Hannon Foundation grants provide food, shelter for LA homeless

Three homeless service agencies in Los Angeles have greater resources to serve their communities, thanks to recent grants from the William H. Hannon Foundation. Good Shepherd Center for Homeless Women & Children, St. Francis Center, and St. Joseph Center received a total of $55,000 from the Foundation to continue their care for the thousands of men, women, and children without homes across the city. 

“The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority estimates that this year there are approximately 50,000 to 60,000 people homeless on any given night in LA County,” said Kathleen Hannon Aikenhead, president of the Hannon Foundation. “Now, more than ever, we need to lean in and help our homeless neighbors.” 

Good Shepherd Center for Homeless Women & Children focuses specifically on assistance for homeless women and homeless mothers with young children. They will use the funds received from the Hannon Foundation to support their Hawke’s Residence in Echo Park, a space where up to 30 homeless women can find shelter each night. 

At the St. Francis Center, homeless and low-income families can find a hot meal. This year, the Center estimates they’ve provided 110,000 meals and almost 22,000 grocery visits at their pantry sites. 

The food pantry at the St. Joseph Center (SJC) will also be able to reach more of the city’s hungry — they work with more than 10,000 low-income and homeless families each year in over 20 programs focused on outreach and engagement, housing, mental health, and education and vocational training. The foundation’s late founder, William H. Hannon, had a special connection with SJC, and current board member David Herbst serves on their board of directors. 

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