The COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE DEPARTMENT (CAD) is the benevolent social services and community liaison of the church operating through the West Angeles Community Development Corporation. Contained within the CAD is the Emergency Services Department that addresses those in distress or duress. Our function is to work with both private and public financial institutions; along with state and community organizations to develop a connective continuum of care for those with need.
The Emergency Services Assistance is by far the most used piece of the CAD. We assist either directly or indirectly (through referrals) approximately 15,000 individuals each year. Though our scope of service is set five distinct areas (rent/mortgage, utilities, emergency travel, transportation and food) we make a heartfelt attempt to assist all who call.
We currently assist by providing:
Shelter placement/referrals-
The CAD, though not in operation of any shelters, works along with those seeking emergency shelter by: assisting in the location of shelters, providing appropriate shelter referrals, while, attempting to help those in need navigate toward more permanent housing and self sufficiency.
Referral Listing to Housing-
Homes, Apartments, and Rooms - We provide listings from Internet sites and housing agencies to assist those seeking regular, subsidized (Section 8) and low income housing. We do not have any connection with the Section 8 process. We work along with the West Angeles Housing Department to direct those seeking housing.
Emergency Food-
We provide emergency food to individuals and families once every month, or sooner if extreme circumstances dictate otherwise. The emergency food is of a non-perishable (canned good items) nature.
Transportation Assistance-Tokens-
Tokens are provided to assist individuals and families in transportation in these areas: shelter, medical, job search, non-medical emergencies, and case management services. Periodically taxi vouchers are given to assist our senior population and those traveling to emergency shelter.
Emergency Financial Assistance-
We provide light emergency financial assistance as we have funds available to assist. We are not a fiduciary agency (Bank, Savings & Loan, and or Credit Union) and are unable to act as a lending institution. Our goal in financial assistance is not to assume the individual's full responsibility, but to provide assistance that work alongside the individual's in need.
Referrals to Transitional Living and Substance Abuse Programs-
We work to assist those with referrals in need of Transitional Living and Substance Abuse Programs. These programs are designed to provide a structured environment conducive to the total recovery of those with such addictions.
Job Referral & Placement Information-
Although the CAD is not set up as an employment agency, we provide information to assist individuals seeking permanent, temporary, and day labor. We refer individuals to various places such as One Stops, Temporary Agencies, and agencies that assist in the development of skills that better qualify them for consistent work.
Hosting of Other Programs-
The CAD serves as a host site many other community agencies to operate their programs through services such as Energy Assistance Programs, Project Angel (DWP), Healthy SHARE, and "Feed the Children".
Referrals to Other Agencies-
Although we receive calls for many things that we do not handle, we make th heartfelt attempt to connect people with positive referrals.
Contact the Community Assistance Department at
(323) 733-8300 ext. 2370/2272 or email info@westangelescdc.org
