Solutions to Homelessness: North Valley Caring Services (Pt. 1)

speakingforourselves450:

A breakfast program, started by Verna Porter in 1975, evolved to what we know as “North Valley Caring Services” today. Throughout the years, different programs have been created to provide services to homeless community and people in need. Programs such as breakfast, portable shower, haircut, bicycle and clothing have made big impacts on homeless people’s lives. In this series of photos, I focused on the services, provided in this center and people, who are involved with these services. People like Manny Flores, the community liaison, and Danny, coordinator of the breakfast program, who’re going beyond their responsibilities to make a change in the community. The services provided in this center are not limited to these. Thanksgiving lunch, annual memorial service or Christmas giveaway are some other events that attract a big number of people in need to this center.  

Beside the regular services provided in the center, Manny reaches out to some homeless people or camps in the area to build the relationship with them and get them the help that they need. I accompanied Manny in his visits to 405 freeway off-ramp camp, Trails and abandoned Green Arrow, which has become a homeless camp. Our visit to these camps was full of sad, happy, hopeless and hopeful moments, from the stories of people under 405 freeway dealing with city and LAPD to China’s bike. These photos probably won’t change anything for these people, but this journey definitely changed my point of view on this issue.


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Manny Flores and Craig, October 26, 2016, 405 freeway off-ramp. Manny talks to Craig next to his encampment under the 405 freeway.


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Craig, October 26, 2016, 405 freeway off-ramp. Craig holds the cereal bag, while chatting with Manny.


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Manny Flores and Gracie, October 26, 2016, 405 freeway offramp. Manny talks to Gracie near her encampment under the 405 freeway.


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Craig’s belongings, October 26, 2016, 405 freeway off-ramp. A sign, which reads  “Homeless Please Help”, sitting on a box next to Craig’s tent.


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Manny Flores and Stella, October 26, 2016, North Valley Caring Services. Stella listens to Manny, talking about different types of homelessness.


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Manny Flores, Trails camp, November 9, 2016. Manny walks with the bike through the Trails camp, on the freeway underpass, near the 405 Roscoe exit.


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China, Trails Camp, November 9, 2016.


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China, Trails Camp, November 9, 2016. China, ready to ride her new bike.


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China and her homeboy, Trails camp, November 9, 2016. China poses with her homeboy on her new bike.


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Trails camp, November 9, 2016. An old door is been used as a bridge.