The People Concern

THE WORST EXPERIENCE BECAUSE THEY HAVE LIED AND MISLEAD MY FOR MONTHS AND I AM STILL HOMELESS. THE LIES ARE LIKE BEING IN A CULT. THE MENTAL ANGUISH BECAUSE OF THE UNETHICAL PRACTICES ARE COMPLETELY SICKENING BECAUSE THEY KNOW WE ARE VERY DESPERATE AND VULNERABLE AND DISABLED. UPDATE: 9/5/24
STILL HOMELESS AND NO HELP FROM PEOPLE CONCERN. THEY DO NOT EVEN KNOW THE CITIES IN LA I CAN USE MY HOUSING VOUCHER

As a former client, I can attest that trauma informed care is an ideal, a belief, it is not practiced. In addition, The People Concern is not remotely concerned about homeless people that want or need to work. Due to housing first, The People Concern warehouses the mentally ill, active addicts including meth with low acuity homeless. Meth was stored, smoked and sold in the shelter. For The People Concern, homelessness is an industry and the homeless are a commodity. They should be investigated and closed.

i first learned of LAMP when i viewed the video Lost Angels Skid Row is my Home. i was immediately drawn to the story of the homeless in L A. i learned of the many struggles they have to deal often on a daily basis. After seeing the success LAMP has experienced i sent a small donation to LAMP. Shortly afterwards i was impressed with the response i received from LAMP's Director of Individual
Giving . Her name is Zhenya. She called me. i then decided i should visit their facilities in Los Angeles. i flew down for a two day visit. During my visit there i learned about several of their staff members. i also spent time with a few individuals they have taken off the streets. I subsequently donated more money. During my first visit i learned of the departments staffed to help the homeless help regain their sense of self dignity. i was deeply moved by their food and art department staffs. I later decided to donate things which I thought might be helpful to their photography and art department. i made my second visit when i drove down photography and art items that should help them in their efforts. i can't say enough about their work. Please consider how much your assistance even if minor might mean to those struggling to make a life for themselves. Remember much like a stone skipped on a still pond one may never know how the 'ripples' of thoughtful acts may influence those touched by them.

I've seen the amazing changes Lamp has made on Skid Row. They've saved lives and reunited families. They bring out the best in everyone.

I have volunteered several times for LAMP, and have found them to be very easy to work with and friendly. Their shelter spaces, at least the ones I've been to, are quite nice and the people they service are very warm and open. Highly recommended.

I have been a board member of Lamp Community for over 4 years and have witnessed first hand the amazing work this organization does to help those who are homeless and suffer from mental illness, find a path to housing and stability. They meet you where you are (emotionally and physically) and unconditionally work with the client to create a plan for success. I am honored to be a part of the board and applause the work Lamp does every day!

We have donated to and worked with Lamp over the past 18 months, and believe them to be of the highest integrity and very diligent in their mission. I personally look forward to assisting them in the future because of their mission to help the homeless without any other agenda.

Treating the mentally ill homeless with respect and caring is what we do. We provide many of the needed services and help them find what we cannot do. Being a part of LAMP has enriched my life also and I will always be an enthusiastic spokesperson.

I've been involved with Lamp Community for over 10 years and can't contain my enthusiasm and pride for the work Lamp does! The staff is so dedicated to the people served, they're amazing. And, the members are also inspiring. It is an environment of possibility becoming reality on so many levels that it is contagious.

Volunteering for LAMP has been an amazing experience. Each event I take part in I am truly touched by their passion and drive to help their members reach their life goals. LAMP truly provides hope and structure for each individual which in turn enables them to find their own voice and path in this world.

I have had the opportunity to volunteer for LAMP for a few different events and activities. I am always blown away by the work they do. Not only are they finding homes and jobs for their members, but they are giving their members a chance to express themselves, find self worth, and enjoy life. I am humbled by the work that they do.

Lamps service to the community is a great blessing. I once faced homlessness myself and understsnd the importance of organizations like theese. thier dedication and hard work shows. Thier approach is effective and the impact they have on the people they come in contact with speaks volumes.

Lamp is well positioned to serve the most vulnerable on skid row and other areas around Los Angeles -- the homeless struggling with mental illness. Lamp has a committed team that truly make a difference in peoples' lives.

