Lutheran Social Services prevents suffering, provides for homeless

A family of eight whose home is in the foreclosure process is among many of those in need in the area who are asking Lutheran Social Services (LSS) in Thousand Oaks for help. The husband is out of work; the wife is ill, and there are six children to care for.

"When they came to us, they were in really bad shape," said Leslie Eschrich, office manager for LSS.

The charity couldn't do anything to help them pay their past due mortgage but did provide money for prescriptions, food and utilities, she said.

"We get about 30 calls a day from families living here who need help making rent, paying utilities or getting their cars fixed," she said.

The nonprofit takes what donations it has and spreads them as far as it can to help local families stay in their homes for as long as possible.

"We get calls where people have to get a new transmission in their car so they can go to work, but if they do that, they can't pay rent," Eschrich said.

Most of these families are living on the brink, just barely getting by. Then something unforeseen happens—the vehicle breaks down, someone falls ill or loses a job. The family can't make it anymore and realizes they're about to become homeless or have their utilities shut off.

"We work hard to try and keep them from becoming homeless," Eschrich said.

LSS also helps those who are homeless by managing the winter shelter, which moves among seven houses of worship throughout the community, providing food and a place to sleep for those in need. (See In a Nutshell below.)

"We've had from 50 to 120 people show up for dinner this year," said Lutheran Social Services volunteer Joe MacIsaac.

When a large number of people show up unexpectedly, those in charge make arrangements to make sure there's enough.

"It's like the loaves and fishes miracle," MacIsaac said, referring to a biblical story about a miracle performed by Jesus Christ.

Families come to stretch their food budget, Eschrich said.

About 15 people a night, mostly single men, have been sleeping at the various shelters. They are given cots, pillows and blankets.

Someone at the shelter makes sure those who come have photo identification and a current TB test, MacIsaac said.

"The only other choice they have is to sleep outside in the cold," he said.

Many already do that, Eschrich said.

"You'd be surprised how many people in Thousand Oaks live in their cars."

Homeless people from Simi Valley and the San Fernando Valley are starting to move to Thousand Oaks because of the services provided here and the overcrowding in other places, Eschrich said.

Those who'd like to make cash donations to be used for these programs can send a check to LSS, 80 E. Hillcrest Drive, Ste. 101, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360, Attention: Eschrich.

In a Nutshell

Conejo Valley meal and shelter program schedule for Dec. 1 through March 31

Monday: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church,
1 W. Avenida de Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks
Tuesday: Calvary Community Church,
5495 Via Rocas, Westlake Village
Wednesday: Westminster Presbyterian Church,
32111 Watergate Road, Westlake Village
Thursday: Emmanuel Presbyterian Church of
Thousand Oaks, 588 Camino Manzanas, T.O.
Friday: United Methodist Church,
1000 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks
Saturday: St. Julie Billiart Catholic Church,
2475 Borchard Road, Newbury Park
Sunday: Temple Adat Elohim,
2420 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks