WESTLAKE : Homeless Have Day in the Park

The grassy natural amphitheater surrounding the Unity Arts Center was shared by homeless people, music lovers and neighborhood residents alike last weekend, as more than 200 people showed up to listen to live blues and poetry at a special concert for the homeless.

“Blues for the Homeless” kicked off a series of concerts for the homeless that will be held every month at the center, with free admission for homeless people. Those lucky enough to have a place to live paid $3 at the door, part of which went to organizations that assist the homeless.

The event was sponsored by the arts center with the help of the Musicians’ Alliance, a networking group that recruited blues musicians throughout Los Angeles to donate their time and music.

“For many years, music has had a social conscience, but mostly from afar,” said Lee Ballinger, an alliance member who helped organize the event. “Musicians sit at home and write about social issues. This brings them in touch with the people who are affected.”

The event drew homeless people from the surrounding Westlake area, where a large number of transients camp in and near the neighborhood’s parks.

Local businesses provided tacos and beer, and those with money helped those without.

Money from the admission fees collected went to the Homeless Organizing Committee of Long Beach, which is working to secure legal housing for the homeless in abandoned homes owned by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development; the Homeless Writers’ Coalition, members of which performed poetry readings for the audience; and Hard Times, a newspaper produced by and for homeless and formerly homeless people.

Members of the Homeless Writers’ Coalition helped distribute flyers for the event at missions throughout the central city. Coalition president Bob Chambers, who is off the street but still lives in the Downtown Skid Row area, said he would like to help the center eventually arrange bus transportation so homeless people from Skid Row can attend.

Organizing a concert there would be ideal, he said, but difficult to do because of insurance problems. In addition to these concerts, the Unity Arts Center holds regular blues, jazz, Latin and other musical events, as well as art and photo exhibits in its city-sponsored William Reagh Photography Center.

Information: (213) 701-9811.