Nicole turned up at The Women’s Room dragging an enormous suitcase behind her and with nowhere to go that night. She had been sleeping in her car, but it had broken down and the local residents had it towed away. A vulnerable young woman, she really wasn’t the kind of person we wanted to leave […]
Nicole’s Story – Escaping Exploitation Read More »
Pepper – the “Mayor of Skid Row” – is a charismatic and well-known figure in downtown Los Angeles. FID staff member Lindsey got to know him ten years ago, when she used to make weekly trips to Skid Row with her family to give out food and supplies. A determined individualist and fiercely independent, Pepper
Pepper and Lindsey’s Story – Old Friends Read More »
As a long-time volunteer in the Food Pantry, Elaine has seen a lot of changes. She remembers when money was desperately tight, when we relied on volunteers’ own cars for picking up bulk food donations, and when Tim had to rush out to buy the cheapest possible hotdogs just so we would have some kind
Elaine’s Story – Carrying On Through Many Changes Read More »
If it takes the same resources to house ten people who have only recently lost their homes as it does to house one “difficult” client who has been living on the streets for decades, then should we not concentrate on the ten “easy” clients? Many organizations do. But one of the things that FID board
Nishanthi’s Story – Balancing Expedience and Compassion Read More »
Tim first came to Los Angeles in pursuit of an acting career (the attached photo shows Tim’s first professional headshot!). At the time of his move to LA, Tim did not think the values he had been exposed to at his Mennonite high school and college had made much of a lasting impact on him.
Tim’s Story – From Playhouse to Pantry Read More »
Vanessa felt like she was in a hole she couldn’t get out of. She lost loved ones, she was involved in traumatic family situations, she became depressed, and she was struggling to hold down a job. She had friends who were willing to help, but she felt bad putting so much weight on them, so
Vanessa’s Story – Getting Out of the Hole Read More »
Cheynelle has always valued her freedom. She rebelled against her adopted family and chose a life outside conventional society, living for a while in a shelter on the side of an LA freeway. However, Cheynelle became a mother, and with that came a change of perspective. She says she was a “grown-ass child” herself, unprepared
Cheynelle’s Story – A Change in Perspective Read More »
