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The event, called “A Day of Connection,” was held at All Saints Church Pasadena and offered a variety of services, including free food, showers, haircuts, and health screenings.
“We have everything from health and wellness services to obtaining communication necessities here today,” said Union Station CEO Anne Miskey.
The event was attended by more than 200 people, including unhoused individuals, their families, and community members.
The effort came amid a rise in homelessness in the city. Despite housing more people in 2022 than ever before, the 2023 Pasadena Homeless Count revealed that 556 people were experiencing homelessness, a 9% increase from the previous year?.
Miskey detailed the services available to the unhoused on Monday, explaining that everything from lunch to a delinquent citation, as well as mobile showers, employment resources, and veteran’s services could be handled in one place during that one morning.
She also pointed out the availability of cell phones and tablets for the unhoused, explaining that “In today’s world, it’s even more important to have some way to communicate. If you’re not able to be online, and you don’t have a phone, everything is far more difficult, when you’re unhoused.”
Unhoused community members were able to obtain free or low-cost basic smartphone and cell service just by showing identification. Those who had no identification, a common problem among the unhoused, could also be assisted.
Union Station Homeless Services provided daily care and health kits, along with a range of community agency connections, while the Los Angeles County Health Department provided mental health services and wellness checkups as well as information and access to substance abuse treatment programs, including outpatient and residential treatment, family therapy, and case management and recovery services.
In addition to the one-day event, Miskey underscored that access to the services offered are available through Union Station Homeless Services every day.
Further information about Union Station Homeless Services can be found at www.unionstationhs.org.
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