Skid Row celebrates

Singer-Songwriter Mary McBride

On Saturday, the Skid Row Housing Trust is inviting neighborhood residents and the public at large to join together in a day of entertainment and interaction.

The group’s director of external affairs, Molly Rysman, says the event gives often-isolated individuals a chance to socialize.

“The goal is to help residents with community integration,” she says. “It’s an opportunity for people to come together and get to know their neighbors.”

Singer-songwriter Mary McBride will headline the event as part of “The Home Tour,” her series of charity performances in supported housing communities, long term health care centers, homeless shelters and other institutions. There’ll be other live musical acts, as well as karaoke, food and a fashion show.

Skid Row Housing Trust currently manages and operates 21 homes for the homeless of Los Angeles, providing a range of support services, including health care referrals and substance abuse treatment.

The organization also is a partner in Project 50, a Los Angeles County pilot program initiated by Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky in 2007. The project originally targeted 50 individuals considered most likely to die on the streets of Skid Row. Using lessons learned from the pilot, the program has moved beyond the initial mission; to date, 92 chronically homeless people have been placed in permanent supportive housing through Project 50.

The block party takes place on Saturday, December 3, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting. Parking is located at the Skid Row Housing Trust lot, 1326 Industrial Street. Please R.S.V.P. by calling (213) 683-0522, extension 159. The event is still seeking volunteers, too. If you want to pitch in, send an email to [email protected]. Of course, you can always support the organization’s ongoing efforts by donating online.

Posted 11/30/11