In Los Angeles there are 254,000 homeless people and 63,000 of them are homeless youths. Many of these children live on Skid Row in Downtown Los Angeles. Skid Row is a series of streets in downtown where many people who are homeless come to live on the street. Any kid can be homeless. I want to know more about what homeless kids go through and how our city is helping them.
Homelessness can happen to anyone. A parent can lose a job and not have enough money saved up to pay for rent. A health tragedy can happen, making it hard for a family to pay the bills. There are also many mentally ill people who are homeless. I believe our community should help people before they become homeless. But if you are homeless there are organizations to help you.
Some homeless people will go to the Union Rescue Mission Center. The Union Rescue Mission is one of many places that helps homeless people by giving them food, a bed, and other things they may need. There are many kids who are homeless with their parents. These kids wake up at the Union Rescue Mission and then go to school. Another organization that helps these homeless kids is School on Wheels. School on Wheels gives homeless kids tutoring, and other things to help with school. Sometimes they give them school supplies. It is great to know that there are organizations helping homeless kids.
Schools can also help homeless kids. In the Los Angeles School District there are programs that provide backpacks, books, and a dress or suit for prom. Teachers need to be sensitive to this issue because you cannot tell if someone is homeless.
Last year, the city of Los Angeles came out with a plan to end homelessness. One of the big plans is to build more affordable housing for people who need it. Also, the city is making sure that homeless people can find and use city services.
Also last year, I participated in the Walk to End Homelessness with my family. This helped raise money to donate to the United Way, another organization that helps homeless people. I can also help by donating items that they need like clothes, jackets, and even food. I believe if we all work together and do our part.
I believe we can end homelessness in Los Angeles. In my city no one should have to live on the streets.
Valentina while pursuing her Girl Scout writer's badge. She teaches us about the situation of the homeless in her city of Los Angeles with compassion and understanding.