I am honored to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of Lamp. With a background in social work, I know about the need for beds and health services including mental health. Lamp provides these with love and dedication, knowing the worth of every individual. As a citizen of Los Angeles I ask my fellow citizens to be aware, to care and to provide for this population as well.

The members of LAMP so appreciate the help that is being given, it motivates me to do even more. The staff do not seem to have lost their idealism and work very hard to stretch the dollars and make a wonderful impact. LAMP is a great role model in the work with the homeless.

Lamp Community is a heart field organization who reaches out to those from all walks of life. With their community spirit and compassion for those who are hard to reach, they offer services and support that many other organizations are not equipped to serve. They help clients interface with integration and gear them back into becoming a productive part of society. I have a up close and personal experience with Lamp for I am a part of their team and with the dedication and consistency Lamp has managed to have a overall successful rate in getting people housed and off the street to help them address their hidden agendas and creating a line of direction that will lead client in their every day practice. Thank you Lamp for all that you do. I am honored to be part of something so real and something that makes a total difference in the Skid row community. I a nominate Lamp Community the worlds safe haven for the people who get the opportunity to have a voice and get to be a part of life living happy and healthy . Thank you sincerely Monica Potts

This organization really helps homeless mentally ill people. I used to work in the area and refer clients there with good results

For three years I was an employee at LAMP Community. During that time, the agency was instrumental in assisting several individuals with mental challenges, as well as homeless individuals meet and maintain housing. The agency was responsible for ensuring more than 80% of individuals in supportive housing, maintained their housing.

The time that I was worked for the agency, was wonderful, it was a great experience. I would not change it for the world. I felt so happy to work with the individuals that LAMP served, we truly made a difference in their lives.

I was laid off from the agen

Lamp is a organization that shows care to the community of people that are very hard to reach being a individual who once was in that circle of people I find that now being apart of the change is amazing. Lamp has supported my visions gave me recognition and walk me through my professional and personal life. I dedicate my life to given back to those that are caught in the grip of a cycle that rotates around and around, Lamp has successfully reach more individuals in this grip including myself and help me develop to a place in society that I thought I could never reach .I love being part of something so big and posing a positive impact to the people we serve life is always a gift when you have so many gifted people that dedicate their time, ideas and support to create a difference thank you Lamp once again for never giving up on us.

This organization has dedicated itself to providing for those in need. And they have done an outstanding job at it.

This is due to the dedicated people who work at Lamp.

LAMP, Inc. has a reputation in the Skid Row area of Los Angeles for providing services to the homeless community. The wide range of services offers opportunity to those in need. Employees are commited and have a great attitude. They have a laundry mat for the homeless, have budget classes, provide meals and mental health services. Hands down to LAMP.

Lamp Community is an excellent program. I have worked in the Mental Health field since 1992. I personally have witnessed the benefits of the Harm Reduction model. Many clients that ordinarily would not be served because of their mental health, and/or drug and alcohol addiction are being serve while they are finding they're way to recovery. LAMP's money management program far exceeds many other Mental Health agencies model. I worked at an agency that experienced difficulty managing money management issues with it's client's. That agency now uses a model very similar to the one used by LAMP Community professionals. If I had a family member that needed homeless services in the downtown Los Angeles area, I would feel better knowing that LAMP Community IS there....

Lamp Community is an amazing organization - People who devote themselves full-time to working with those who have fallen through the societal safety net are truly amazing and deserves your support. They really work with the individuals to get them back on their feet and to equip them with the tools they need to get back into society. If you are looking for a place to volunteer or donate, this is a good place

people are donating millions to Lamp community and there money is going to the top executives of the organization and they are not trying to end homelessness they are actually trying to keep they clients stuck in the cycle of homelessness. the director Stewart encouraged the advocates that worked there not to assist members in trying to develop self esteem and is micro managing there ssi money and not allowing the members to spend they money that are enrolled under the payee program not only is he not allowing the members to spend the money he makes threats to employees trying to assist members get off the streets and says he gets what he wants and can do what ever it is he pleases and if you don't like it u can quit your job. using a harm reduction model which allows members to continue to use illegal drugs and falsifying date to show they are housing individuals in order to keep getting donations. when the resources is set for failure in a perpetual cycle which brings the members back to the lamp for service after they have been evicted from there housing. they have no understanding of how to pay bills manager funds nothing, and further more there is husbands and wives working in the organization which does not allow the staff to freely for assistance in any area. the organization is horrible and they model is horrible and they are duping the public

The right formula with the right heart. Would like to bring this to my state.

