As we prepare to embark on another year of transformative trauma-informed trainings for our dedicated staff members at Westside Coalition, we can't help but feel immense pride in the success of our program over the past two years. The unwavering commitment and hard work of our staff, despite the challenges they face daily, have been instrumental in positively impacting the lives of those experiencing homelessness. This upcoming year, we are reminded of the critical role that affordable housing plays in resolving the homelessness crisis. It is evident that successful homeless services start with stable homes, and we must address the pressing shortage of affordable housing units to make a lasting difference in our community.

While we celebrate the progress we've made, we cannot overlook the stark reality that continues to plague our community - the lack of affordable housing. The statistics speak for themselves, and the crisis is undeniable. Los Angeles faces one of the largest homeless populations in the nation, with over 66,000 people experiencing homelessness in 2021. Astonishingly, approximately 75% of them were unsheltered, living in challenging conditions on the streets.

The shortage of affordable housing in Los Angeles County is alarming, with only 22 affordable and available rental homes for every 100 extremely low-income renter households. This dire situation perpetuates the cycle of homelessness and disproportionately affects communities of color, particularly African Americans. It is clear that without affordable housing, we cannot effectively resolve the crisis on our streets.

As an organization committed to empowering our staff and creating meaningful change, we must step up and advocate for the construction of more affordable housing units. Our staff members go above and beyond their duties to support our clients, but without a stable home to go to, the path to lasting change becomes uncertain.

We call upon our community, policymakers, and fellow citizens to join us in advocating for affordable housing solutions. Let's work together to bridge the gap and ensure that everyone has access to a safe and affordable place to call home. By addressing the shortage of affordable housing, we can provide the stability and hope needed to break the cycle of homelessness and uplift our community as a whole.

Together, we can be a catalyst for change and create a future where homelessness is not a reality in our community. Let's build hope, empower our staff, and advocate for affordable housing - because every individual deserves a safe and stable place to call home.



Sources:

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - "2021 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR)": https://www.huduser.gov/portal/sites/default/files/pdf/2021-AHAR-Part-1.pdf

Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) - "2021 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count - Summary": https://www.lahsa.org/documents?id=5104-2021-greater-los-angeles-homeless-count-summary.pdf

National Low-Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) - "The Gap: A Shortage of Affordable Homes 2021": https://reports.nlihc.org/gap/2021/CA

Homelessness has been a longstanding crisis in Los Angeles, with the city experiencing a significant increase in the number of people living on the streets in recent years. While there are various agencies and organizations working towards addressing the issue, the role of faith communities in supporting these efforts cannot be overstated.

One of the key ways in which faith communities have supported agencies and organizations in addressing homelessness is through the provision of services such as food, shelter, and medical care. According to a report by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), there were over 66,400 homeless people in Los Angeles County in 2020, and many of them rely on faith-based organizations for basic needs.

The report highlights the role of faith-based organizations in providing shelter to the homeless population, stating that "faith-based organizations have played a significant role in providing emergency shelter for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles County." For example, the Union Rescue Mission, which is a faith-based organization, provides shelter to over 1,000 homeless people every night.

Faith communities also play a critical role in addressing the mental health needs of the homeless population. According to a report by the National Alliance to End Homelessness, "faith-based organizations often provide counseling, mental health services, and support groups to those experiencing homelessness." These services are essential, as homelessness can often lead to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Furthermore, faith communities have been instrumental in advocating for policies that support homeless individuals and families. The Interfaith Coalition to End Homelessness, which is made up of faith-based organizations, has been working towards ending homelessness in Los Angeles since 2003. The coalition has been involved in advocating for the construction of affordable housing units and for the expansion of mental health services for the homeless population.

In a statement, Rabbi Noah Farkas, a member of the Interfaith Coalition to End Homelessness, said, "we believe that homelessness is a moral issue, and that it is our responsibility as people of faith to ensure that everyone has a safe and stable place to call home."

Faith communities play a critical role in supporting agencies and organizations in addressing homelessness in Los Angeles. They provide essential services such as food, shelter, and medical care, as well as mental health services and advocacy for policies that support homeless individuals and families. It is essential that faith communities continue to play an active role in addressing homelessness and working towards ending the crisis in Los Angeles.

The Westside Coalition has an active faith group that focuses on educating the community about resources for people who are struggling. The group also participates in the Santa Monica Area Interfaith Council, which focuses on issues of social justice. Those interested in being added to their email group can email [email protected].

