TAKING PAWS ABOUT HOUSING

Sometimes a housing case can be solved simply through strong relationships with compassionate landlords who care about their fellow neighbors. And, when that person experiencing homelessness has a pet they care for, it takes an extra special property owner like Ms. Vee from the South Bay area to come to the rescue.

When Daniel Cho, a Housing Navigator in Long Beach, shared with his supervisor Imelda Bealer that his client Michelle was sleeping in her car in the chilly winter with her cats, she knew she had to act quickly. After sharing the dilemma with long-term LSSSC Emergency Assistance Program Manager Wendy Rubio, together, they reached out to Mrs. Vee, just one of Rubio’s network of landlords that love both people and pets.

Given the hardships that people experiencing homelessness face, many ask: “Shouldn’t people experiencing homelessness give up their pets? Wouldn’t life be easier for both the person experiencing homelessness and their pets?”

Well, it’s not that uncommon for those like Michelle experiencing homelessness to be accompanied by a pet. In fact, the National Coalition for the Homeless estimates 10% of people experiencing homelessness have a pet that they care for. Those serving “on the ground” like Social Service agencies, estimate it could be as high as 25%.

Some studies show that for those living on the streets, a pet can be a lifeline. These factors include: a) having companionship; b) responsibility for another life; c) a sense of purpose; d) a source of unconditional love; e) a reason to look for sources of income to care for pets, and more.

“This program was a blessing and how quickly I was housed surprised me,” says Michelle. “My cats are what I have left, and they were able to come with me.”

Daniel Cho, who Michelle describes as very kind, is so proud of the efforts Michelle has made for herself. “Her journey has been a long and arduous one, filled with barriers, disappointments, and frustrations. With the help of her church community, and her faith in God and the social services system, she has successfully secured a home for her and her kitties,” he joyfully shared.

Spring '23 Mar 15

Volunteer,MentalHealth,FairHousing Months&JuneteenthHoliday

Summer ‘23 Jun 15

HispanicHeritage,Emergency Preparedness,&HungerActionMonths

F Fall ‘23 Sept 15

College-Career&DomesticViolence, IndigenousPeoplesAwarenessMonths &GlobalPeerSupportDay

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A WORD FROM DR. LASHARNDA BECKWITH, CEO

It is springtime! I always love it when we get to this time of the year, especially this year free from restrictions imposed in 2020. Like me, I am sure you never thought we would experience a pandemic in our lifetime. Not only did the world deal with the ramifications of the pandemic, we also watched a stabilized nation become destabilized and people who were living everyday lives, all of a sudden, displaced. I don’t know about you, but if I wasn’t so focused on being optimistic about the future, I could’ve found myself in a place of despair. I want to encourage you to hold on, have faith, trust God, and believe times will change for the better. Is that pie-in-the-sky? Maybe. I intend always to offer hope because my faith demands it.

As long as I live here on this earth, I intend to live life to the fullest. When there has been a window to travel, I did. When I had the opportunity to go out and eat dinner with friends, I have, and when I could go to a store, spa, or office, I was thrilled to do so. I believe isolation sets up an environment for emotional and mental harm. I love my solitude, but I also recognize the dangers of too much isolation. It is easy to fall into dark spaces when no outside voice is there to remind you of your goodness. Sometimes, we need to be reminded of the possibilities and look forward to a better and brighter tomorrow.

Oprah said, “The future is so bright that it hurts my eyes?” We must remind ourselves of the happy days ahead, whether we see them or not. Never forget that we are what we think, and what we think begins with what we allow our minds to consume. How can we ensure we have the correct thinking? Look to the scriptures! Philippians

4:8, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.”

I don’t know about you, but I believe the future is so bright, it hurts my eyes!

A WORD FROM DR. TERRY PAULSON, CHAIR

The first of our motto words at LSSSC is EMBRACE – embrace action to help the vulnerable in our communities. If you are reading this magazine, you’re likely one of our supporters and likely an optimist.

How do I know this? Because I believe optimists embrace action. And, as part of the LSSSC family, you’re giving time, talent and treasure – you’re taking action to create a better future not only for yourself but for others.

Optimists cultivate a bias for action. You know you can’t change what has happened to you, but you can embrace the action imperative and do what you can to invent a better future. Optimism is all about making a move to turn your worries and concerns into constructive action.

The tragedy of life is not how soon it ends, but how long you wait to begin it. As you become more optimistic, you’ll spend a lot less time ruminating about what has already happened and a lot more time choosing, moving, trying, tasting, experiencing, serving, enjoying . . . living.

Hockey great Wayne Gretzky credited one of his early coaches for making him aware of an important truth. After pulling him aside after a difficult loss, the coach said, “You outskated everyone out there on the ice, but you didn’t take a shot on net. Miss some tomorrow night! You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take.’’ Gretzky took the advice and, of course, went on to be the most prolific scorer in National Hockey League history.

Mistakes and failures are the price you pay for achieving any success. Most success stories involve failures, perseverance, resourcefulness—and, above all, action. You’ve doubtlessly had your share of failures and setbacks, but that’s the price you pay to lead a life worth living.

Life is all about one day at a time. So today, continue to invest your worry time in constructive action and feel the pride and optimism that your purposeful actions through supporting LSSSC have generated.

Board Of Directors

Terry Paulson, PhD Chair, Board of Directors

Andrew H. Mansmann, CPA Vice Chair, Board of Directors

Rick Davis Treasurer, Board of Directors

Rev.

Sharon M. Ruff-Richter Interim Secretary, Board of Directors

Bruce Dannemeyer

Rex Evans

Kyle Fryling

Stephen Helper

Rev. Nader Hanna

Athena Jones

Susan Kroeger

Chaplain (COL-Ret.) Scottie R. Lloyd

Victoria Villa, MSW

Bishop Brenda Bos, Southwest CA Synod, ELCA

Rev. Dr. Michael Gibson, Pacific Southwest Region, LCMS

Bishop David C. Nagler, Pacifica Synod, ELCA

Mission

Ignited by faith, we live out God’s love by embracing, equipping and empowering vulnerable people in Southern California.

Vision

Sharing the love of Christ, we seek to form a community where…

• the vulnerable are safer and stronger

• the dependent are self-sustaining

• the isolated dwell in community

• the weary are given hope.

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