La Verne City Projects Address Vulnerable Populations: Seniors And The Homeless

Press release from the La Verne Chamber of Commerce:

February 01, 2021

As part of the City of La Verne’s efforts to address homelessness in the community, it has partnered with Union Station Homeless Services to launch a Prevention and Diversion Program in La Verne. The program provides monetary assistance and other fundamental resources to community members at risk of experiencing homelessness to help individuals and families make ends meet, keep a roof over their heads and maintain basic needs.

“We understand that the COVID-19 pandemic has financially burdened many people within our community,” said La Verne Associate Planner Maia McCurley. “With this program, we’re hoping to aid vulnerable community members, and prevent them from experiencing homelessness.”

The Prevention and Diversion program works closely with individuals to determine their basic and financial needs. The program’s assistance ranges from paying security deposits, utility bills and moving costs, to providing food and transportation assistance for any individual at-risk of homelessness.

“While we initially reached out to faith-based organizations and local non-profit organizations for referrals, we know that pandemic and other economic factors continue to burden many families in the La Verne community,” said Program Manager Nicole Flores. “We have the resources to aid those in need and are actively looking to distribute them to all those residents in La Verne that meet the eligibility requirements.”
La Verne residents experiencing or on the verge of experiencing homelessness are eligible to participate in the program. All referrals or questions regarding the program can be directed to Union Station’s Program Manager Nicole Flores at (626) 545-1487, or click here to email.

In the last several years, the City of La Verne has prioritized reducing and preventing homelessness by outlining goals and initiatives in its 2018 Homeless Plan. Since its enactment, the City has seen more than a 50% decrease in the number of homeless individuals within the community. “This kind of outreach is just another example of the City’s commitment to all of its residents,” said City Manager Bob Russi. “It’s the partnerships we have with organizations like Union Station Homeless Services that will allow the City to achieve its goals to assist and uplift those experiencing homelessness.”

While the coronavirus pandemic has challenged every community’s resilience, the City of La Verne is especially attuned to the unique difficulties faced by the La Verne senior community. With the start of the New Year, the City’s Community Services Department is planning virtual events for seniors, such as Bingo and Senior Coffee Hour & Conversation, to help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation which can lead to serious health problems according to the National Institute on Aging. More detailed information on these new virtual events, food programs, general heath updates and more can be found in the City’s monthly Senior Newsletter.

In the December 2020 edition of their Senior Newsletter, the City worked closely with the La Verne Chamber of Commerce to compile a list of businesses offering senior discounts, some of which are still available and valid. In addition to local business discounts, the City has also hosted a curbside Senior Lunch Program every Thursday since March 26, 2020 at the La Verne Community Center. The program has grown from distributing 250 meals per week to currently giving out 1,160 meals each week.

“With the pandemic raging on for nearly a year, we are hoping to establish even more programs and virtual events to further assist our seniors maintain connection with each other and our community,” said La Verne Recreation Supervisor Yvonne Duran. “Our La Verne seniors are a really important part of our community, so we are extremely focused on providing safe ways for our seniors to socialize and interact with each other.”

The City’s upcoming virtual social events build on its existing senior assistance programs established in the beginning of the pandemic. In March 2020, the City compiled senior assistance resources on its website, including public health and safety tips and information on the Countywide Critical Delivery Service that delivers groceries and other vital necessities to vulnerable populations. The City also expanded its You Are Not Alone (YANA) program to check in on seniors with its Senior Outreach Program, as well as launched an email for seniors in need of assistance.

“We have a significant senior population in La Verne – in fact about one in five people in the City belong to this age group and many of them are actively involved, invested and even volunteer in our community,” said La Verne City Manager Bob Russi. “It was only natural, then, that during these challenging times we figured out how to ramp up our services to seniors and find ways to connect them with the people and resources they need.”

Despite the challenges brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Los Angeles County has been actively vaccinating healthcare workers, staff and residents at nursing facilities and long-term care facilities. Los Angeles County residents 65 and older are now eligible for a free COVID-19 vaccination at distribution centers throughout the County, including one at the nearby Pomona Fairplex.

To schedule an appointment, visit VaccinateLACounty.com or call (833) 540-0473 for assistance between 8:00 AM and 8:30 PM. Residents are highly encouraged to speak with their doctor about the vaccine and continue wearing face coverings, physical distancing and avoiding any gatherings.

City of La Verne

• February 01, 2021

This press release was produced by the La Verne Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed are the author's own.