Regina Weller is both pastor of the Foursquare Church in Venice and LAPD chaplain, as is her husband Steve Weller. They are part of the LAPD Homeless Task Force and a team who helps the homeless help themselves.

Latest from the Wellers is that the volume of requests has stepped up. “We will be training others to help do what we do. We love what we do but it is a lot for the two of us.”

The Wellers were using their own pension monies to help until they received a lump sum from Venice Stakeholders Association and other donations followed.

If you want to donate, send check to Venice Foursquare Chaplains at 1400 Riviera, Venice 90291. It is a write-off donation and 100 percent is used to help the homeless get off the street.

These are Regina Weller’s stories. This is number three in the Homeless Stories Series by Regina. Always names are fictitious.

Dora–March 2015

“Why did that police officer make me take down my tent,” Dora asked.

“Well,” I replied, “have you ever thought that maybe he thinks you deserve better than sleeping out here, homeless? A nice woman like you should have your own room, secure and safe from the danger out here … a woman needs her own key. I can help you find that place today.”

“You can?” she questioned with tears welling up. “Cause I don’t think I can take it any more!”

“Yes, come on,” I said “Officer Kwon asked me to help you. Let’s load up your stuff in my car over there. I’ve got the perfect room for you…”

It was December 1st, 2014 and Dora had been living in a tent on the Venice Boardwalk for over a year. She told me that at the age of three she had suffered brain trauma and as she explained, has been a “little wobbly ever since.”

She also discussed wanting to locate her 26-year-old son, she believed might be living in Las Vegas, and another, older son that had been adopted by a family member. She felt that she needed to rest prior to reuniting with her sons, and so the reality of moving into a home was a delight.

Dora was interviewed for collaborative housing on the same day, and within two hours, I was driving her to her new residence in Carson, CA. The landlord allowed her to move in for a lesser $250 initial room rental fee, and later pay rent at $500 a month (includes utilities) from her social security check.

Peer Support specialists, connected to the residential housing where Dora lives, visited with her regularly to evaluate how things were going for her and to inquire of her needs and offer suggestions to ensure optimum quality of living.

Early February, in keeping with her goal and plan, Dora moved to a one-bedroom apartment in Las Vegas. She successfully located her son there, and she is happy to report that he visits her regularly and even sleeps over from time to time. Their relationship is mending and growing! To her surprise, she was also informed that her oldest son is a Police Officer in Los Angeles.