On St. Patrick's Day, the Walker Family Events Foundation (WFEF) visited Veterans Row in honor of what would have been my mother's 65th birthday. She passed away in 2016. My mom was named Patricia after St. Patrick at the request of the clergy in the Catholic hospital where she was born in Louisiana. According to my grandmother, they wouldn't take no for an answer.
As a woman USAF veteran, my mother struggled with homelessness, addiction, PTSD, and sexual trauma.
Despite her own burdens, she cared deeply for others and had a special place in her heart for homeless/unhoused men and women. She volunteered in the Los Angeles and Compton Community and often shared a cigarette and some deep conversation with an unhoused neighbor. She had a gift for meeting people wherever they were and getting them to open up to her.
My mother is the reason why I chose a career advocating for veterans. I honor her and keep her memory alive by creating a legacy of service with the help of my husband, Dan, and our children.
Armed with 9 dozen fresh Krispy Kreme donuts and fresh coffee, we showed up at Veterans Row on St. Paddy's Day and enjoyed the company of our veterans. We distributed clothes and shamrock necklaces to celebrate the day. The men and women of Veterans Row are always very welcoming to us and our volunteers.
Joining us was Brian & Rocio Alvarado with HOLA, Ayeshna with Torch Global, Inc., and Gigi with Hawkins Green. We would like to thank everyone who carved time out of their busy schedules and showed up for us and for our veterans.
Torch Global, Inc. is focused on providing low-cost, low-tech solutions to increase comfort in tents and makeshift structures for vulnerable populations living outdoors across the globe. The Walker Family Events Foundation has been working with Torch on a continuous basis to ensure that Torch Tiles are installed on every tent at Veterans Row. Check out their website to find out more about their amazing invention and support their work with a donation.
It is because of our volunteers, donors, and supporters that we are able to provide much-needed supplies for the basic needs of our unhoused veterans and families. Sleeping bags, food, coats, water, hygiene supplies, first aid kits, and cleaning supplies are just some of the many items that we distribute to our unhoused neighbors in Southern California.
Join us. Support our efforts by making a tax-deductible donation today. No amount is too small, and every little bit makes an impact.
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