Strategic Planning by Pomona to End Homelessness
Pomona is home to an estimated population of nearly 153,000 and 70.6% of it being hispanic according to the 2017 United States Census.
A strategic plan to help solve the homelessness problem in the city of Pomona is currently being developed and modified annually. Although, there are several assistance programs already offered by the city to the homeless population.
Even despite the 24.45% reduction of homelessness in Pomona, according to a 2016 homeless count data release conducted by the Los Angeles Homeless Authority, it still remains a long-term goal for the city to solve.
The City of Pomona contributed to 46% of the overall region’s decrease in the Los Angeles County.
There are churches around the city that volunteer to serve those in need, as well as there are at least three shelters listed and one of them being a shelter for victims of domestic violence.
After, over 80 years of serving troops and the homeless, the Pomona Armory Shelter, has been officially turned into a historic landmark– which is essentially why the shelter program was terminated. As a result, the Hope for Home shelter was opened.
Today, the residents of the shelter finally have beds to sleep on instead of cots.
Pomona Hope for Home Services Center is the newest additions to the city. It’s a non-profit funded by the Volunteers of America of Greater Los Angeles located on East Mission Blvd., between Towne Ave. and East End.
This shelter is year-round and 16,000-square-foot.
There will be more resources provided, but are currently under construction. It will include: a kitchen, showers and a Tri-City Mental Health Center.
Currently, they have a food storage area on the opposite side of the beds where the residents sleep. The dorm area is divided between males and females. It’s very clean and spacious with lockers for the residents to store their personal items in.
Walking around Downtown Pomona, you come across the Pomona Police Department, the City Council and the Pomona Public Library. Behind those buildings a whole different story is told.
An abundance of trees and a patio where many of the homeless go and wait until they are able to return to their shelter or where they figure out the next move.
Waiting on the grass for the library to open, Amber Williams a 30-year-old resident of Pomona, California for over a decade was left homeless after being laid off.
Williams lost her apartment, ended in a mental hospital and after her release she was left with nothing. She has been homeless for 10.5 months and is a resident at the Hope for Home shelter.
“There are a great amount of resources provided for the homeless population. The Volunteers of America give you packpacks full of supplies, clothes, they let you take showers and are incredibly supportive,” she said.
Amber is now enrolled in the summer program at Mt.San Antonio College in the city of Walnut. She already has two associate degrees in Communication Studies and Spanish and will return to major in Music.
Pomona Valley Christian Center, located on10th street and Garey Ave. also provides meals at least four times a day, they also promote hygiene so those in need can also refresh themselves in a shower.
Those that want to better themselves, can.
shares her experience being homeless and explaining the
resources available by the city .
Epitome of Love 