We’re not sure whether or not Buddy is an official emotional support animal, but he certainly goes everywhere that Sherry goes, and we’re sure plays a major role in keeping her calm and centered in her everyday life. A student at a local college, Sherry has no family support or financial resources, but she’s determined […]
Sherry’s Story – Determined to Finish School Read More »
Gloria, a senior, was illegally evicted from her apartment. With no other resources to fall back on – other members of her family are also unhoused or not in a position to offer help – she ended up on the streets of Downtown LA. Not surprisingly, this terrified her. She came to Pasadena and established
Gloria’s Story – Sleeping in the Park Read More »
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 »
Vicki has a long history of volunteering. She has served on the boards of local nonprofits, and she and her girl scout troop have made hygiene kits for Friends In Deed’s Street Outreach Team. But it was helping with FID’s Back to School event that really gave Vicki the Friends In Deed bug! She says
Vicki’s Story – Bitten by the Volunteering Bug! Read More »
