Dear Friend,

Dwight’s journey to recovery and stability is a testament to the power of hope. A senior citizen in Pasadena, Dwight spent years battling drug addiction, which cost him everything - his job as an electrician, his home, and his sense of security. Homeless and struggling with sobriety, Dwight refused to give up. He couch-surfed and lived in his car while also caring for his mother, but he always held on to the belief that things could turn around.

Determined to get help, Dwight connected with Friends In Deed through their outreach efforts. His unwavering commitment to sobriety and change was evident from the start. Dwight didn’t just talk about wanting a better life - he took action. Not only has he entered recovery at Grantview Foundation, but he immediately delivers paperwork to his Housing Navigator and Outreach Liaison and arrives early to every appointment, ready to make things happen. 

Dwight has been matched with a new senior housing complex in Altadena called Mirador, a place where he can finally regain stability and build a future. With housing secured, Dwight is working on expunging his record so he can return to work as an electrician. His optimism and drive have carried him through the toughest times, and now, as he prepares to move into his new home, Dwight’s hope has become his greatest ally.

I am very moved by this expression of hope, and how it has sustained Dwight. It reminds me of what my good friend and colleague, Rabbi Sharon Brous, preached recently, “Hope is not a feeling. Feelings are fleeting. Hope is a core value, a fundamental orientation.” I pray that Dwight’s hope continues to sustain him during this next chapter of his life. 

Now, either on Tuesday or by mail, make sure you get out and vote - every voice matters! While we all know there is a great deal at stake, at all levels of government, I want to highlight one item that is for LA County voters and directly affects our work at Friends In Deed. Measure A is a citizens’ initiative on the ballot that would replace Measure H (which has provided millions of dollars of funding, including several hundred thousand dollars to FID, and is set to expire in 2027). This quote is a key component of the new measure:

‘The previous LA County measure did not fund affordable housing construction and did not include mandatory outcomes - both reasons for the lack of progress in addressing homelessness, critics say. Measure A’s authors say they learned from this, which is why the measure includes mandatory outcomes, with citizen oversight and regular audits. It also invests in homelessness prevention, support for vulnerable renters, and affordable housing.’

You can read the full measure and learn more about it here.

Don’t forget to set the clocks back - and congratulations to the Dodgers, 2024 World Series champions!

Blessings and have a lovely weekend,

Rabbi Joshua

We can only operate with your help!

The November Calendar for The Women’s Room is now available!

Check out the full line-up of activities throughout the month...Learn more.

2024 Saint Mark's Episcopal Church Christmas Tree Sale

All proceeds benefit Friends In Deed. Order your tree before November 11th...Learn more.

Save the Date: State of FID Address

November 20, 2024 at 6:00 pm. Attend virtually via Zoom.

Meeting ID: 864 0670 8000

November is Native American Heritage Month

It is a time to honor the rich history, culture, and contributions of Native American communities. Let’s celebrate and uplift Indigenous voices and reflect on the resilience and enduring strength of Native peoples. 

Friends In Deed is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. We embrace and celebrate the spectrum of our employees’, volunteers’, and clients’ ages, color, ability or disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, neurodiversity, and other characteristics that make our employees, volunteers, and clients unique.