The specter of homelessness hangs like a dark cloud across major cities in America, and many are working to eradicate it. One of those is Dr. Firpo Carr. He sincerely tries to help as many persons experiencing homelessness as he can but has a special place in his heart for families of mothers and children without permanent shelter.
Aside from using his own money to help these families directly, he volunteered as an official staff member of Union Rescue Mission Emergency Services on Skid Row in Los Angeles.
Firpo approached URM, volunteering to clean toilets, serve food, or do whatever was asked of him. However, when the managerial staff discovered that he was Dr. Firpo Carr, Ph.D., Health Psychologist, who had over 25 years of experience as a university instructor, they asked him to write a curriculum and teach classes for men at URM Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) and women at Hope Gardens.
Regarding Hope Gardens Family Century, the URM website states:
“We believe no child should be raised on the dangerous, unforgiving streets of Los Angeles. Yet economic circumstances, illness, and abuse are forcing more mothers and children onto the street. The numbers are tragic. Women and children now make up 40% of all people experiencing homelessness.
“That’s why we created our Hope Gardens Family Center — an oasis of hope on 71 acres in the foothills of Sylmar, California. This transitional housing campus offers sanctuary to single women and children who are experiencing homelessness. In addition, we offer permanent supportive housing for senior women in our Sequoia Lodge.
“Hope Gardens helps women transition from homelessness to independence within 12 to 36 months by offering long-term rehabilitation programs, services, and spiritual care” (click here to visit site).
Curious children attend classes with state-of-the-art equipment (upper right photo), while mothers attend classes and receive invaluable training in like skills. After overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges, the happy mothers in the picture below are enjoying their graduation ceremony.
Now that the nonprofit organization Firpo started in 1989, Scholar Technological Institute of Research (STIR Inc.), has been reactivated, he is in an even better position to help all persons experiencing homelessness, especially families of mothers and children. Any donation, large or small, will help feed, house, educate, and improve the overall quality of life for those who are currently without a permanent address. Please, let’s help restore their dignity. All donations are tax-deductible. Click on this sentence to make your donation today. Thank you.