A focus on homelessness

For decades, Southern California has been the epicenter of homelessness

2023 May

Los Angeles Trial Lawyers’ Charities and Orange County Trial Lawyers’ Charities both focus on five areas: children, education, survivors of abuse, persons with disabilities, and homelessness.

This month, we showcase our efforts to help the unhoused and housing insecure in our communities.

For decades, Southern California has been the epicenter of homelessness. Over three nights each year, non-profit organizations and their volunteers spread across the community and conduct an annual census of those who are unhoused. In 2022, they found 69,144 people were experiencing homelessness in LA County, a 4.1% rise. In Orange County, a total of 5,718 persons were counted through their “Point In Time Count” effort.

There is no single solution to this complex problem. However, LATLC and OCTLC are always identifying projects and organizations that can help make a difference.

Last month, during the Great Tryke Giveaway, volunteers filled 1,000 toiletry kits. LATLC donated 500 of these kits to P.A.T.H. (People Assisting the Homeless) and OCTLC shared 250 with Colette’s Children’s Home and 250 with Micah’s Way, both wonderful groups in Orange County. We are especially grateful for our partnership with BOMBA socks. Socks and underwear are among the most requested and desired items for those experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. BOMBAS gives us thousands of pairs of these high-quality socks each year to distribute to our community partners.

Recently, our volunteers have been busy assisting the unhoused or those in jeopardy of becoming unhoused through groups like Food on Foot, Second Harvest Food Bank, El Nido Family Centers, and Downtown Women’s Center.

Habitat for Humanity

OCTLC helped build houses through Habitat for Humanity in March of 2022 and, after a brief rescheduling due to atmospheric rivers, they have another build scheduled for May 12, 2023. These projects are a lifesaver for families who work in Orange County but have difficulty finding affordable housing. OCTLC also provides money, hygiene kits and welcome bags for women experiencing homelessness through its partnerships with Colette Children’s Home and the Lynn House, which provide temporary housing and safe spaces for women and children in distress. A partnership with Western State University College of Law allowed law students to perform their service project with OCTLC when creating 50 welcome bags for these women’s shelters.

On October 28, LATLC will host our third Day of Dignity for the unhoused in Hollywood with food, services, medical and dental care, manicures, and much more! At last year’s event, a mother and her daughter came up to us, with tears, and said this was the first event where she felt HOPE.

At the CAALA Convention this year, visitors to the LATLC Booth (#502) can sponsor “welcome home baskets” for those moving from the streets to their own apartments.

All is possible because of your support of OCTLC and LATLC. Join us as a volunteer or sponsor our fundraising events. Together, we make a difference!