Skid Row Agency’s Goal: Take 500 Off the Streets This Year

A Skid Row-based agency expects to take more than 500 homeless people off the streets this year--up nearly 100 from 1993--and place them into job training and employment programs, officials said.

Chrysalis, which has been assisting the homeless for nearly 10 years, mainly targets those in the area who have faced difficult or unfortunate financial circumstances, such as getting laid off or robbed, said agency President and Executive Director Karen Hallerman.

“They simply need a boost of self-esteem and the opportunity to help themselves,” Hallerman said. “So far this year, we have found jobs for 308 of our clients, and anticipate that we will exceed our goal to place more than 500 homeless men and women in jobs.”

The agency operates on a $1-million budget and recently received a boost of $126,000 from a May fund-raiser. That amount was $11,000 more than what was raised last year, despite the tight economy.

Chrysalis, at 516 S. Main St., offers counseling and education on how to look for and keep jobs as well as computer training courses. The program also serves as a temporary hiring agency.

Since its inception, Chrysalis has served 2,000 homeless and poor people.

About 85% of the estimated 80,000 homeless in Los Angeles County are either mentally ill or have an alcohol or drug problem, but Hallerman said Chrysalis screens out its clients to find the 15% who are alcohol- or drug-free and are motivated to work.