LOOKING FOR WORK–Nikky Bukky, 59, is homeless. Residents of Conejo Valley, she says, can be ruthless in the way they treat people in her predicament. Social service agencies, however, offer people who are homeless places to sleep, take showers and get hot meals. NANCY NEEDHAM Acorn Newspapers Even though help is available, homeless people live in parks, under eves and inside their cars in Thousand Oaks.

One homeless woman chooses to sleep in her car despite the fact that she finds the streets of Thousand Oaks a harsh environment that’s taking a toll on her health.

Nikky Bukky, 59, said she filed a police report two weeks ago after a man verbally harassed her as she sang songs while begging on the street.

The alleged incident isn’t her first experience with what she described as “discrimination against the homeless” in Thousand Oaks.

“I have an 80-year-old man who comes by and gives me the finger,” Bukky said.

And she said teenagers call her derogatory names.

“It takes a lot of courage for me to go out there.”

Bukky stands near various intersections in the area of Thousand Oaks and Westlake boulevards with a sign asking for work. She sings as she waits for donations or offers of work.

One of the songs she’s written goes: “I have not one person offer me a bed. I have not one person offer me a shed. I have not one person offer me a stable— even when they’re able.”

The former piano teacher and voice coach said she sings many songs about her plight.

She has, however, been offered a bed by Lutheran Social Services, which sponsors an overnight sleeping program at area houses of worship.

“The winter homeless shelter program offers a warm, dry, safe place to sleep,” said Lutheran Social Services caseworker Leslie Eschrich.

The nonprofit also offers warm, home-cooked meals 365 days a year at seven places of worship, a different place each night of the week.

Bukky appreciates the meals, she said. She’s able to shower on Wednesday nights at one of the churches. But she prefers to sleep in her borrowed car.

“I feel safer in my car,” she said.

Lutheran Social Services also offers showering and laundry facilities at its office at 80 E. Hillcrest Drive. Programs such as mental health counseling are available at the office to help those in need overcome struggles in their lives, factors that may have contributed to their becoming homeless.

Case management is also available to help clients fill out forms for disability assistance, housing and other programs that can help them. Case managers can direct clients to free clinics and can provide gas vouchers for those who need them to get to places such as a court appearance, a doctor’s appointment or a job interview.

Bus passes, motel rooms and even vouchers for eye examinations can be obtained if the charity has enough donations to provide them and the client is determined to truly be in need of help, Eschrich said.

Lutheran Social Services counselors make recommendations for affordable housing options to help homeless people get off the streets, Eschrich said.

“There are a lot of programs . . . that have openings now,” she said.

The services include education, work and 12-step programs.

“If someone wants to get off the street, we’re all over it. We walk with them every step of the way,” Eschrich said.

Coffee, baked goods, soup and chili are offered at the office on a daily basis, along with staples from a small food pantry.

The office is open for walk-ins from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Afternoon appointments can be made by calling (805) 497-6207.

The needy in Thousand Oaks can also get food for free at Manna Food Bank, 3020 Crescent Way. Go to www.mannaconejo.org to find food distribution and donation acceptance times.

Another organization that helps those in need is Conejo Valley CARES.

Their programs include one that helps underprivileged children participate in school programs and another that finds mechanics to fix cars for free or at very low cost so people can get to work or look for jobs.

For more information, go to www.conejovalleycares.org.