Every Wednesday evening, North Valley Caring Services (NVCS) and Oikos 4:45 Ministry load up several trucks with meals, dry goods and care packs that have been generously donated by the Rescue Mission Alliance Valley Food Bank. We then take them to several motels on Sepulveda Boulevard that temporarily house homeless families.

This family is one of the 170 families that are in the Los Angeles Family Housing’s transitional housing program. Veronica, along with her husband and eight kids, have been placed in one of the seediest motels in the San Fernando Valley. Yes, I said eight kids—all of which depend on us to come through every week with meals.

The family has been homeless for over two years, ever since her husband was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. He lost his job, and since his was the only source of income, they could not pay the rent. A family of 10 now resides in a motel room. Although they have obtained a rent voucher that covers their rent for a year, they have not found a landlord or property manager who is willing to rent to a family of 10 that also has unstable credit because of a prior eviction.

We encourage Veronica by reminding her that God is merciful, and when it is time, that door will open. We often pray with her as she struggles to hold on. As these children continue to grow in an environment filled with drugs, prostitutes, and gangs, NVCS, with the support of the Rescue Mission Alliance Valley Food Bank, is committed to providing some essential support to families in transition.
Submitted by Pastor Manny Flores, coordinator, NVCS