In an evening of storytelling, formerly homeless individuals took center stage in Hancock Park throughout “Stories from the Frontline: Ending Homelessness through Supportive Housing.”
Through story, spoken word, and song, individuals shared their experiences on the path from struggle to resilience, in partnership with The Ebell of Los Angeles. With First Lady of Los Angeles Amy Elaine Wakeland as the guest speaker, the event also featured advocacy groups which enlisted volunteers on-site to take immediate action: CSH Speak Up!, Imagine LA, Aviva Family and Children’s Services, The United Way, League of Women Voters and Safe Parking LA.
In addition to Wakeland, speakers throughout the evening included event co-chairs Marilyn Wells and Allison Schallert, Los Angeles City Councilman David Ryu, CSH Speak Up! Advocates Emily Martiniuk, Sam Randolph, and Hector Curiel, Singer Songwriter Mike Jelks, Imagine LA Mentor Scott Sale M.D., and United Way of Greater Los Angeles Director of Public Affairs Tommy Newman. Writer and Actor Jen Reiter served as the evening’s emcee.
Additional notable guests who came to show their support included Felicity Huffman, Emmy Rossum, Carolina Guerra, and John Wells.
“Stories from the Frontline” was the first in a series of events that will take place in various neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles to galvanize communities in favor of Supportive Housing for the homeless.
This initiative has been created by homeless advocates Marilyn Wells and Allison Schallert and is made possible by a cadre of local businesses and local residents: The Ebell of Los Angeles, Larchmont Pediatrics, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Loveland Carr Properties, Hancock Park Veterinary, and the John and Marilyn Wells Family Foundation.
The next event will be held on June 6, 2018 at the CSH Supportive Housing Summit in downtown Los Angeles. More details will be announced at StoriesFrontline.org.
