Beaumont Cop Helps Homeless Woman Find Shelter From The Storms

BEAUMONT, CA — Winter in Beaumont brought with it record cold temperatures, rain and even snow. But no matter the weather, one area homeless woman — known only as "Ms. Pat" — never seemed bothered. She lived in her car, spending most nights in various parking lots around the city.

Local cops knew Ms. Pat well, Beaumont Police Department spokesperson Marcedes Cashmer told Patch.

"They would often check on her and make sure she was OK," she said.

When the cold late February storms blew through, police Officer Robert Loza grew concerned about the unhoused elderly woman.

He had often asked her if the department could find her a place to live, food to eat or help to get "back on her feet," Cashmer told Patch.

Ms. Pat was hesitant, always brushing aside their offers to help, Cashmer said. Those frequent well-being checks and the repeat friendly faces of Beaumont police made an impression on the woman.

On a blustery Wednesday in late February, Ms. Pat arrived at the Orange Avenue police station. She entered the lobby and asked for Officer Loza, specifically, according to Cashmer.

Upon learning she at last wanted help, Loza went to work immediately. He used resources in place for an elderly unhoused person and advocated for Ms. Pat.

Within hours, she was ushered to her new permanent residence.

Now, she is warm, with a roof over her head and food to eat, according to Cashmer.

"She is set up in a senior apartment and is doing well," Cashmer said, adding that Ms. Pat told the department she was happy and thankful for the officer's help.

Ms. Pat is one of many, though the preliminary indications show a reduction in the Pass Area's homeless population, according to Cashmer. The most recent Point In Time homeless counts in Beaumont, Banning and towns across Riverside County took place on Feb. 23, 24 and 25, during the time Ms. Pat at last accepted help.

During the counts, over 700 Riverside County volunteers verified the status of people living in their cars, under bridges, in transient encampments, homeless shelters and other locations. They had an eye toward the teenage homeless in 2022. The census of homeless residents helps the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development gain federal funding for homeless programs, such as the one that Loza used to find a permanent solution for Ms. Pat.

Almost 100 Pass Area residents commented on the original Facebook post about Loza and Ms. Pat, and many have asked how they can help.

Becky Cody offered to help with donations, she wrote on the department's Facebook page.

"It's been so cold too, and I'm glad she accepted the kindness," Cody said. "Our Beaumont Police is wonderful to check on her and get her the help she needs."

Resident Amanda Montanez agreed.

"If there are ways we can help Ms. Pat, I’d love to help her and sure others would too," she said.

"Kindness and compassion can go a long way," Cody wrote on Facebook. "We need a lot more of that, these days."