MAKING A DIFFERENCE : Shelter Partnership: ‘Life-Preserver’ Keeps Homeless Agencies Afloat

The homeless population in Los Angeles has grown an estimated 10% annually for the last several years, according to figures from various city and county agencies. There are scores of missions, shelters and social service providers trying to stem the tide, despite unpredictable public and private funding and wavering support from a citizenry weary and impatient with an unending social crisis. One steady helper that the shelters and agencies can depend on is the Los Angeles-based Shelter Partnership, established in 1985 with the help of United Way and then-Mayor Tom Bradley’s office. It has offered assistance to more than 200 homeless shelters and organizations throughout Southern California by finding grants and donors, acting as a clearinghouse for donated goods and services and developing community support.

HOW THE PARTNERSHIP HELPS

Shelter Resource Bank

Solicits and distributes new, surplus merchandise from donors who receive tax deductions and free up warehouse space. Nearly $30 million in merchandise, from shampoo to socks to mattresses and bedding, has been distributed to more than 200 social service organizations and shelters since 1987.

Short-term, transitional and permanent housing development

Helps groups apply for private and public funding, secure zoning approval and building permits and establish other needed services such as job training, child care, drug rehabilitation and mental health care programs. Partnership efforts have linked more than $300 million in public and private funds to nonprofit homeless service providers.

Donor matchmaking

Connects private donors with nonprofit homeless service agencies. An annual “wish list” project, co-sponsored with such organizations as the L.A. County Bar Association, provides scores of agencies with donations of large-scale goods like refrigerators, computers, sewing machines and fax machines.

Education and outreach

Conducts research and publishes studies about the homeless in Los Angeles County and sponsors events to educate local, state and national officials on the issue of homelessness.

PRAISE FROM A PARTNER

Marlene Singer, director of Jewish Family Services’ Gramercy Place Shelter, a social service agency and shelter that’s been open to homeless families throughout Los Angeles County since 1987, comments on Shelter Partnership support and resources:

“Not only do they bring providers goods and supplies--that alone has been worth many thousands of dollars to us, but they also point providers like us toward funding for services. They’ve helped us stay afloat on more occasions than one.

“They’re an intervener, a connector--that’s their service. The partnership is a life-preserver for our families. They’ve linked us with some county rehabilitation money, and we’re now adding onto our shelter 15 new beds, a head start site and an early infant development room.”

TO GET INVOLVED

Call (213) SHELTER, which translates to (213) 743-5837.

Researched by CATHERINE GOTTLIEB / Los Angeles Times