Before becoming involved with the homeless on a close and personal platform I was like most people and assumed the majority on the streets were simply lazy and wanted a free handout from the working class. My views and opinions of the poor have been altered immensely after joining Winning at the Race of Life, led by Sammy Maloof, and supported by many loyal followers.
Every Sunday we venture to Skid Row Los Angeles and setup our temporary feeding station where we barbeque hamburgers and cheeseburgers for the men and women living on the streets of downtown, or staying in one of the many shelters that line the streets of Skid Row.
After doing so for several months we know many of the street residents by first name, others come and go as they travel to other cities in search of employment. What I discovered was the homeless are thrilled when I ask them what their name is, most will also share their family life and type of work they performed before becoming part of the growing homeless population living on the streets of every American city.
Some people feel what we’re doing is wrong, and also challenge us to prove we love what we do for the hungry and homeless. One user sent me a personal email stating “If you and Sammy Maloof love the homeless so much, take them into your home”. I answered this angry person with my home phone number and my address, inviting him over to meet Scott Corona, a homeless man living on the streets of San Dimas that I brought into my home. For some reason the man never called or came to visit Scott or myself? Sammy is no different than me as he has brought many homeless men and women into his home and automotive shop.
As I travel through this life I’m constantly learning about the plights of people struggling to keep food on the table on a daily basis, never knowing at times where their next meal will come from?
Two weeks ago I aided a young man that is unable to locate employment, and without any further assistance from unemployment needed to find a source of food and money. So I took on the task of helping him receive general relief, and it’s not an easy task, especially if you do not have a car. We visited the welfare office, Department of Public Social Services, three times before reaching a successful outcome. This was not before traveling to four other locations such as the Social Security office, CPSS, Gain, and another workforce type of office.
I was under the impression he would receive a bundle of money, at least we’re all led to believe people on welfare are living the good life, but no, he’s allocated $221.00 a month in cash and $180.00 per month in food stamps for up to nine months within a twelve month period. Far from living high on the hog as some profess on Facebook with messages of propaganda they share among their followers.
What I found disturbing was the constant coverage by the sheriffs of the parking lot across the street from the welfare office, seems they check for expired license tags, and tows any vehicle found to be in violation away. I can only assume someone seeking general relief will be unable to retrieve their car and the vehicle is later sold at auction to the highest bidder. I understand the state is in financial straits and wonder how much money is generated in this fashion to close the lack of cash flow, especially since I’m told this occurs at every state and federal office in the state of California? So don’t believe the hype regarding poor people or the homeless, if you’re really worried about welfare, concentrate on the real thief’s taking corporate welfare from the taxpayers.
Skid Row Los Angeles, a set on Flickr.
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1 comment:
Excellent and insightful article Ed. I too have volunteered and worked with the homeless populations in Los Angeles , and found many to be both personable and knowledgeable . They are a very diverse group of people who have managed to build their own community within a community. This is where they feel safe after being dejected and rejected by so many, including the system .
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