LOS ANGELES, CA - Being in the real estate industry means we’re in the business of finding people homes. Most of our clients are fortunate enough to purchase luxury properties, yet there’s an entirely different side to the LA experience. Our city is facing a crisis due to an increasing lack of affordable housing; LA currently has the highest homeless population in the nation.
While city officials recently pledged the tackle the issue, we want you to know about local grassroots organizations that also help the cause. Read on to learn about one of our favorite charities based out of Greater Wilshire/Hancock Park.
A permanent solution to homelessness
The Gibson International Charitable Foundation partners with PATH (People Assisting the Homeless), a group of agencies who banned together to eradicate homelessness for good. When PATH started on the Westside back in 1983, the Rev. Charles Orr and wife Claire wrote a letter petitioning for action in the Brentwood, Beverly Hills, and Bel Air areas. Their letter struck a chord with residents and a group of concerned citizens began distributing food and goods to homeless people in their neighborhoods. From these humble beginnings, PATH now operates 12 facilities in Southern California with a San Diego location in the works.
PATH takes a comprehensive approach to service. The organization views housing as its main focus along with providing supportive programs to meet basic needs. Early on PATH volunteers recognized that part of the problem lies with disconnection between assistance agencies. PATH consolidates agencies that address specific things, such as job training or health care, to make them more efficient as well as accessible. PATH also creates affordable housing developments so homeless and low income people have long term rental homes. The program dubbed PATH Ventures exists through the generous support of development and financial partners. Some Venture projects are geared towards families and individuals whereas others benefit seniors. Many offer social services to help residents make their transition off the streets.
Packing lunches for the Los Angeles Mission
Our Executive Vice President Pat Heller and Charitable Foundation Director Tina Cameron organized a lunch packing event in our Brentwood office last week. Agents and staff assembled 100 packed lunches in only 30 minutes! Senior Director of Operations David Parker delivered the boxes of food to the LA Mission in Downtown.
We had a great time rolling up our sleeves to feed those less fortunate. Here are photos of our team making peanut butter sandwiches and packing other snacks taken by Facilities Manager Theresa Mendoza:
CEO Scott Gibson digs into the peanut butter.
Executive Vice President Pat Heller packing healthy apples.
Mmmm…peanut butter!
Agents Julie Chandler, Stephanie, and Dick Franklin hard at work
Agents Carla Winnie and Cynda Kaiser all smiles
Charitable Foundation Director Tina Cameron and agent Tara Rodgers-Culbertson in the giving spirt
Agent Corina Angeles Galen smiles as she spreads peanut butter
James Lewis and Megan Whalen say BE HAPPY!
Scott and Pat box up lunches for the LA Mission.
Bags of lunches for those in need.
Of course, your office can host its own event on behalf of PATH. Whether you want to deliver packaged meals, collect donations, or hire a Vet, there are lots of ways to lend a hand. Alternatively, you’re welcome to contribute to PATH through our Charitable Foundation.di to donate today.
Together, we can reach PATH’s goal of helping 10,000 people make it home by 2020. Thank you for working to end homelessness!