Food insecurity remains a significant challenge for homeless and low-income individuals in Los Angeles, especially for those in the community surrounding Casa Milagrosa. Karen, a dedicated team member from StLRS, has been working to bridge the gap by helping individuals access CalFresh benefits. Many in this community face challenges not only in securing food but also in navigating the process of applying for and maintaining benefits like CalFresh. They often miss critical deadlines, such as SAR 7 renewals, or lack basic resources like a phone or mailing address, which makes the process even more difficult.

The Need for CalFresh Assistance

The population Karen assists consist of homeless individuals and low-income families who rely on services offered at Casa Milagrosa. Recent data shows that Los Angeles has one of the highest rates of homelessness and food insecurity in the nation. While over 500,000 residents receive CalFresh benefits, many still struggle with hunger, highlighting the urgent need for assistance programs that not only help with applications but also with ongoing support to ensure benefits are maintained.

Karen's Partnership with Casa Milagrosa

To address this challenge, Karen partnered with Casa Milagrosa to offer direct help with CalFresh applications and renewals. She advocated for clients, guiding them through the process and ensuring they understood their eligibility for these essential benefits. Casa Milagrosa provided a crucial link by offering clients a mailing address and phone number for official communications. Meanwhile, Karen conducted interviews, followed up with the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS), and raised awareness in the community about maintaining their benefits.

One of the major obstacles clients faced was the lack of contact information, which made receiving official notices or completing interviews with DPSS difficult. Additionally, many clients lost their benefits due to missed SAR 7 deadlines or confusion about the renewal process. Karen worked closely with Casa Milagrosa to overcome these barriers by allowing clients to use the center's address and phone number. This collaboration enabled clients to complete their applications and reapply when necessary. Karen's consistent follow-up and personalized guidance built trust, encouraging clients to stay proactive in maintaining their benefits.

Overcoming Barriers and Achieving Success

Karen's efforts were instrumental in improving access to CalFresh for the homeless and low-income community at Casa Milagrosa. Thanks to her reliable support and advocacy, numerous clients were able to complete and maintain their CalFresh applications. Many expressed their gratitude, sharing that Karen’s assistance helped them fight hunger and better navigate the county’s system.

Karen’s success stemmed from her comprehensive, client-centered approach. By addressing key barriers—like the lack of a phone or address—Karen built strong relationships with her clients, making them more comfortable seeking out the benefits they were eligible for. The partnership between StLRS and Casa Milagrosa also allowed for expedited services, improving access and securing benefits for clients facing severe hardships.

Looking Ahead: Expanding Outreach and Support

Looking forward, Karen plans to continue expanding her outreach efforts to raise even more awareness about CalFresh benefits within the community. Strengthening the collaboration between StLRS and Casa Milagrosa will remain a priority, ensuring that more clients can access and maintain the benefits they need to overcome food insecurity. Karen is committed to providing personalized support, helping clients navigate the application and renewal process with confidence.

Karen’s work is a testament to the impact that empathy, availability, and advocacy can have on a community. By providing consistent guidance and addressing barriers, she has created a reliable network of support for those facing food insecurity. Through her ongoing efforts, Karen continues to empower clients, ensuring that they not only access benefits but also maintain them long-term for greater food security.