

Downtown is well known for its skid row. How law enforcement has been dealing with the street people living there has been the subject of many a newspaper story recently.

The LAPD continues to seek the balance between how to deliver compassionate help for those who can be assisted with relief from hunger and homelessness, and how to deal with lawbreaking homeless.

At the most recent Police Commission meeting, Chief Brennan and Captain Beck discussed homeless and crime issues in the Central Area.

As a general rule, they said, the homeless affect street crimes, often involving preying on the weaker people among them. Some arrests are drug related, others involve parole violations and still more are for misdemeanors involving the local quality of life and ability to conduct businesses.

There are three groups of homeless individuals: those who do not have the resources to help themselves; those cannot help themselves; and, those who will not help themselves.

The first two groups can often be helped into better circumstances ... however the later usually resist any assistance. Central Area continues to work on improving conditions and is researching the possibility of having a Community Court in the area.

Below are a couple of good examples of ways the LAPD has been reaching out to the homeless.

For some time now the Department has had success by partnering with our good friends at People Assisting the Homeless (P.A.T.H.) in the Hollywood area. The excellent work of PATH was mentioned to the Commission as a model for a set of services that might be brought downtown.

We encourage groups who wish to study an excellent program to get in contact with PATH.

Then, down below there's an announcement of a meeting in late April where Chief Bratton will speak about homlessness ... and take questions from members of the community. We encourage you to attend this LA Coalition to End Hunger & Homelessness event. There's even a way to send in a question in advance!

Visit the website at: www.epath.org

People Assisting the Homeless 340 N. Madison Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90004 323 / 644-2200 path@epath.org

LACP recommends you ask to be added to the "ePATH Headlines" by sending an email to the address above. It's a monthly electronic newsletter for PATH, the regional agency that helps homeless people find work, save money, secure housing, and empower their lives. We also highly recommend their oustanding programs.

PATH believes in providing the homeless with a series of steps designed to get them out of the cycle and back on their feet. You'll be amazed at the services they provide. Be sure to ask about details.

Partnership with LAPD Hollywood Division:

PATH (and other homeless service providers) meet monthly with key members of the Los Angeles Police Department's Hollywood Division to develop strategies to divert homeless individuals from incarceration to specialized homeless services. The Hollywood Division is also active in providing weekly outreach information to PATH's "Street Outreach Teams."

And here's an invitation to a special event where Sheriff Baca will be among the honored guests:

Don't miss your opportunity to hear LAPD Chief of Police William Bratton:

. Visit the website at: www.lacehh.org

LACEH&H 520 S. Virgil # 300 Los Angeles, CA 90020 213 / 439-1070 ext. 115 frank@lacehh.org

Dear Colleagues:

The LA Coalition to End Hunger & Homelessness will not have its monthly meeting on the third Wednesday this month.

Instead LAPD Police Chief William Bratton will be coming for a special meeting on Wednesday April 30 at 1 pm. You are invited to submit questions (read info below).

All are invited … please spread the word.

Thank you,

Frank Tamborello
frank@lacehh.org

From the Calendar for Activists:

Special Event: Wednesday, April 30 ~ 1 pm ... LACEH&H's Monthly Meeting
Police Chief Bratton will address our monthly meeting on issues of Homelessness.

Directions:

The Coalition offices and conference Center are located on the 3rd floor of the "Beyond Shelter, Inc." building at 520 S Virgil, between 5th & 6th Streets in "Mid-Wilshire" Three blocks East of Vermont, One and a half blocks North of Wilshire. At Wilshire and Vermont there is a Red Line Subway stop, a Wilshire Rapid Bus stop and a Vermont Rapid Bus stop. Validated parking available behind (East of) the building.

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Click to see the special forums discussion on
what questions should he be asked:
Forum


Click here for Calendar for Activists events:
Calendar

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Frank Tamborello
LA Coalition to End Hunger & Homelessness
520 S. Virgil # 300
LA CA 90020

213 / 439-1070 ext. 115
213 / 439-1080 fax
email: frank@lacehh.org
website at: www.lacehh.org