Emergency Shelter Program

When a family is homeless, it is hard to care for the children and thier needs.  Without shelter, thier world can be turned upside down.  Parents feel as if they are letting down thier children and they can become depressed and despondent, which makes it harder for them to improve thier situation.

Recently,  a family came to Burbank Temporary Aid Center for assistance.  While providing them shelter in a local hotel, our case manager was able to help them apply to a program specially designed for homeless families. 

After three nights of having a clean bed, the ability to appropriately take care of personal hygiene needs, and know they were save, thier spirits had improved.  Then, they recieved word that they had been accepted into the program, which would help them further in thier hopes to achieve permanent housing.

A few nights in a hotel that most of us might not think was great, meant a lot to this family - as it does to many others.

Thank you for making this type of service possible. 

Most people don't think of the Los Angeles area being cold, but when you are on the streets, the drop in temperature can really be dangerous for people without shelter.

Recently, a grandfatherly man arrived at our doorstep.  To look at him, you woudn't think he was homeless, but he was.  A year ago, he had experienced a stroke and eventually lost his home, driving priveleges and didn't know how to help himself.  BTAC was able to offer him emergency shelter in a local motel to protect him against the tempuratures which dropped down to 40 degrees at night, It was only for a few nights, but it gave him time to connect with a transitional shelter for more permanent housing. 

I couldn't help thinking about my own mother who is about the same age.  She also had a stroke and I couldn't her living on the streets.  I was so pleased that we had been able to help this man, not just for a few nights, but to help build a brighter future.

Thank you for your generous support.

The scorching heat of late summer in Los Angeles created health problems thousands in the area.  Now imagine being homeless and unwelcome in stores, restaurants and malls, etc.  The unbearable heat, coupled with unusually high humidity took a toll on the homeless, especially the elderly of the group.

Not only did Burbank Temporary Aid Center (BTAC) open up it's facility to offer a cool place for all of the homeless to take refuge, some of the most fail, seniors enjoyed a few nights in a local hotel.  It wasn't the most fancy place, but the sheets are clean and the air conditioning worked!  Getting a good night's rest was rejuvenating and helped them cope with the other issues in their lives.

The local hotels, do not donate or offer much of a discount on the rooms, so without your contributions, BTAC would not be able to provide this kind of assistance for our at-risk homeless.

Thank you for your support and caring.  It makes such a difference.

As I mentioend in an earlier report, this past year, BTAC lost over $20,000 in federal funds for emergency shelter.  This happened when the number of families seeking assistance was on the increase.  Your contribution has helped us make sure that, in an emergency, BTAC has been able to work with local hotels to provide short-term shelter for families in need.

Having a place to bathe, stay dry when it rains, and clean sheets goes a long way to providing a safe and hygienic alternative to sleeping on the streets. 

It always seems that right after Winter Shelters close for the season, Los Angeles area is hit with terrible rain storms.  2012 was no exception.  Thanks to contributions from our friends through Global Giving, BTAC was able to shelter several folks who were especially struggling.  A senior couple with severe health issues was sheltered while they waited to receive word they had been accepted into a rehab facility.  A family with a newborn was sheltered, allowing the mother to rest and recuperate after having given birth.

We couldn't do this without your generous support.  I know I speak for everyone who has received shelter, when I say that you have truly touched lives.

Thanks so much!