Fund-Raising for the Needy

In his column (“Tony and Dora,” Metro, Nov. 21), Al Martinez shared his disdain of holiday fund-raising with his readers. Unfortunately, he didn’t mention the good that charitable contributors provide to Los Angeles’ needy.

At the Los Angeles Mission, which is supported entirely by private donations, annual contributions enable us to provide:

- 187,000 meals a year.

- 34,000 nights of shelter a year.

- 48,000 articles of clothing.

- A resident rehabilitation program for 40 men, offering counseling, job training and education, and staffed by six chaplains.

- A young men’s group within the rehabilitation program to address the needs of the fastest growing segment of the homeless population on Skid Row--people in their teens and early 20s.

- Outreach to women, providing clothing, showers, counseling and referral services to about 50 women each day.

- A resident rehabilitation program for six women at our Garden Gate Home, a private residence in Pico Rivera.

Plus, with private donations, the Los Angeles Mission will open a new $11.25-million facility next summer that will triple capacity and enable us to provide several new programs:

- A computerized learning center aimed at enabling rehabilitation residents to gain their GED.

- A medical clinic providing primary care to the homeless.

- A separate 35-bed women’s shelter.

- A 12-step program for substance abuse.

We’re especially pleased to provide all these services to the needy so cost effectively. In fact, only 17.8% of our revenues are spent on fund-raising.

REV. MARK HOLSINGER

Executive Director

Los Angeles Mission