STEVE LOPEZ / POINTS WEST

Stakes Are So High, It's Hard to Wait

Steve Lopez

October 30, 2005

An agency aimed at preventing substance abuse. http://www.socialmodel.com/prevent_united.php

• Union Rescue Mission

The mission offers services including food, shelter, medical and dental care, legal aid, mental health services and job training. http://www.urm.org

• Volunteers of America

With two locations on skid row, the organization offers shelter, food, clothing, vocational training and treatment for alcohol and drug addiction. http://www.voala.org

• Weingart Center

The organization provides services for the homeless and mentally ill, and is a leader in the discussion of innovative solutions to homelessness. http://www.weingart.org

• SRO Housing Corp.

This agency develops and manages housing for people who might otherwise be homeless. (213) 229-9640

• Little Tokyo Service Center

The center provides a range of social services, including family counseling. It also sponsors downtown housing projects. http://www.ltsc.org

Reach the columnist at steve.lopez@latimes.com and read previous columns at latimes.com/lopez.

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