Those who live among us: Homelessness continues to rise. Are we doing enough?

by Peter Weinberger | claremont-courier.com

It’s still hard to imagine that in a country as rich as the United States, we’re struggling to better address the growing homeless problem. How can we not help a person like the person photographed above? Homelessness is not a one-size-fits-all problem, but as residents of Claremont, Los Angeles County in the progressive state of California, there is certainly something we can do.

Our goal in this special report is to use the power of photography to show how people without homes live in everyday life. It is a hard life and the struggle to take care of simple needs. And in many cases, these people are still wondering how it all happened. The people seeking social services are not afraid to tell their stories. Typically these include the loss of a job or a roommate, to pay rent, price increases, personal or family drug or alcohol problems, or health problems, including mental illness.

Almost anyone on the street will tell you that there are many people who are one paycheck away from losing their home. Due to unforeseen circumstances or just bad luck, they become homeless. This is the reality for approximately 38 million Americans today.

Results from the 2023 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Census found that there are approximately 75,518 homeless people living in Los Angeles County each night, a 9% increase from 2022. Approximately 5,009 people were counted in the San Gabriel Valley, including Claremont.

The good news is that homelessness in Los Angeles County actually decreased by 5.1% from 2023 to 2024. Reasons for this include building more shelters across the county and developing programs to prevent people from slipping back into homelessness.

The church extends its hand

Twice a week, a small group of homeless people gather at St. Ambrose Church in Claremont before 8 a.m. One morning before opening, there were several cars, two vans and a small towed trailer in the parking lot. These are accommodations for local homeless residents who don’t miss the opportunity to shower and eat breakfast as part of the church’s shower program.

As you enter the main hall, a list of first names will be prominently displayed. People sign in and wait their turn. Coffee and food await you, some prepared in the church kitchen, some donated by staff, volunteers and church members. About 40 to 45 people use the facilities to get off the streets and escape the heat or cold, knowing they have a safe place to stay for a few hours.

“Fabulous program. I’ve been coming here for 18 months,” said Mindy, from Claremont, Pomona and La Verne. “At first they made me feel at home when I was still in the shock of the situation I was in.” Mindy comes by every week and helps with work for others, an activity that is carried out by the staff is highly valued by the church.

According to Anne Powell, the program’s director, St. Ambrose Shower Ministry started several years ago but was forced to close due to the pandemic. The program reopened in 2021 to serve a steady stream of people in need. Since all program guests do not have housing, the goal is to provide basic necessities.

The church program relies entirely on the generosity of others, so donations are always welcome. Clothing can be brought to church Monday through Friday. They also want to add a second shower to serve more people. If you are interested in donating, visit stambroseclaremont.org.

For more information about homelessness in and around Los Angeles County, check out these links.

The Los Angeles County Coordinated Entry System
Hope for home protection
Family accommodation in the foothills
House of Ruth
Inland Valley Hope Partners – Our Home Protection