Sources:

Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) Annual Homeless Count 2020 Report: https://www.lahsa.org/documents?id=4968-2020-greater-los-angeles-homeless-count-presentation.pdf
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National Alliance to End Homelessness: Faith-Based Organizations: https://endhomelessness.org/resource/faith-based-organizations/

Interfaith Coalition to End Homelessness: https://interfaithhomelessnesscoalition.org/

As humans, we are wired to care for others and show empathy towards those in need. Whether it's in our personal relationships or professional roles as caregivers, healthcare workers, social workers, or first responders, we often give our heart and soul to support others. However, continuous exposure to the suffering, trauma, and emotional demands of others can take a toll on our own well-being, leading to a condition known as compassion fatigue.

Compassion fatigue, also referred to as secondary traumatic stress or vicarious trauma, is a type of burnout that occurs when individuals experience a deep emotional and physical exhaustion as a result of prolonged exposure to the suffering and distress of others. It often affects those who are in helping professions or caregiving roles, where the emotional demands of supporting others can be overwhelming.

​Strategies for coping:

1. Prioritize self-care: Make self-care a priority, including proper rest, healthy eating, regular exercise, and engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment.

2. Set emotional boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Learn to say no and limit exposure to work-related stressors outside of work hours.

3. Seek support: Talk to trusted friends, family members, or colleagues about your experiences. Consider seeking professional support from a therapist or counselor.

4. Practice mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep breathing, to help regulate emotions and reduce stress.

5. Reflect on personal thoughts and beliefs: Reflect on your own thoughts, emotions, and beliefs related to your work and make conscious efforts to reframe negative thoughts or beliefs.

6. Educate yourself: Learn about compassion fatigue, its symptoms, and causes to better understand and manage it.

By implementing these strategies, caregivers can effectively cope with compassion fatigue and safeguard their well-being while continuing to provide compassionate care to others. Remember, taking care of oneself is crucial in order to continue caring for others with empathy and resilience.

​The homeless situation in Los Angeles in 2023 continues to be a significant issue, with a growing number of individuals living on the streets. According to the 2023 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count, the homeless population in Los Angeles County has increased by 12.7% since the previous year, with over 68,000 people experiencing homelessness.

The Mayor's Office of Homelessness in Los Angeles has acknowledged the crisis and has implemented several initiatives to address the problem. In a statement, the Mayor's Office of Homelessness stated, "Our collective goal is to provide homeless individuals with access to housing, healthcare, mental health services, and other essential resources to support their transition off the streets and into stable, permanent housing."

One of the initiatives implemented by the city of Los Angeles is the construction of affordable housing units. In 2023, the city plans to build over 10,000 units of permanent supportive housing. The city has also implemented the "A Bridge Home" program, which provides temporary shelters for homeless individuals while they are waiting for permanent housing. According to the Mayor's Office of Homelessness, this program has already helped over 3,000 people transition into permanent housing.

Despite these efforts, the situation in Los Angeles remains a challenge. The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) reported that the pandemic has exacerbated the situation, with more people experiencing homelessness due to the economic impact of COVID-19. LAHSA CEO Heidi Marston stated, "The pandemic has underscored the urgency of our work to help people who are homeless, and it has made it even more difficult to provide services to those in need."

President Joe Biden acknowledged the crisis and stated, "We cannot turn a blind eye to the homelessness crisis in Los Angeles and other cities across the country. We must do more to address this issue and provide individuals experiencing homelessness with the resources and support they need to get back on their feet."

While various initiatives are in place to address homelessness in Los Angeles, it remains a complex issue that requires continuous attention and effort from all levels of government, non-profit organizations, and community members. The question remains: what more can be done to ensure that individuals experiencing homelessness have access to stable housing and necessary resources to transition out of homelessness?




Sources:

"2023 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count Results." Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. https://www.lahsa.org/documents?id=5591-2023-greater-los-angeles-homeless-count-results.pdf

"Mayor's Office of Homelessness." City of Los Angeles. https://www.lamayor.org/homelessness

"LA to Build 10,000 Affordable Housing Units by 2023." NBC Los Angeles. https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/la-to-build-10000-affordable-housing-units-by-2023/2694509/

"A Bridge Home." City of Los Angeles. https://www.lamayor.org/bridge-home

"Pandemic exacerbates homelessness crisis in LA County, report says." ABC 7 Los Angeles. https://abc7.com/homelessness-crisis-in-los-angeles-county-2023-lahsa/11528052/

"Remarks by President Biden on the American Jobs Plan." The White House. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room