Between 2003 and 2012, New Image was honored to participate in the communities’ initiative to help end homelessness as the operator of the largest temporary emergency single-bed overnight shelter in the Los Angeles Continuum of Care and the County of Los Angeles. It was contracted with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), the administrator of the program, to serve 600 homeless individuals in one location (later reduced to 436), nevertheless, making it the largest emergency shelter of its kind in the state of California. Due to the burgeoning need for overnight emergency shelters, the site continued to attract upwards of 600 individuals nightly who were in search of refuge in this marginalized region of Los Angeles County. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Image, as a social service provider began providing services to homeless and low-income individuals and families with children in 1989. At that time, New Image operated one program, had four employees, and an Annual Operating Budget of $14,000. Over 34 years later, it has operated sixteen programs, provided numerous supportive services, had over 121 employees, and an Annual Operating Budget that exceeded 7.2 million, in 2012. This included (24) Winter Shelter Programs, (8) Transitional/Housing Programs, (1) year-round shelter, a Permanent Housing site, a Homeless Unaccompanied Youth program, and a program serving patients that were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. However, more than 89% of the funds were restricted or program specific. Therefore, in late 2012, due to the depressed economy, and the delay in the signing of the Consolidated Plan, New Image experienced program funding reductions, and major delays in program reimbursements. As a result, the New Image Board of Directors voted unanimously to return two of its largest Government funded programs. This was necessary, as the reimbursement delays ranged from 4 to 9 months, and were continuing, while monthly operating expenses averaged $325,000. Consequently, the New Image Annual Operating Budget and staffing decreased considerably.

Returning the programs was beyond heartbreaking for the New Image Board of Directors and Executive Management Team. However, the dream of the co-founders to see hope restored in the most destitute homeless and low-income communities is still alive and well today, albeit on a smaller and more focused scale. 

On March 9, 2023, New Image achieved 2 milestones, having provided comprehensive case management and supportive services to more than 3.4 million unhoused and low-income populations, having been in operation for over 34 years.

Moving forward in 2023, New Image has a renewed focus to continue to offer the best services possible, through the provision of comprehensive case management, supportive, and referral services to: housing/job placement sites, transitional and permanent supportive housing programs, and other resources available to meet the unmet needs of individuals and families experiencing homelessness and crisis. New Image remains vigilant, prayerful and committed to programs that connect participants with housing and comprehensive supportive services. New Image ultimate goals continue to be rapidly facilitating permanent/independent housing; increasing income through employment; and assisting all eligible populations with mainstream benefits to increase their income and improve their quality of life. New Image is currently focusing on Veterans temporary housing for homeless; and ongoing COVID-19 community outreach to homeless living on the street.

 

As we continue to fight homelessness, with over 69,000 homeless nightly, New Image is committed to go above expected to reduce the number of unhoused on the streets.