Every single week, we have dedicated volunteers who give their time and resources to support our neighbors experiencing homelessness. Each month we would like to take the time to recognize the impact, passion, and power of our volunteers from across the state. We are incredibly grateful for their support and would not be able to do the work without them.
The Giving Station LA: Los Angeles
Thank you to The Giving Station LA for volunteering to assemble and donate 90 hygiene kits and 30 back-to-school kits to PATH! These kits are exactly what we need to help prepare our families and children heading back to school this month! Thank you so much for thinking of our neighbors in need.
Jaime Murillo-Mena: San Diego
We would like to highlight our volunteer Jamie Murillo-Mena, a former San Diego resident, and California native, who recently researched how language barriers can impact the way people experiencing homelessness access services.
In Jamie’s research, he shares, “One of the most challenging things when needing help is finding out to whom to reach out to… For many, the task of reaching out for help is daunting, even in their native language. For others, seeking help can be a monumentally tougher experience when you have to seek services in a different language. This is the lived experience of many people who are facing challenging times and looking for services in a second language across California.”
At PATH, we recognize these barriers and the importance of providing clients with the equal opportunity to connect with us for services. During intake, we currently provide translators through our partnership with Interpreters Unlimited to better understand the important needs of our clients. Thank you, Jamie, for highlighting this partnership in your research and for your dedicated volunteerism at PATH. We appreciate you taking such an interest in spreading awareness about language barriers in the communities we serve.
Compassionate Service Society: Orange County
As we continue to see COVID-19 numbers on the rise, it is crucial we continue to keep our unhoused neighbors safe! PATH Orange County received a generous donation from Compassionate Service Society, a nonprofit located in Anaheim that believes everyone can be an agent of change towards a more peaceful world. Their mission is to build and nurture uplifting communities that spread peace, harmony, and joy. The Compassionate Service Society did just that and more by donating 40 cases of non-surgical masks, 43 cases of hand sanitizers, and 2 cases of face shields! We thank them for supporting PATH as we continue to navigate the pandemic and provide life-changing services.
San Jose Earthquakes: San Jose
Thank you, San Jose Earthquakes, for donating tickets and parking passes for Villas on the Park residents to attend a thrilling soccer game! Residents enjoyed watching the game up close and of course cheered on the team loud and proud!
Jordan Elf Project: Santa Barbara
This month, brothers Jaden and Jordan from the Jordan Elf Project, donated over 500 blankets and pillows to PATH Santa Barbara when they heard there was a need! These longtime volunteers can regularly be seen volunteering for the PATH Cook’s program, supporting the kitchen with sorting food donations, prepping food, and serving meals to the residents. Thank you for your dedicated volunteerism and always finding ways to support our residents whether it’s by serving meals in our kitchen or collecting pillows and blankets! PATH residents will be going to bed warm and comfortable thanks to your generous donation.