Lamp is different from many other charities I have looked into volunteering at because they are extremely open and flexible. They are very unique in finding ways individuals can contribute in their own way and are not bound by cookie cutter volunteer opportunities. They are always open to collaborating and making a volunteer fit however is going to help their members.

In addition the staff members are extremely open and friendly and their dedication has been a motivation for me to get more involved. In the few months I have volunteered as a photographer and teacher of the first LAMP photography class for members, I have met first hand peoples lives who have been dramatically turned around because of LAMP services. It is an honor to play a small role in what they do and I hope they continue to grow and reach more people who are in need.

I am more than happy to donate to the Lamp Community. Lamp has been improving incrementally since Donna Gallup, the present CEO, has taken very positive steps in Its orginization. As aa high school graduate I am sometimes surprised by the quality of my life and I have been more than happy to donate to Lamp. A friend that I graduated with and was a big part of my early life has not been so fortunate. As I am approaching retirement in New Jersey I heard from friends that he is homeless in California, and I can really appreciate the help that Lamp could be to him and others like him. The recent push for volunteerism is to be commended, encouraged and certainly supported.

I have attended an art exhibition and are volunteering with the art programs there. They are well run and organized and each person who comes in to participate are treated with respect and valued, creating a warm and safe place to create. They provide a much needed respite for anyone who comes in to engage in the creative process. It's a rare gift for a community who can greatly benefit from it.

As a volunteer, I have heard nothing but great things coming from the members while I visit their sites providing workshops. According to the testimony I have heard, Lampwas the first and only homeless facility that provided them the shelter and hope they needed when many had given up even on themselves. I feel honored to be a part of this amazing agency and legacy!

You (LAMP Inc and LAMP's CEO, Donna Gallup, has continued to make a different) are my best!!

Andrew (Sandy) Wellman

The day I walked into Lamp Community my life changed. Prior to Lamp I was in a battle with myself. I was performing what I would call self sabatage. I didnt care about anything, i didnt allow anyone to help me and I grew very isolated. As a transgender woman of color I faced alot of adversity within a short period of time. I believed nobody cared about me because the people I loved had hurt me and didnt accept me at the time. Relationships with others didnt last and I was suffering from servere mental illness. The only place that accepted and embraced me at the time seemed like the streets, there I found comfort in being myself and walking down my own path which at the time i wasnt aware was self destruction. One day I walked into Lamp to use the bathroom and ended up becoming a member, from there I recieved the services that lamp provides. I found purpose in wanting to give back and help because Lamp meet me where i was at! from the time i walked through the door Lamp provided me with a new positive direction. My advocate thought id be a great fit for a new project called the Peer Advocate Pilot Project (PAPP) through Lamp. PAPP is a program that integrades members into society by providing tool base skills that will give members self awareness and personal development. One of the tools that help me was titled " Taking Care Of Yourself" It was there I realized how much I was abusing myself and being my worst enemie. I wanted hope to regain control back over my life and thats what Lamp gave me. Today I work at lamp as a peer supporter advocating for my peers and helping them the same way lamp helped me. Lamp help me realize my purpose which is to now be a voice for a positive change and to help. Without Lamp I honestly dont know if I would still be here today. With my association through lamp and for Lamp I nominate it the #1 Non profit Organization, hands down.

After working in the social work field for 5 years, Lamp Inc. by far is the most comprehensive mental and housing service provider I have ever come across. Furthermore, Lamp's approach of "meeting the client where they are at", is truly inspiring because I have yet to come across a member who doesn't acknowledge that Lamp was only agency down in Skid Row that didn't judge them or turn them away when they needed help. And I can't say enough about how great the staff is. One memorable moment I can recall was during lunchtime a few weeks ago. I volunteered to serve lunch along with the regular kitchen staff on this particular day. Members (participants) were lined up to get their piece of pizza and a side of salad. Right from the get-go and without being asked, I noticed that a kitchen staff who was serving the pizza right next to me (I had the salad responsibilty) was making sure he was giving each individual the biggest pizza pieces he could find based on stated member preferences. I believe that many people would not have noticed the kind and nurturing gesture this particular staff member was taking the time to do. He created a space of dignity and grace that afternoon without ever using language. He reminded me about the power of action without words and for that I am very grateful. Lamp is truly an extraordinary place!

