By Daily Press staff
If you want to learn more about how to help or handle those living on the street, a local organization is ready to educate anyone willing to learn.
The Westside Shelter and Hunger Coalition will host a training session on Wednesday, Feb. 19 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The coalition is sponsoring the training for church/temple staff and volunteers to help them understand and connect to the variety of resources in our community for homeless persons, as well as for guidance on communication styles while assuring personal safety.
Step Up on Second is part of a coalition of agencies on the Westside serving homeless individuals. Step Up staff are finding that churches and synagogues are drawn into being asked to assist homeless persons. Many churches/temples in the community have homeless persons that sleep on the church/temple grounds, as well as approach them for help.
When church staff open up in the morning, they are often the ones that interface with the homeless. This is further complicated because many churches have school programs with kids coming early in the morning too, coalition officials say.
People will learn more about the local resources available to homeless individuals, how local agencies can assist in helping the homeless and communication skills to ensure safety.
The training will be offered at First Presbyterian Church, 1220 Second St. There is parking in the city structure across the street.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 18, 2003. Read the original PDF.