Volunteers and supporters of Recycled Resources For The Homeless come from
all walks of life with one thing in common -
a desire to make a difference and improve the lives of people in need.
Many times people ask us what they can do to help the homeless.
Our answer - what you can, with who are and what you have.
Outreach & Engagement Event Volunteers
Recycled Resources for the Homeless hosted its first neighborhood outreach and engagement event April 2010.
Volunteers from our community come together on Saturday's during each month to meet firsthand the people we are working to empower.
This event entailed a basic meet and greet, a sharing about our experiences working with homeless folks in our personal lives, and why this this type of work is important to us. Teams of two people then set out to various locations in Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Glassell Park, Cypress Park, El Sereno and South Pasadena to locate and meet with people in need. Thus far we have met over 200 people who shared their stories with us. We listened, offered food and other needed items like hygiene products and clothing, and provided referrals to local service area providers. Many of these people wanted to stay in touch with us, were thankful, and blessed us for the time we spent with them. Most of these people informed us they have been homeless for years, living in the same parts of the city, even on the same street- you may have noticed them. The majority of them appeared to be suffering from mental illness, had fears about accessing services, and just wanted someone to talk and listen to them. Our goal was to make a connection listen to them and let them know there are people who want to help. It was a remarkable and successful event!
In October we baked goods for those homeless in outreach and delivered
warm cookies with a smile to people living on the streets in Downtown Los Angeles.
In December 2009 we asked friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors to
donate any unused clothing to make sure homeless individuals
in our communities had warm clothing for winter.
Sarah and Matt Graham donated time and talent
crocheting hats and scarfs. Some were sold and the
money used to buy bus passes and some were given to help keep people warm.
Bodhi and Zoey help assemble hygiene kits!
And Marta Hirsch made twenty pairs of flannel pj's.
Some were used as an incentive for those individuals who attended support groups
and others given to people who were sleeping in cold winter weather shelters.All donations big or small assist us in outreaching and connecting to
people in need. Through repeatedly delivering items to individuals we attempt
to form relationships, establish rapport, and gain the trust needed
to learn someone's name, history, and need.
Our hope is to also help them
in accessing the appropriate services.
Get involved however you can and
change the lives of the needy and maybe even your own!
Please fill out our volunteer form to get involved.
We would also like to thank Ross, Smart N Final, and Starbucks on York for their ongoing support in improving our community. We would also like to recognize local organic grocer and cafe Auntie Em's & Two Bit's Market for supporting us during our annual fundraiser!
