Clarifying Role on Cities’ Aid to Homeless, Hungry

An article in The Times San Gabriel Valley section (April 1) gives a very negative view of what the cities of El Monte and South El Monte are doing for the homeless, hungry and those with special needs. I believe the record needs to be set straight.

Both cities have, for over 35 years, been taking care of their own residents and stranded travelers, who are evicted, burned out by fire or who become homeless, are hungry, need clothing, shoes, etc., through the El Monte, South El Monte Emergency Resources, a United Way agency developed through our coordinating council.

Emergency Resources not only provides food, lodging, clothing and other resources to help people get on their feet again, but it also acts as a clearinghouse for all other agencies, churches, veterans and service clubs in the area, to avoid duplication of services.

It is very possible that the census did not get to those homeless in our area, but I can assure you we at Emergency Resources could give the census bureau that information. With the exception of very few arrivals, we have helped many who choose to remain in Pioneer Park.

I have grave concern for the good people supporting Interfaith Community Outreach (IFCO) who set up their project in the First United Methodist Church in El Monte without prior knowledge of any resources available in our community.

The IFCO project brings people into El Monte from Arcadia, Monrovia, Duarte, Temple City, Rosemead and San Gabriel. What are those cities doing for their own? Certainly, our resources are over-taxed, but we have never not helped anyone in an emergency.

Emergency Resources has worked with Our Saviour Church Center from San Gabriel for many years. They have been able to bring, among other things, a medical resource that has been utilized by mutual clients.

We are working with both El Monte and South El Monte cities, who help with financial support and have been instrumental in supporting our efforts for grant monies to increase our services.

The need is great, but all cities should take care of their own problems or work together, as El Monte and South El Monte have.

Above all, we need to work together for those less fortunate than ourselves.

MARY E. HENLEY

Board member,

El Monte, South El Monte

Emergency Resources

Pasadena