LOS ANGELES — With the recent closure of the homeless encampment in the Echo Park neighborhood, Matthew Barnett and the Los Angeles Dream Center have a simple message for their neighbors: “You are welcome here.”
This week the enforced closure of the Echo Park homeless encampment went into effect, and the police gave notice on Thursday that the area is officially closed to homeless individuals and families in need. Fences have gone up and people are once again finding themselves on the run, seeking shelter.
A new resident makes his way to the LA Dream Center
But the Dream Center took swift action and has already begun to take in some of those in need through their various residential programs.
“I want anyone who found shelter here on the east side of Echo Park to know that just up the road at the old Queen of Angels hospital on a hill overlooking the freeway, there is a safe home waiting for you,” said Dream Center co-founder Matthew Barnett. “Anyone looking for shelter or a one-year recovery program, we are just around the corner, and you are welcome here. We have several types of housing options available. Come by anytime and we’re happy to discuss how we can accommodate you. We understand your pain, and have many friends who have found themselves in similar situations in the past, and we’ll do everything we possibly can to help you live with dignity.”
The Los Angeles Dream Center has spent more than 25 years helping lift individuals and families out of poverty and providing those without a home with the resources they need to live life to the fullest. To find out more about all they offer to those dealing with homelessness in Echo Park and neighborhoods across Los Angeles, visit https://www.dreamcenter.org/residential/.