Officers assigned to SMPD’s Homeless Liaison Program initially contacted the man Tuesday and learned that he was a veteran. When officers returned Wednesday with the Salvation Army outreach team, they introduced the man to outreach personnel and began working to connect him with veteran-specific assistance.
The Salvation Army team accompanies SMPD’s Homeless Liaison officers during their Wednesday outreach patrols. After speaking with the veteran, team members contacted the Department of Veterans Affairs Street Outreach team and requested assistance.
VA outreach personnel arrived a short time later in a van and spoke with the veteran. They then helped gather and load his belongings before transporting him from the beach. According to information learned at the scene, the veteran was taken to the VA’s West Los Angeles campus for housing assistance and additional services.
Following the beach outreach, Salvation Army Lt. David Aviles invited Santa Monica Closeup to the organization’s community center on Fourth Street in downtown Santa Monica. Aviles provided a tour of the facility and discussed the Salvation Army’s local outreach work during an on-camera interview inside the center’s chapel.
Aviles and his wife, Lt. Monnique Aviles, serve as corps officers at the Santa Monica Community Center. He said the Salvation Army’s outreach team works with people experiencing homelessness and other challenges, helping connect them with services and support intended to restore stability.
Aviles said Wednesday’s coordinated response allowed the veteran to reconnect with the VA and take a step toward housing and additional assistance.
“That’s what we strive here at the Salvation Army—to connect people, whether they are experiencing homelessness or any challenges in general, to services and support,” Aviles said.
The Salvation Army Santa Monica Community Center also provides community meals at 6 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and sack lunches at 11 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. The center is open from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday for people seeking information about available services.
The center holds Sunday worship services at 11 a.m., preceded by coffee, pastries and Bible study beginning at 10 a.m.
SMPD’s Homeless Liaison Program consists of a sergeant and six officers who coordinate with the City Attorney’s Office, Santa Monica Fire Department, the city’s Housing and Human Services Department and the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. The team responds to situations involving homelessness, substance-use concerns and behavioral-health needs while connecting individuals with available city, county and community resources when appropriate.
Santa Monica Closeup continues to document outreach efforts, public-safety activity and community services across Santa Monica.
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