#GiveBackNews Update: Homelessness, Morality, Educational Outreach

In this week’s #GiveBackNews update we take a look at the two major declarations this week in LA, one on homelessness and the other on Morality. Also, we wanted to let you know about a group of 3rd graders in Boyle Heights who just got sponsored to have their education supported all the way through college!

While the Mayor of Los Angeles and the City Council has declared a state of emergency on homelessness and have committed to spending $100 million dollars to address the problem throughout LA, some who help homeless in the San Fernando Valley are not convinced the money will come their way. Hope of the Valley’s CEO Ken Craft says so far the San Fernando Valley has received a reduction in funding and an increase in the homeless problem. So, now they wait with cautious optimism.

In Culver City, over the Yom Kippur holiday three religious leaders of different faiths united to declare a state of moral emergency. Rabbi Mark Borovitz of Beit T’Shuvah, Reverend Mark Whitlock of COR AME Church, and Father Greg Boyle of Homeboy Industries had a spirited discussion on the immediate need for kinship and forgiveness.

In Boyle Heights, a group of 3rd graders have been adopted by the program I Have a Dream Los Angeles. They’re the 19th class inaugurated into the program that has committed to tutoring them and supporting them all the way through high school graduation. Those who choose to go to college get scholarships! NBA star Jason Collins personally congratulated the students and their parents and encouraged their educational growth.

Also, we have highlighted three events that we think are great opportunities to support local #Givers or to attend and #GiveBack.

Tonight and tomorrow, at the Laemmle in North Hollywood, director Gustavo Sampaio is screening is short science fiction film, The Hunting of Lost Characters, which is about the importance of being involved in the world around you. It’s a concept we at #GiveBackNews and the Momangeles team believe in whole heartedly! Screenings are at 6:30 p.m., and the director will be on hand to discuss the movie which is doing an Academy Qualifying theatrical run.

Thursday, October 1st, Safe Passage 501(c)3 will hold a press conference highlighting the need for Domestic Violence Awareness in Los Angeles. It is in honor of DV Awareness Month and this Day of Unity, and is supported by several community leaders who will be speaking. The press conference and cocktail event is from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the J.W. Marriot L.A. Live in Downtown L.A..

That night at the Montage in Beverly Hills, Healthy Child Healthy World will be focusing on the importance of preserving our environment for the future of our children. Read Laura Gerson’s article on the keynote speaker Laura Turner Seydel for more information.