Downtown LA...Skidrow

This Saturday morning was spent taking a 10 mile drive downtown into the heart of skidrow.

You'd think that at 8.30am the homeless would be sleeping. But no, the streets were filled with activity. What kind of activity, I have no idea! But, I had to drive slowly to avoid hitting these shabby looking folks.

LA Mission
The purpose for my early morning excursion was to visit the LA Mission, a Christian-based organization that helps the homeless of LA rehabilitate themselves through 12-24 month-long programs to get God into their lives and and education, housing and a job. It's truly a safety net for those who are trying to get out of the downward spiral or drinks, drugs, prostitution.

The Mission located on E.5th St. which is far enough east of the business district and Disney Concert Hall so their patrons don't notice. Being adjacent to the wholesale Toy District this area brings in lots of merchants and personal shoppers which creates a weird vibe, a bit like east London, I guess.

I've been donating money to the LA Mission for over a year now which gives me the confidence to tell beggars to go there for help, rather than feel guilty that I'm not helping anyone. Of course, there are the occasional offers of change if I think the person is genuinely in need, but how do you tell? Impossible.

On a lighter note Why is it some homeless people ask for the weirdest amount of money? "Do you have 75c for food?" Why not 25c or $1? By the time I try to work out if I have the money or need change it's too late - I just say "No, sorry.." So homeless beggars - make it easy by asking for a nominal amount!