Helping the Homeless

As executive director of a reputable agency dealing with the problems of the Westside homeless, as well as a supporter of various charity efforts, I read with interest the article concerning borderline charities preying on the tragic situation of the homeless. For those interested in helping, we urge you when donating money, to check out the agency’s legitimacy thoroughly. This can be done through the city’s Social Service Department.

We at PATH (People Assisting the Homeless) have been plagued by unauthorized storefront solicitations on our behalf. People claiming to be representatives of our organization have been soliciting funds in front of stores, usually in the Valley and North Hollywood areas. They are a complete scam and are not related to us at all. We do no storefront, airport or sidewalk solicitations. Our primary fund-raising efforts are direct mail, special events, corporate and foundation approaches. When we do have a fund-raising campaign it is authorized by a Social Service Department information card.

Although these illicit and immoral storefront solicitors often carry material from our organization, they are not authorized by us or anyone else to collect funds on our behalf. The money is not turned over to PATH.

Don’t give your hard-earned dollars to storefront solicitors. When approached, ask questions: Ask for authorization letters, identification, Social Service Department information card, and ask for receipts. Don’t give money directly to storefront solicitors--at least, not for PATH. If you encounter illegal solicitors, report them to the store management, the Social Service Department and the police.

MICHELE A. SMOLLAR

Los Angeles