April 11, 2020
North Hollywood – When the Homeless Navigation Center on Sherman Way near Lankershim had its formal launch in late February, few would have imagined how the world would change just a few weeks later. Still, for the people it serves, the Center, first of its kind in Los Angeles, could not have opened at a more opportune time.
The Center, which has 120 storage bins, shower facilities, restrooms, and onsite staff to assist clients with various services, is operated by Hope of the Valley. Laurie Craft, the organization’s Director of Access and Engagement, said the North Hollywood facility is on a daily basis receiving 40 to 50 people from across the San Fernando Valley. This group includes recently displaced students who are now experiencing homelessness.
She pointed out that COVID-19 has necessitated the closure of many locations – especially gyms – where people experiencing homelessness had showered in the past. As a result, the Center’s five showers are in high demand. This past Tuesday alone the site provided more than 50 showers.
With the heightened activity, the Center is in need of donations, especially disposable razors, small shampoo bottles, small bars of soap, toothbrushes, deodorant, and female and male underwear, in all sizes. The items can be sent to Hope of the Valley’s Pacoima office, 11076 Norris Ave., Pacoima, 91331. Those donating items are asked to write NAVIGATION CENTER on the address/label.
