Imagine raising a family in a small confined space with one child having cerebral palsy. Add to that little to no income. I honestly can’t even begin to understand how this family still smiles after living in an RV in South Los Angeles for the last two years! Homelessness was the only choice Barnabas, Asia, and their three children had after losing their apartment.
Barnabas worked at the airport. While moving bags, his supervisor stopped the cart to take a measurement at the wrong time causing Barnabas’s shoulder to be severely dislocated. Barnabas had to have surgery that placed three metal screws in his shoulder, and now he is not able to work.
Shortly after that Barnabas’s mother died. The family traveled to the funeral, and upon return, they were greeted with an eviction notice. With no job and no income and now no place to stay, the family moved into an RV.
Their son Zachariah has cerebral palsy and requires a lot of extra care. Because of the limited living space, it’s extremely hard to provide adequate therapy for Zachariah.
I love how this family all shared their wishes at the end. The good news is that part of the reason I was there was because Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority outreach workers are in the process of helping the family connect to a 3 bedroom apartment and other services.
Angelenos can help end homelessness this March 7th. Vote YES on Measure H to help end homelessness for 45,000 families and individuals across Los Angeles County within the next five years. It will also prevent homelessness for 30,000 families and individuals over the same time period, including women and children, veterans, seniors, foster youth, and survivors of domestic violence. More more information, please visit: voteyesonh.com
Very special thanks to LAHSA.
