By Daily Press staff
A local group of volunteers are offering a warm shelter for those living on the streets during the winter months.
Volunteers of America Los Angeles announced that for the second consecutive year, it is providing shelter services for homeless men and women during the cold-est months of 2006. The winter shelters offer a warm, supportive environment seven days a week from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. Winter shelter guests are given a hot meal in the evening and breakfast each morning. Hygiene and toiletry essentials are provided along with a cot and warm bedding.
“What makes Volunteers of America’s winter shelter program so unique is that we provide more than just a warm place to sleep at night. We work closely with our guests, taking an interest in their personal progress,” says James Howat, director of adult services for the organization. “These are men and women who are experiencing a crisis in their lives and we believe that everyone, given a chance, has the ability to guide their lives and improve their situation. We treat our winter shelter guests with dignity and respect and offer case management and referral services that promote self-reliance.”
Volunteers of America Los Angeles is operating three winter shelter programs located in Culver City, West Los Angeles and Sylmar. Over 450 homeless men and women are served each night.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 29, 2005. Read the original PDF.