By Michael Travis
News Editor
There are more than 100 homeless people living in Malibu.
They hide in bushes, in their cars and other places that people overlook. They often have no family, no identification and no hope.
But now there are those who are trying to make a difference in the lives of these people. S.O.S. Ministries, a non-profit organization, provides emergency food and shelter, a sense of community, mentoring and friendship to those who have slipped through the cracks of society.
“The idea started when we realized that anybody could be in the same situation,” said Hollie Packman, the Pepperdine alumna who started the company over a year ago. “If somebody lost their family and missed a few paychecks, they’d be on the streets.”
Like any outreach organization, food, clothing and other basic necessities are distributed on a regular basis. S.O.S. Ministries also provides care for those with critical illnesses, such as bronchitis, HIV and Hepatitis C, drug rehabilitation programs for those who have addictions, rides to doctors and dentists, and help in setting up bank accounts.
“We offer many services for people in transition,” Packman said. “We mentor them on a one-on-one basis, help them obtain identification and get back in touch with family members.”
According to the company’s information packet, many homeless people lose control of their lives after becoming addicted to alcohol and drugs.
“(They) have lost all of their identification, exhibit poor health and hygiene, lack skills for job interviewing and filling out applications, and have lost their sense of self and self-esteem …”
The uniqueness of S.O.S. Ministries is that it attempts to address these problems from where they start — in the lives and minds of the individuals themselves.
The company refers to the homeless as “people in transition” and attempts to guide them to a better life through counseling and spiritual outreach.
The company’s mission statement asserts this clearly.
“We believe that it is impossible for people living on the street to restore their lives without the help of God and the love of people to stand beside them while they make a change,” it states. “The courage and persistence it takes to get from the streets and onto a better life comes only from knowing that you are loved and being able to love.”
Every Tuesday night, a dinner, a Bible study and a prayer session is held at the Malibu Vineyard church, where the company holds many of its activities. Around 40 people regularly attend the sessions.
“The discussions on Tuesday are lively, spiritually challenging, and intellectually stimulating,” the S.O.S. information packet reads. “Tuesday nights remind all those who attend of the higher calling of being a human being and contributing to their community.”
The purpose of these sessions is to provide a sense of community for those who no longer feel like they are a part of one. It provides these people with a chance to explore their spiritual lives, and share them with others.
S.O.S. Ministries depends on the donations and support of the community to remain in operation.
They are always in need of donations of any kind, from canned food to money.
They are currently in need of volunteers to help cook food and distribute clothing. If interested, contact hollie@studio8consulting.com.
February 21, 2002