Venice : Aid for Homeless Offered

A mobile home offering “one-stop shopping” for homeless people in need of services will be in Venice until Feb. 3.

Program coordinator Patricia Huff said the “Mobile Ombudsman” trailer is staffed by representatives of local, state and federal agencies who are available to help needy people obtain aid.

The trailer is parked at 685 N. Venice Blvd. at Pisani Street, where it is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The ombudsman program is an outgrowth of an effort by City Councilwoman Ruth Galanter and the city’s Community Development Department to bring services to homeless people camping out on Venice Beach two years ago, Huff said in a press release.

“The ‘Mobile Ombudsman’ program has been a very effective means of giving the homeless a chance to escape the streets,” Galanter said.

The trailer remains in one location for about a month before moving.

Huff said Pacific Telesis has provided the trailer with phones so needy people can check on housing, make appointments or check in with their families.

The agencies on duty include the Veterans Administration, the Social Security Administration, the county Department of Public Social Services and the Mental Health Department.