Steve Allen
With the passing of Steve Allen (Nov. 1), the world lost not only a great comedian but a true “man on the street” who knew what it meant to be on the streets. A longtime supporter of the Los Angeles Mission, he and his wife, Jayne Meadows, could often be seen here at Thanksgiving, helping serve the thousands of homeless and poor people lined up outside the mission.
His compassion for the forgotten arose partially from his own experience at age 16 when, unable to get a job, he resorted to stealing food. He once remarked, “I know what real hunger is. It can turn you into a criminal. It did me. So I know what these desperate straits are.”
We at the Los Angeles Mission are truly grateful for a great man’s unwavering support of our work with the homeless.
RON GONZALES
CEO, Los Angeles Mission
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
