Help The Homeless With Static Salon!
Homelessness in California has been a topic of discussion for a long time due to the sheer lack of solutions. California has one of the highest rates of homelessness in the U.S. without the resources to match.
But resources come in many different ways other than housing; homeless people are without many basic goods.
Static Salon is partnering with Kitchen Gangstas, a local pop-up restaurant, to help provide crucial necessities for the homeless on Christmas Day, and they need your help!
Around 130,000 people in California were experiencing homelessness in 2017, about 25 percent of the nation’s homeless population according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Also, out of all states, California has the highest rate of unsheltered homeless people at nearly 70 percent. In Long Beach alone, the Department of Health and Human Resources stated that there was about 65 percent of homeless people unsheltered in 2017.
Kitchen Gangstas owner David Avila and manager Edy Minas were inspired to start helping their local communities combat homelessness last year. When David was younger his mom instilled in him and his brothers to extend a hand to the less fortunate. Every year, they’d pass out hot dogs and waters to the homeless as a family. Now, David’s business, Kitchen Gangstas, drives around providing “blessing bags” to individuals and families in need. This year, their goal is to pass out over 100 bags to males and females.
“When we go pass bags out we start in our local cities,” David said. We focus on underpasses of the freeway and side streets. Everyone we pass the bags out to is overwhelmed and very appreciative.”
In order to make the blessing bags, Kitchen Gangstas is asking for donations, which are items that fulfill essential human needs. Sometimes it’s the smallest items that can make the biggest difference, especially when they’re coming at no cost.
Here is the entire list:
Two-Gallon Ziploc Bags
Gloves
Beanies
Socks
Toothbrushes and Toothpaste
Wipes
Feminine Products
Hand Sanitizer
Tissue Packs
Snacks
Crackers
Cookies
Candy
Protein Bars
Tylenol/ Motrin Pill Packs
Water
Juice
Apples
Oranges
Chips
Blankets (fleece throws)
Dog and Cat Treats (for their animal companions)
RaChelle, the owner of Static Salon, and her team have made their own blessing bags to donate to the cause! They want their fellow community members to feel great too by joining in. Because presents don’t always need to come wrapped in a bow, bring Static Salon your blessing bags to donate to the homeless. For one blessing bag donated, Static Salon will give a $10 gift certificate that can be used in January! Blessing bags do not need all of the list items but enough to fill the bag.
Every person deserves compassion this holiday season. As the New Year approaches, maybe you’ve thought about committing more selfless acts. You don’t have to wait though! People who give more this holiday season end up receiving the most.
Drop off blessing bags at Static Salon (2310 N Bellflower Blvd #103, Long Beach, CA 90815) by Saturday, Dec. 22 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
