Page 10 - 2121 Installation Book Final

encino sTrong:
caring for The needs

of The homeless
PasTor aPril belT

founder, neW friends
homeless cenTer

pril Belt knows how one moment can change your life. Such a moment
A
changed her life and touched hundreds of homeless individuals, volunteers,
friends and family. It began when she stopped to give food and talk to a
homeless man Thanksgiving day in 2010.

Their conversation sent Pastor April on a journey to fulfill a basic need of feeding the
homeless in Woodland Hills. She discovered that resources for the homeless
community in the San Fernando Valley were scarce and scattered. The homeless
population was rapidly growing due to the sharp economic downturn. Many people
and families had fallen on hard times and lost jobs and homes.
In less than 90 days, the first meal was held in March, 2011 at the Methodist Church
in Woodland Hills. Over time, word got out and the New Friends Homeless Center
community grew. A year later in 2012, the New Friends Homeless Center in Encino
was born.
Recipients not only dine in a communal setting but, equally important, they also
receive much needed emotional and spiritual support.
The New Friends Homeless Center has now been providing individuals experiencing
homelessness with hot meals, care, and respect for a decade. With its locations in
Encino and Woodland Hills, it serves hundreds of meals every Tuesday, Friday and
Sunday. Veterans, senior citizens, the disabled, and those with special needs all
receive services.
To date, an estimated 700,000 meals have been served together with thousands of
necessary items like hygiene supplies, clothing, sleeping bags and pet food have been
provided. All on a volunteer basis. Over 75 volunteers provide food services,
entertainment and counsel.
Assembly Member Jesse Gabriel says about the program, “Pastor Belt’s New Friends
Homeless Center has done amazing work on behalf of our community. I’ve personally
witnessed their incredible efforts to uplift and care for folks in the West Valley who
are experiencing homelessness. The devastating increase in homelessness is another
reminder of why it’s so important to support New Friends and the work they are
doing to help some of the most vulnerable members of our community.”
We are proud to honor Pastor April Belt. She’s made a life-changing difference for
hundreds of homeless citizens – she’s our Local Hero.

10