Annenberg Access Center - The People Concern

If your not an addict they don't care about you. On more than one occasion I've needed to find other means to shower since they have rules they don't enforce. The first time I needed a shower for an interview staff let someone in who just walked up and watched another man cut the line and said and did nothing. I ended up not going to that interview because I would of been late. Another time I was doing training and they let all the addicts shower first. I was late not like they care I'm not an addict. Then yesterday morning I go early cause I donate plasma twice a week and the woman working let all the addicts who got there after me shower then had the nerve to ask me my name again. The policy is first come first serve not if you show up every week about the same time you go first. They ask your name and dob but unless you ask for a case manager your year doesn't start so why do I give my info? I barely use the shower since it's always a problem unless I wait til the afternoon but it's the only way I get a shower. At the start of the season the water was still cold for weeks. I don't recommend this place to anyone unless your an addict then they will bend over backwards to break there own rules and help you first. I tend to stink for days rather than deal with the problems getting a shower being I'm sober. Laundry is another issue since they have industrial washers but I have to take my Laundry elsewhere to wash my blanket and if I'm paying for that why would I use services that aren't complete.

I want to leave an honest review about how this shelter operates. I’ve been staying here, and getting any real help is almost impossible. Whenever you ask about things like job assistance or free English classes, all you hear is “We’ll check,” “We’ll let you know,” or “We’ll tell you on Monday.” But nothing ever happens after that. Weeks go by with zero follow-up. If you don’t constantly repeat the same requests over and over, you just get ignored. It feels like the system here works on the idea that if you only ask once, then you must not really need it. That’s an unprofessional and very strange approach. Overall, it seems like the shelter’s internal processes are really poorly managed: requests aren’t recorded, information doesn’t get passed along, and people who are genuinely trying to improve their lives end up having to chase down the most basic help. I really hope the management pays attention to what’s going on, because people in difficult situations need real support—not empty promises and endless delays.

I go here almost every day for a shower, a bagged lunch, and even free clothes. The staff are kind, respectful, and always have a smile on their faces. Shoutout to Steven and Veveca (Hope I spelled both of their names correctly!)

I was homeless for 5 years in Santa Monica.I lived at there shelter while I working with my case manager to get housing.I finally received a voucher.The voucher amount was only for $1100 & no landlord would except such a low amount. I also needed a $1500 deposit. My case manager told me they don't have any funds.I ended up moving to Oklahoma after I was offered a job with relocation included.I had a apartment in Atlanta for 2 years. I was working for 14 months but got laid off. Me & my new case manager had a problem with unemployment.We applied 2 times. I lost all of my income & couldn't even get food stamps.I ended up getting arrested and spent 2 years in Jail in Gwinnett County.I lost my apartment & I"am homeless again.The system is very messed up.

Thank you for consistently providing food for the homeless community in L.A. and giving folks a safer alternative to stay other than Skid Row while transitioning into the system and figuring out housing. The Thanksgiving meals and gift bags were so good!

Was referred to by 211, came and requested assistance with an employee, was told I couldn't enter because I don't live there. And that he would call the police if I don't vacate the area. I refused because I needed a place to rest for tonight and not enough to make the trip to Long Beach shelter for it was too long. Called 211 again, was told to relay the situation to the police, waited for almost 2 hours but no show. Talk to some residents in the meantime and one of them mentioned that this shelter is meant for homeless drug users and I definitely don't fit that subscription. Finally decided to leave, the point is that the program there has two left feet, no compassion, and definitely a place to avoid unless you're desperate. -Aaron V.R.

Their trying to help people. Maybe quick or fast but their trying and many don't even want nothing to do with the houseless. Sad but these folks are trying to make a difference. I am grateful to all who do The Lord's work. God bless them.

Thank you Steven for all your help yesterday. I believe you will be there for my son.