Su Casa - Ending Domestic Violence

A Disappointing Experience with Su Casa: Broken Promises and Unprofessionalism

I had high hopes for Su Casa, a non-profit shelter in Los Angeles, but my experience has been nothing short of disappointing. The organization seems to make a lot of promises but fails to deliver on them, leaving vulnerable individuals and families in an even more precarious situation.

Su Casa presents itself as a place of refuge and support, but in reality, it falls short of its mission. The shelter provides photocopied gift cards to its members, which often turn out to be invalid or unusable. These gift cards are supposed to help clients purchase essential items, but instead, they add another layer of frustration and stress. It's disheartening to see an organization that claims to support victims of domestic violence and other vulnerable populations fail to meet their basic needs.

The case managers at Su Casa exhibit a level of unprofessionalism that is not only shocking but also harmful to the clients they are supposed to serve. There have been numerous instances where case managers gossip about clients with other employees, external agencies, and even among clients themselves. This breach of confidentiality not only undermines the trust clients place in the organization but also creates a toxic environment where clients feel unsafe and unsupported. Professionalism and discretion are crucial in such settings, yet they seem to be sorely lacking at Su Casa.

One of the most troubling aspects of Su Casa is its apparent prioritization of drug addicts over victims of domestic violence. It has become evident that clients with CalWORKs cases are accepted into the shelter more quickly than those who are fleeing abusive situations. While both groups deserve support, it is alarming that victims of domestic violence, who are often in immediate danger, are not given the urgent attention they need. This practice raises serious concerns about the shelter's commitment to its stated mission.

For those who do manage to secure a spot at Su Casa, stability is hard to come by. Clients and their families are frequently shuffled around the shelter's tiny homes, forcing them to constantly adjust to new living situations. This constant upheaval makes it incredibly difficult for families to regain a sense of normalcy and stability. Each move comes with the challenge of adapting to new, often unexpected, changes and living arrangements with other families. For individuals who have already experienced trauma, this lack of stability can be deeply retraumatizing.

Su Casa's failure to deliver on its promises, coupled with unprofessional staff behavior and questionable priorities, makes it a deeply flawed organization. The shelter's clients, many of whom are already in vulnerable positions, deserve far better. It is crucial that Su Casa addresses these issues, restores professionalism among its staff, and re-evaluates its priorities to truly serve those in need. Until then, I cannot in good conscience recommend this shelter to anyone seeking safety and support.