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By Lookout Staff

January 23 -- If you can sing karaoke or can spare paper plates, napkins, plastic utensils and cups, backpacks, umbrellas, socks, clothing, blankets, ball-caps, feminine hygiene products and toiletries, the Westside’s two homeless shelters need you.

Council member Bill Rosendahl on Monday called on residents and business owners to help the two emergency winter shelters based at federal armories in West Los Angeles and Culver City that provide a temporary roof for 310 people per night.

The shelters need volunteers and donations of food, clothing, and other supplies as well as monetary donations, Rosendahl said.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for Westside residents to show their hearts and contribute positively to the community," said Rosendahl, who was instrumental in securing funding for the shelters. "We have the ability and the responsibility to share some of our blessings."

Through a combination of funding sources, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority has contracted with EIMAGO, a social service agency affiliated with the Union Rescue Mission, to operate the two emergency shelters on the Westside through March.

Both shelters need volunteers to bring desserts and help serve dinner, said Michael Tomkins, the administrator of both the West Los Angeles and Culver City programs.

While New Directions provides dinner nightly at both facilities, administrators hope local restaurants or individuals could provide desserts, fresh fruit or other snacks. Individuals or group organizations that could offer activities and entertainment such as karaoke and BINGO are also encouraged to participate.

Rosendahl, who visited both shelters this week, said addressing homelessness will require a holistic approach -- from elected officials, as well as from the community.

"As elected officials, my colleagues and I need to make sure that the people who seek shelter get shelter, but also get connected to health care, social services, and job opportunities,” Rosendahl said.

“At the same time, members of the community can help the winter shelter program and other local service agencies. This needs to be the work not just of a government agency, but of our community"

Due to a funding shortfall and other issues, the Westside Winter Shelter Program, which has operated since 1989, was almost eliminated this year.

Rosendahl, Councilwoman Jan Perry, Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, and the Westside Shelter & Hunger Coalition intervened, secured funding, and found a new operator.

To volunteer at or to donate to either shelter call Michael Tomkins at 213-347-6300, ext 5242.