Steve and Regina Weller. Both are Pastors of Foursquare Church in Venice and Chaplains for the Los Angeles Police Department Homeless Task Forcer.

Tony
By Regina Weller

We drove down 3rd and Rose Avenue in Venice at 6am, then walked the street, calling out the usual morning greeting and announcements for housing placement. Some of the homeless stirred and mumbled in their tents awakened by the voices of the Officers and the Chaplains. Others returned a friendly greeting.

Tony was already up, sitting against the wall staring into oblivion, and paid no attention to us. He had lived there on that street for over two years with his wife, who was now in the hospital with multiple problems and cirrhosis of the liver. Tony is a vet, but for his own reasons, would rather live on the street than accept VA assistance.

I greeted him again and reminded him that the Homeless Task Force was not giving up on him and had immediate housing for him if he so desired.

“I’m so lost” he responded, “and I got bit by a bee or something, Chaplain.” I inquired if he was still committed to staying clean and sober. He affirmed that he was, so I made him an offer: “Do you want to leave here right now and go into a sober living residence in San Pedro? We will help you with the entry fee, but they’re going to drug test you first.”

Tony cried, “I’ve got to get out of here! Some people were beat up last night. Are you really serious about a room for me?” I encouraged him, “Right now is decision time, so throw your bag in the back seat. We’re taking you to your new home.”

Tony receives $1,200 a month in benefits and could well afford the $500 monthly rent in the home in San Pedro that includes utilities. We sat at the kitchen table and he beamed with relief and joy as he filled out the resident agreement. The house manager readily befriended Tony and let him know about all the meetings they would attend together, and then he was shown to his room.

A day later, the bite under his arm grew worse and the homeowner took him to the emergency hospital. The examination revealed he had been bit by a brown recluse spider while living on the street at 3rd and Rose. Tony remained in the hospital for three days before returning to the residence.

Two weeks later, his family called to tell him his father had passed away. One more roadblock, one more set-back, one more discouragement, but this time Tony had the fellowship of the residents at his new home to support him. He commented that he was grateful that he had the opportunity to reconcile with his father while he was alive and stated that his father was happy to know his son was off the street.

Tony has adjusted well to his new residence and is generous in offering his mechanical skills, which has gained him respect and appreciation from the homeowner and the residents. “I’ve been fixing bikes and cars, and doing maintenance around the house. Between that and attending recovery meetings, I’m doing much better here.”

After five months, Tony purchased a boat and enjoys ocean fishing with his friends. He recollects warm memories of his own childhood spent with his father on the family boat.