The cold, rainy weather this weekend may serve as a reminder that there are an increasing number of homeless individuals and families in need in the Antelope Valley. Lancaster’s World Mission Church of God will try to assist these persons with a Sock and Blanket drive on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. at 45313 23rd Street West.
Choi Jihoon, an elder at the church, said the wet weather means more people will be seeking refuge in emergency shelters. The congregation hopes the clothing drive can be of assistance to them. “We want to make sure that when people come out of the rain, they have a few items to help keep them warm,” Jihoon said.
The Los Angeles County Homeless Services Authority reported that the Antelope Valley has witnessed a 7.8-percent increase in homelessness from 2015-2016, while the number of shelters have not increased. With resources being stretched, church officials said events like theirs could be more commonplace in the future. They want to collect a minimum of 1,000 pairs of socks and blankets which will be donated to Child and Family Guidance Center in Palmdale, as well as Mental Health America, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Antelope Valley.
