The People Concern

It is Give Thanks and Gobble time at The People Concern!! More than 900 clients across our 14 Interim Housing sites enjoyed warm Thanksgiving meals and community activities. None of this would be possible without the generous support of the Montgomery family, March Capital, Proper Hospitality, the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts in Santa Monica and Century Plaza, Dr. Squatch and Peet's Coffee. Thank you to all sponsors and volunteers who helped us make this Thanksgiving special, and for supporting our mission of building a Los Angeles where everyone is housed, healthy and safe.

This past weekend’s NASW-CA Conference in Irvine carried a special meaning because my social work tribe never fails to show up. We're the scrappy bunch who know relationships are the only solution when resources are limited. I presented on women veterans from a social justice lens. I refuse to paint a picture of despair or to lead a campaign of gaining mutual outrage. The majority of women veterans are living their best lives, but there are real experiences that need to be addressed. My call is for collective awareness and action. And my calls were simple: - Join CalVet's vision of serving veterans and their families through a dynamic, community-based system of care. Veterans don’t only show up in military or VA spaces. We are in shelters, clinics, classrooms, correctional settings, family programs, and crisis lines every single day, so we need everyone's help! - Foundational understanding of veterans and the military cannot live only as a specialization. Just like substance use, trauma, aging, or systems navigation, this is basic competency. To not have some cultural competency, is negating a significant intersecting identity that impacts beyond the individual and family. - Women veterans’ unique needs exist at the intersection of women's issues, military service, and the veteran experience. They’re not “niche.” They’re the product of overlapping realities: family responsibilities, employment, MST, culture, identity, service-connected trauma, leadership roles, community expectations. All layered into a veteran experience that looks different, but deserves ongoing awareness and support. Thank you to National Association of Social Workers and National Association of Social Workers, California Chapter (NASW-CA) for creating a space where these conversations can grow and where our field continues to push forward. And a huge congratulations to all of this year’s awardees, Dr. Zettie Page, Barbara Wilson, Diane Trautman, and The People Concern. Your work lifts the entire profession and our communities. What a great conference. Thoughtful, energizing, and full of people committed to doing the work. I’m grateful I could be part of it, and I’m excited to see where we go next. California Department of Veterans Affairs Bay Area Community Health Jayanthi Daniel Dr. Carl Highshaw, MSW Dr. Jasmine Smith, LCSW Sharnyle Gonzales BreeAnn Wilkinson, ACSW, CDP, DSW-C Carmen Marshall Cherita Kowalec Desirae Delony Gala Tubera Priscilla Trejo Tammie Nichols Vanessa Kuersten Virginia Tapia National Association of State Women Veteran Coordinators

This week, we received the devastating news of the passing of Vince Wong, an extraordinary colleague, advocate, and friend who left us far too soon on October 5, 2025. During my five years leading Michelson Philanthropies, I had the blessing of working alongside Vince, who set a high standard for dedicated public service focused on impact. For more than a decade, he was the heartbeat of our organization's policy work, quietly transforming vision into meaningful change. Vince possessed that rare combination of strategic brilliance and genuine humility. While others sought recognition, Vince sought results. He was the architect behind the Michelson Found Animals Foundation annual policy summits, bringing together key policymakers and stakeholders in ways that fostered real dialogue and lasting partnerships. His role in establishing the Michelson Center for Public Policy stands as a testament to his ability to see possibilities where others saw only obstacles. As Director of Collective Impact and later Vice President for Public Affairs, Vince advanced legislation that helped people and pets at every level—local, state, and national. But what made Vince exceptional wasn't just his tireless advocacy or his gift for strategy; it was his passion to make a positive difference. He never needed the spotlight because he understood that the work itself was the reward. He built coalitions, opened doors, and created pathways for progress, all while making others around him feel valued and heard. Beyond our walls, Vince's commitment to service extended across the nonprofit landscape—from his leadership with Animal Grantmakers to his passionate work with the National LGBTQ Task Force and LA Pride, his dedicated service as a board member and volunteer with Inner City Law Center for several years, and most recently, his vital role at The People Concern. He gave generously to every cause and community he touched. To Vince's family—his parents Bill and Eugenia, his sister Wendy, brother-in-law Brian, and his beloved nieces and nephews Kylie, Ethan, and Caden—please know that Vince's legacy lives on in the countless lives improved by his work and in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him. Vince, you made the world less unfair. Thank you for your partnership, your friendship, and your remarkable example of leadership through service. To read Vince's obituary and learn where to make contributions in his memory, please visit the link below. https://lnkd.in/g_kJHkVW

The first half of the 2025–2026 California Legislative Session is complete, and we’re proud to celebrate major wins for housing, health, and hope! The People Concern supported several new laws now signed by Governor Gavin Newsom that will expand affordable housing, strengthen homelessness prevention, protect renters, and increase access to health care for our unhoused neighbors. We are especially grateful to Assemblymember Mark González and David Alvarez, and Senators María Elena Durazo, Scott Wiener, and Lena Gonzalez Perez for their leadership in championing these efforts. Their commitment is creating lasting change across California. We also thank the many advocates, organizations, and community members who helped make these victories possible. Together, we’re building a future where everyone is housed, healthy, and safe. #CaliforniaLegislation #ThePeopleConcern #HousingFirst #EndHomelessness #HousingIsHealthcare #PolicyWins #SupportiveHousing

In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Sojourn staff are leading a workshop on actionable ways to be ‘With Survivors, Always’– which is the 2025 DVAM theme. Join us on October 22nd from 6 to 7pm and learn how to stay safe while dating, how to support someone in an abusive relationship, and how to stand in solidarity with DV agencies by making your donations as effective as possible. Register for free here: https://lnkd.in/gmz5y4eB

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Diane Keaton. Diane was a generous supporter and a cherished friend of The People Concern. Her warmth and compassion touched the lives of countless people we serve. From hosting thoughtful events to uplifting our holiday initiatives, she consistently showed up with care and authenticity. Her legacy will continue to inspire all of us at The People Concern.

Join us for Skid Row Community Connect Day on October 16! In partnership with Inner City Law Center, we will be offering free legal advice, housing navigation, health screenings, pet services, and more to support our unhoused neighbors in Skid Row. 📅 Thursday, October 16 | 11am–3pm  📍 Inner City Law Center, 1309 E. 7th St., Los Angeles 🔗 Learn more at https://lnkd.in/efQNHdny