AmeriCorps
The AmeriCorps Hope for the Homeless program reaches out to individuals and families in the Skid Row area of Los Angeles, who don’t always know what type of help is available, and provides them with specialized services, such as distribution of hygiene kits, clinical information and service referrals.
What makes this AmeriCorps program unique is that 90% of its members are graduates of local shelter and treatment programs, with the remaining 10% consisting of college students who plan to move into employment with service organizations. Having former graduates do street outreach is a powerful element to this AmeriCorps program; they offer a genuine understanding and compassion which is critical for people in the Skid Row area who often have a difficult time trusting others. AmeriCorps members really give back to the community they once lived in.
The AmeriCorps program has 32 members at a time with responsibilities including doing street outreach to bring people into appropriate agencies, data input of all assessments and referrals, providing assistance at the Weingart Center Association and other service agencies in the area, and identifying agencies that have available services as well as agencies that may need additional resources.
READ MORE ABOUT HOW AMERICORPS HELPS THE COMMUNITY.
Being an AmeriCorps member gives individuals hands-on training and experience in the human services field as well as access to potential future employment. AmeriCorps members can participant in the program for up to two years and receive a living allowance while a member. After successful completion of the program, service team members also receive a monetary education award.
The Weingart Center Association received a 3-year grant and is the lead agency for the AmeriCorps program, which has various partnering agencies such as shelters and missions in the area. The Weingart Center recruits all members, gives them their assignments including placing them at other agencies, and monitors the entire program.
If you need Help
If you find yourself in need of housing or any other type of assistance please give us a call at our H.E.L.P. (Homeless Emergency Links to Providers) Resource Centers to make a same day appointment to meet with our staff.
We have advocates available Monday through Friday at:
Weingart Access Center – 8:00am - 5:00 pm – Phone # 213-689-2236.
The Midnight Mission – 6:00am – 7:00pm – Phone # 213-624-9258 ext. 1662
VOA Drop-In Center – 8:00am – 5:00pm – Phone # 213-624-4357
AmeriCorps Resources
If you are interested in participating in an AmeriCorps program located in California or any other state, please visit www.americorps.gov
Volunteer Opportunities
If you are interested in volunteering and you live in California, please contact www.californiavolunteers.org
Contact
For more information on the AmerICorps and the Hope for the Homeless programs, please contact:
Kevin Martin
Program Manager
566 S. San Pedro Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 689-2282
kevinm@weingart.org
Angela De Los Santos
Senior Program Coordinator
566 S. San Pedro Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 689-2283
angelad@weingart.org
In Partnership
The Weingart Center Association is the lead agency for the AmeriCorps Hope for the Homeless program. We work in partnership with AmeriCorps, California Volunteers, Union Rescue Mission, LA Mission, Chrysalis, Public Counsel Law Center, JWCH Institute Inc., People In Progress; Los Angeles Christian Health Centers; Volunteers of America; and Midnight Mission.
