Los Angeles’ Midnight Mission is 100 years old this year. Their website says that since 1914, this non-profit has been dedicated to providing basic services to those who’ve “lost everything,” and to do it “with dignity and respect and without sermonizing.” It’s a damn shame but the truth is that our veterans have long found themselves among the ranks of those who’ve lost much if not everything.
Veterans Day is coming up and this year the Mission has organized a whole week of activities. Folks can jump in to these events free of charge and be a part of not only honoring our vets but also helping to raise consciousness and spreading vital intel about the situation for many of those who’ve served.
National Hunger and Homelessness Week at The Midnight Mission kicks off with a Veteran’s Day Observance on Tuesday, November 11. This commemoration will include a presentation of colors by Los Angeles High School Color Guard, veterans sharing their experiences, words from guest speakers and recognition of some who’ve won a Medal of Honor.
Later on, you can put your feet up and enjoy a variety show featuring the Mission’s ongoing “Art”, “Laughter” and “Music with a Mission” programs.
Later in the week, the Mission is hosting a “Veteran’s Stand Down,” benefitting homeless vets and their families. A boatload of well-known LA-area service providers will be setting up a one-stop location, serving up all manner of benefits and services, ranging from dental care to social security and recovery groups.
The week will end with a “Night Without Shelter.” an event that dishes out a firsthand education about the effects of homelessness. Participants will actually spend the night without shelter on the LA River from 7 pm to 8 am the following day. This one-of-a-kind experience will include documentary films, informational talks from former homeless men and women and teams who will work together to raise money to help turn homelessness into a thing of the past.
To sum it up, I’d say that a trip to one or more of the events on offer during the National Hunger and Homelessness Week on this Veterans Day will be a chance to honor, to learn and to contribute. That’s something you just can’t buy.
NEED TO KNOW:
Midnight Mission
601 S. San Pedro St.
Los Angeles, CA 90014
213-624-9258
Veteran’s Day Observance opening ceremony
Tuesday November 11
8am to 10am,
Variety Show
1.30pm to 3pm
Veterans Stand Down
November 14th
8am to 3pm,
Register for Night Without Shelter:
Bowtie Parcel: LA River
2800 Casitas Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90039
Find more information and complete schedule at:
(Jennifer Caldwell is a an actress and an active member of SAG-AFTRA, serving on several committees. She is a published author of short stories and news articles and is a featured contributor to CityWatch. Her column at www.RecessionCafe.wordpress.com is dishing up good deals, recipes and food for thought. Jennifer can be reached at [email protected]. Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jennifercald - Twitter: @Jennifersdeals)
-cw
CityWatch
Vol 12 Issue90
Pub: Nov 7, 2014