LAPD Task Force Chaplain Regina Weller

Note: These are Weller’s stories of homeless in Venice. Names are always changed.

Jake
By Regina Weller

Jake is a homeless alcoholic who has lived on the streets of Venice for years. He is known at the Venice Pier by most of the crisis responders in the area.

During the past 6 months, Police & Fire personnel have been called to Jake’s aid approximately 40 times, with 12 of those times involving transport by ambulance to the hospital. The last time the ambulance came for Jake, it was because he had suffered head trauma from being hit by a car.

Early one May morning, the Homeless Task Force was making their early rounds to the many homeless encampments in Venice. LAPD Officers Ortega & Anaya and Police Chaplain Steven Weller were just leaving for their first stop when a radio call came in from Officer Billy Perez, “We got Jake and he wants to speak with the Chaplain!” Officer Perez further added that Jake said he was ready to enter a rehab treatment program.

Chaplain Weller had previously encouraged this man many times to seek sobriety. Upon meeting with Jake, Weller scheduled him for a medical detox program and Officer Perez provided transport to the rehab hospital. That day Jake began his new journey into safety and sobriety. The police and the crisis units and the general public could now also rest from their interaction with Jake’s addictive lifestyle.

Upon completion of a 30-day rehab program, Jake was transported from the hospital to a sober residential house in Long Beach. He has put on 33 pounds, and is actively attending AA recovery meetings. Peer Support specialists meet with Jake regularly to offer guidance and problem solving methodology. Jake said he is grateful for the assistance of the Homeless Task Force, and for having his own bed to sleep in, and is looking forward to reconnecting with his daughter one day.

There are thousands of Jakes in the City of Los Angeles. There are many Jane’s too. The LAPD Homeless Task Force in Venice is reaching many of them by providing a service to the homeless population, by persistent follow-up calls and connections to the right resources, and by the grace of God.

If you want to donate to the LAPD Task Force Chaplains Steve and Regina Weller, send check to Venice Foursquare Chaplains at 1400 Rivera, Venice 90291. It is a write-off donation and 100 percent is used to help the homeless get off the street.