Connect Day for the Unhoused, 2023 (Photo – Claire Ghantous)
On its 50th anniversary, Union Station Homeless Services collaborated with All Saints Church Pasadena and thirty other service providers to offer normally hard-to-access services and resources in one place, free-of-charge, to individuals experiencing homelessness in Pasadena and the surrounding areas.
By Claire Ghantous
On Monday, June 12, agencies onsite were engaging one-on-one with individuals to provide Government assistance, outreach services, mobile showers, employment resources, Veteran services, and food and drinks.
It has been 50 years since Union Station was founded by All Saints Church, and it has been a proud and committed partner in the Pasadena community ever since.
Front line workers from multiple homeless services and government agencies were present at the event early Monday morning. Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, Friends in Deed, the L.A. Department of Mental Health, Heritage Clinic, and the City of Pasadena Public Health were all present to offer assistance and support to those experiencing homelessness. Many services offered “care packages” enclosed with essential items such as body wash, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes and toothpaste, headbands, hairbrushes, etc. Other organizations offered health screenings, peer support groups, job opportunities and more!
One booth that provided much-needed information was hosted by the County of Los Angeles Public Health. These workers offered a demonstration of the proper steps needed to take if someone requires Cardiopulmonary resuscitation. First they stressed calling 911, and they then offered a demonstration of the proper compressions and movements to perform a CPR action.
The CEO of Union Station Homeless Services, Anne Miskey, is proud of the work that was done early Monday morning. Having all of these services “all in one place” is extremely important for those experiencing homelessness to be able to easily access. She stressed s that the most important part of this event is that it encourages everyone in the community to “remember their humanity” as it allows a community to come together as a whole. According to Miskey, Union Station Homeless Services works with over 130 organizations to help support and offer guidance to those experiencing homelessness in our community.
Through a coffee and bagel station, music from XJ7 Productions, and the numerous agencies, services, and volunteers involved, this event was a huge success! Many individuals who are experiencing homelessness walked away from the event with some extra items and smiles on their faces!
Connect Day for the Unhoused, 2023 (Photo – Claire Ghantous)
Connect Day for the Unhoused, 2023 (Photo – Claire Ghantous)
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