Making a Positive Difference
I am pleased to recommend Ron Hooks and West Coast Care. Since arriving in Santa
Monica, Ron has employed a unique hands-on, street-savvy approach to providing services
to the homeless in our community. Ron and his dedicated staff work collaboratively with the
City's Human Services team, our Police and Fire Departments and our highly regarded non-profit social
service network. Ron and his team are frequently the first to encounter newly arriving homeless individuals
while they patrol the city's beaches and other areas on bicycle and on foot. Employing an engaging and affable
approach, they attempt to discern the specific needs of the individual, providing immediate aid or referrals
where appropriate. In many cases, individuals have become stranded in Santa Monica and simply need
assistance in returning home. Others have more serious issues, which might include substance abuse and/or
mental illness. West Coast Care's patient and deliberate interactions are designed to begin a process of
connecting every individual with a way off the streets and into housing and, most importantly, away from chronic
homelessness.
Every day, West Coast Care is making a positive difference in the lives of homeless individuals in Santa
Monica.
For the fourth straight year, the “Helping the Homeless” Sammy goes to West Coast Care. Since October
of 2006, WCC has helped more than 1,000 people transition off of the streets by reconnecting them with family
and friends in their home towns. Amazing!
These guys have a phenomenal success rate and are getting even the chronically homeless off the streets.
Monica, Ron has employed a unique hands-on, street-savvy approach to providing services
to the homeless in our community. Ron and his dedicated staff work collaboratively with the
City's Human Services team, our Police and Fire Departments and our highly regarded non-profit social
service network. Ron and his team are frequently the first to encounter newly arriving homeless individuals
while they patrol the city's beaches and other areas on bicycle and on foot. Employing an engaging and affable
approach, they attempt to discern the specific needs of the individual, providing immediate aid or referrals
where appropriate. In many cases, individuals have become stranded in Santa Monica and simply need
assistance in returning home. Others have more serious issues, which might include substance abuse and/or
mental illness. West Coast Care's patient and deliberate interactions are designed to begin a process of
connecting every individual with a way off the streets and into housing and, most importantly, away from chronic
homelessness.
Every day, West Coast Care is making a positive difference in the lives of homeless individuals in Santa
Monica.
For the fourth straight year, the “Helping the Homeless” Sammy goes to West Coast Care. Since October
of 2006, WCC has helped more than 1,000 people transition off of the streets by reconnecting them with family
and friends in their home towns. Amazing!
These guys have a phenomenal success rate and are getting even the chronically homeless off the streets.
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| Richard Bloom Mayor - City of Santa Monica |
| Bill Bauer Santa Monica Daily Press 12.28.09 |
| Officer Robert Martinez Team Leader Homeless Liaison Program Santa Monica Police Dept. |
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