St. Joseph Center in the News
St. Joseph Center works with local and national media to share news about our mission to address homelessness and poverty in the community. If you are interested in conducting media coverage of St. Joseph Center, please get in touch with us at publicrelations@stjosephctr.org.
- Joi Richardson, VP of External Affairs & Communications — jrichardson@stjosephctr.org
- Ty Andrews, Senior Communications Specialist — tyandrews@stjosephctr.org
Don't Criminalize Homeless Students
August 28, 2024
Los Angeles, CA
By Dr. Ryan Smith
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recent encampment executive order mandating the clearing of homeless encampments on state property, coupled with the start of the school year and a new Supreme Court decision, shines light on an often-overlooked crisis — the devastating impact that both homelessness and the criminal justice system can have on our youth.
I know firsthand how housing insecurities, combined with a broken criminal justice system, can destabilize the lives of young people, pushing them further into systems that fail to support their complex journeys.
As a high school student growing up in Los Angeles, I remember coming home after a full day of classes to find something unexpected on our door — an eviction notice. My mom, an educated single mother who worked tirelessly to afford our Culver City condominium, looked at me with sorrow in her eyes.
The Untold Story: Narratives of Black Angelenos Experiencing Homelessness
August 15, 2024
Los Angeles, CA
OPINION
Dr. Ryan Smith and Dana Henry, Contributing Opinion Writers
Gigi Jackson, a 63-year-old Black Angeleno, lived outside for years. After experiencing homelessness and the loss of her son, Gigi sought a better life. With rehabilitative assistance, mental health services, and support from a homeless service provider, she secured a new home. Reflecting on her new life “I got my own place and I cook my own dinner. There’s nothing like having your own,” Ms. Jackson says.
St. Joseph Center Community News | July 2024
July 9, 2024
Los Angeles, CA
When Crystal connected with St. Joseph Center, she and her family had been homeless for three years, struggling to make ends meet, but had one goal: to be housed. Due to health problems, her husband was unable to work. As a working parent, Crystal dedicated her extra time to fulfilling the requests needed to move through multiple housing systems. Even though her family faced financial insecurity and a car accident, life setbacks didn’t deter Crystal’s faith.
Read more here: https://conta.cc/4eXrCAo
St. Joseph Center Efforts Help Nearly 20% Decrease in Homelessness in Westside LA
July 1, 2024
Los Angeles, CA
St. Joseph Center, working closely with its partners and local elected officials, hassignificantly decreased the number of Angelenos experiencing homelessness.
This year’s homeless count numbers suggest that our coordinated emergency response is making a difference. Working with our local elected officials and partners has made real and visible progress in our communities.
La Veranda Opening In East Los Angeles to Provide 76 Affordable Homes
June, 20 2024
Los Angeles, CA
St. Joseph Center participated in the dedication ceremony and opening of La Veranda in East Los Angeles with Adobe Communities, Los Angeles Metropolitan Authority (Meyro), and Mayor Karen Bass. St. Joseph Center will serve as a permanent supportive housing partner to provide 76 more affordable homes and help end homelessness in LA.
Read LA Daily News Article:
St. Joseph Center Hosts First Annual Juneteenth Celebration
June 19, 2024
Los Angeles, CA
St. Joseph Center hosted its first annual Juneteenth celebration, honoring unity, Black culture, and empowerment with traditional song and dance presented by the Women’s African Drum Circle SHINE Muwasi.
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the States. It is celebrated on June 19th each year to mark the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston to announce the end of slavery, two and a half years after the Emancipation was signed.
On June 15, 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday in the United States and was signed as the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. This marked a significant moment in American history, recognizing the importance of Juneteenth in the fight for freedom and equality for all.
SHINE Muwasi Women’s African Drum Circle is a group of women from Southern California led by Rene Fisher-Mims. The group was formed to spread knowledge of West African drum culture combined with healing, empowerment, and inspiration. SHINE aspires to pass on wisdom to those interested in West African culture.
See photo highlights: https://flickr.com/photos/200589603@N05/albums/72177720317985270