Submitted by Susan Walker
President, Mountain Homeless Coalition
The Mountain Homeless Coalition honored its past with not one, but two luncheons on Nov. 13. One was at the Lake Arrowhead Community Presbyterian Church and the second at the Community Church in Big Bear.
The emcee in Lake Arrowhead was Lori Butler, vice president of MHC. She explained that, in the beginning, MHC members brought the homeless peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. In their bag lunch, guests found a P&J sandwich, chips, water and small pieces of candy.
The featured speaker at the Lake Arrowhead luncheon was Richard Arnold, formerly homeless. He explained how he became homeless and how some homeless people became a problem for him. Fortunately, the MHC housing navigator steered him in the right direction to apply for senior housing at Grandview Towers in Twin Peaks. Richard is very comfortable now and doesn’t have to worry about the cold, snow and rain.
The emcee for Big Bear was Stephanie Koch. The speakers were two formerly homeless residents of Geogia Street Cabins. Greg Monroe and Judith Webb each explained how they became homeless and how fortunate they were to be in the Mountain Homeless Coalition’s Big Bear cabins.
Becky Beavers, MHC’s operations director described the activities of MHC, such as providing emergency housing in motels since there are no shelters on the mountain. This helps the unhoused to be stabilized, so they can work on a housing plan. When ready, MHC works with them to find permanent housing, often providing first month’s rent and the security deposit. For those still in their home, MHC tries to prevent homelessness by helping with past rent.
The Mountain Homeless Coalition is funded by individuals, community groups, foundations and the government. Some of the government funding is drying up, so anyone who would like to keep mountain folks warm this winter, can visit mountainhomelesscoalition.com/donate or send a donation to P.O. Box 9226, Cedarpines Park, CA 92322.
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