Photo courtesy of Jordan Port
By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor
In the midst of rigorous studying for midterm exams last weekend, Palisades Charter High School junior Jordan Port was preoccupied with a philanthropic pursuit as well—one that has increasingly grown near and dear to his heart.
Port recently partnered with The People Concern/OPCC to gather and assemble “snack bags” for people experiencing homelessness in LA County. They are looking for any donations in the form of non-perishable snacks.
“My interest in helping the homeless started many years ago while I was still in elementary school,” recalled Port, who lives in El Medio Bluffs and attended Palisades Charter Elementary and Paul Revere Charter Middle schools before Pali High. “Basically, I was walking home from getting yogurt with my father and my brother in the Village when a homeless man aggressively approached us. He proceeded to spit and cuss us out for no reason, which was a particularly frightening experience.”
The incident had a profound impact on Port, whose outlook changed from curiosity to compassion.
“In order to help me understand the problem of homelessness and mental health crisis, I began volunteering with my temple at Turning Point, a transitional housing residence for homeless,” Port said. “Preparing and serving dinner for the residents is extremely gratifying, especially on holidays like Thanksgiving. Being around the residents and interacting with them helped me to view them in a new light. Every one of them was so thankful for what I was doing, which has made the experience worthwhile. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic I haven’t been able to volunteer in person, but I still wanted to find a way to help.”
A lifelong Palisadian, Port contacted the organization in charge of the shelter (The People Concern), and thought of a safe way to help: collecting non-perishable snacks to be put into snack bags to be distributed to the homeless living on the streets.
“So far, the response has been very positive, and I feel lucky to have a community that is so willing to help and support,” Port said. “I’m currently working on putting a collection box outside Palisades High, so that it’s more accessible to everyone.”
Examples of what Port is collecting include protein/granola/cereal bars, chips, jerky, fruit snacks/apple sauce, cookies, nuts/trail mix, tuna, bottled water, and gallon-size Ziploc bags
All items must be shelf stable, non-perishable, individual size and factory-packaged. Any cans must have pop-off lids and should not require a can opener.
The People Concern is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Los Angeles. Its mission statement reads: “The People Concern believes no one should have to live on the street or in a violent household. Our staff, volunteers and those we serve work together to address the effects of homelessness, poverty, mental and physical illness, abuse and addiction. Our programs empower the most vulnerable among us to improve their quality of life—housed, healthy and safe—and become active participants in the community. We also work to educate the broader community and improve public policy.”
The organization provides outreach and engagement, permanent supportive housing, medical care, income assistance, medical health care, substance use services, domestic violence services, life skills, and wellness and interim housing.
“I’m happy to pick up any donations, or if someone would like to drop them off, they can contact me for location,” said Port, whose email is jordanport@me.com. “I’m planning on collecting donations until the end of May. The response so far has been primarily positive.”
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.