Being at LAMP and meeting the members who are rebuilding their lives is an inspiration to those of us who are more fortunate. To survive mental disease and addiction is a lifelong challenge and those who suffer need support and a warm helping hand. Too many people are judgmental and critical, rather than helpful. I have a lot of respect for everyone involved, as it takes courage to admit to being mentally ill and/or addicted. I have a lot of respect for the employees who work very hard under sometimes difficult circumstances. I have a lot of respect for my fellow Board members who show up on Skid Row at 7:30 in the morning, and other times, giving their time and money to make a difference.

LAMP is an incredible organization that takes on the very neediest of all--chronically homeless folks with addiction issues and mental illness. Through intensive counselling and other services, it makes a huge difference in the lives of many in downtown Los Angeles. Its employees show tremendous dedication and enthusiasm every day. We need more organizations like LAMP!!!!

Lamp Community is an incredible organization with the principal goal of bettering our society by ending homelessness. Its positive results are tangible, and its staff goes above and beyond the call of duty. Lamp's CEO, Donna Gallup, has continued to make a difference in this diverse community since she became a part of the organization in 2010. When you meet her and the rest of Lamp's administrative team, you can sense their passion and dedication to their cause. Having spent time with this team, a psychiatrist that the organization brings in for its clients, and the clients themselves, I have been able to see clearly how much of an impact Lamp has on everyone involved with its efforts. Whether you would like to work with, volunteer at, or donate to Lamp, you can rest assured that your contribution will make an unbelievable difference for Los Angeles’ homeless community.

I became involved with LAMP as the producer of the film THE SOLOIST. My initial work was coordinating with the organization to assist us in making an authentic and accurate movie. I was so impressed with the work the organization was doing that I joined the board. The leadership at LAMP has continued to grow the agency into one of the leaders on Skid Row in Los Angeles and has created successful partnerships with other agencies, government and private entities in order to help the homeless and specifically those with mental illness. I am big believer in LAMP's policy of inclusion and the goal to create more and better operated permanent supportive housing in Los Angeles.

Say what you will about the Skid Row area of Los Angeles but I have visited several times in the past 2 years and have always had positive experiences. LAMP, Inc. has made me feel comfortable, welcome, and safe in a neighborhood that has a reputation of everything but. While speaking with some of their members, the impact LAMP has on their lives is undeniable. Having worked with hundreds of organizations of similar size and scope, LAMP is a top notch organization with leadership at all levels who truly belive in what they are doing.

As program coordinator of a substance abuse and behavioral treatment program in downtown Los Angeles, I have had the opportunity to collaborate repeatedly with the LAMP on behalf of our clients. The LAMP is an extraordinary organization, deeply committed to their members and the Skid Row community of downtown Los Angeles. Clients referred to the LAMP are treated with dignity and respect, and are provided a full continuum of care above and beyond mental health assistance (including housing assistance and benefits assitance) vital to wellness and recovery. They seem uniquely capable of assisting some of the more problematic participants in our program and generally clients referred to the LAMP remain engaged in our treatment program. My experience with this agency is always positive.

I have been involved with LAMP as a donor and volunteer for the past decade. Their model is very effective in dealing with homelessness. They focus on the chronically mentally ill, house them and provide extensive services at a cost that is below $20K. It is less expensive for LAMP to house a homeless person than it is for them to be on the street. It is a very professionally run organization. The director is focused and driven. The staff is committed and is very competent. The results are evident. If LAMP were increased tenfold or even more they could solve homelessness in Los Angeles.

I have proudly seved on the Board of Lamp Community for more than ten years, after first becoming involved with the agency by providing pro bono legal services and serving Thanksgiving dinner. Lamp helps homeless men and women living with mental illness and co-occurring disorders attain and sustain permanent housing. Once housed, most Lamp clients are never homeless again. In addition to housing, Lamp provides group and individual counseling, case management, access to medical, food, and more. I have been overjoyed to see how much difference Lamp has made in the lives of its clients and in the broader community of Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles.