An Earth Day Night Hike

Earth Day is approaching, (4/22) and we’ve decided that this year we are NOT doing the Eco Fair.  [I’m sad too, but it just doesn’t feel right.] Instead we are going on a delightful NIGHT HIKE together, and we want you to come with us!Here’s the deal: we will meet on Sunday, April 20th at 7pm at some TBD location near Griffith Park. Together we’ll hike up to the Observatory where we’ll hang out, maybe have some cheese and crackers, raise a (water) glass to the moon.  

An EARTH DAY NIGHT HIKE 

Sunday, April 20

7pm

Location TBD [near Griffith Park]

Bring $5 & a flashlight/headlamp

Any questions: email Helen at hm.eigenberg@gmail.com

HODG Clothing Drive for Project Ropa

SPREAD THE WORD 📣

We are collecting items for our MEN’S CLOTHING DRIVE for our partner Project Ropa on Friday, April 18 from 10am - noon. They are in need of men’s clothing items and shoes, as well as belts, baseball hats, backpacks, tote bags and travel-size hygiene products.

Please drop off on:

FRIDAY, APRIL 18

Between 10am - noon

153 S. Norton Ave, Los Angeles 90004

Questions? Email us at HangOutDoGood@gmail.com.

Thank you everyone!!! 🩵

WELCOME TO THE SUNDAY LUNCH DRIVE

Thank you so much for joining us in helping feed our neighbors.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. The lunch drive happens every Sunday morning. Rain or shine.

2. You make lunches at home.

3. Most folks make about 10 lunches, but you can make as many or as few as you like.

4. Label the bag with the type of sandwich (this is important and gives the recipients a choice.)

5. Be generous. This is the only meal these folks get all day.

6. Lunches should contain at least 7 items:

   • A drink (water, Capri sun, soda)

   • Sandwich (PB+J, Turkey, Ham + Cheese are most common)

   • Potato Chips (individually packaged)

   • Fruit (oranges, apple sauce, bananas. No apples: too hard on teeth)

   • Cookies (individually packaged)

   • A  snack (beef jerky, granola bar, nuts, etc.)

7. No Glass

8. Some people decorate their bags. Not required but much appreciated.

9. Drop your lunches off at one of the locations:

Visit the HODG Lunch Drive page for more info!

Climate Night Mixer with HeyClimate

Ok, we admit it. Organization is not a strength of ours. We’re a sort of fly-by-the-seat-of-our-pants kind of outfit. We are trying to be better. Mostly so we can include more voices, and get more help in the planning stages. One area we care deeply about, but want more help is CLIMATE. And so we have started a HODG CLIMATE TEAM. And we would love any of you who are climate-focused, to join!

What does being a member of this team mean?  That’s up to you.  You can meet in person, on zoom.  You can do weekly actions, monthly actions or one big action a year.  It would be your team to do what you want with. If that sounds like something you’d like to explore, take the leap -- the water is warm!  -- and join!
 

JOIN THE HODG CLIMATE TEAM

When? Where? How? 
If you’re a member of the team
YOU GET TO DECIDE! 
To join, email hangoutdogood@gmail.com
(put Climate Team in the subject line.) 

In the meantime, here's some Climate Stuff -- see we need help! --  for you to get started with.

Climate Night Mixer

A few of us are also joining HeyClimate’s CLIMATE NIGHT MIXER on Friday, April 11 at 6:30pm. Wanna join? Email us at hangoutdogood@gmail.com so we know you’ll be there!

HODG Santa Cruz - First Ever Lunch Drive

Our March 23rd letter writing party was so sweet. Boy, did it feel great to hang out together under a big cypress tree and warm sun! We got steam off our chests and into some letters.

Next up: Our first Sunday Lunch Drive is Sunday, April 6th. We'll make lunches for unhoused folks; the DSA Love Boat (mutual aid group) will distribute them. 

• Inspiration = HangOutDoGood LA. Check out their huge lunch making party!!

• Goal = show some love to people going through a hard time

Logistics!

• What? Lunch-making party 

• When? Sunday, April 6th at 8:45am

• What to bring? RSVP to sign-up for an item or two

(Side note: our party is early cuz Love Boat distributes early. We are looking for a partner who distributes later so that we can party later in the future.)

Can't Make the Party?

1. Make lunches at home! See instructions here.

2. Donate to cover lunch fixings on Venmo: @CoriLand

In Peace and Community,

Cori (they/them) & Gwen (she/her) Wolfland

HANDS-OFF PROTEST

This Saturday, April 5, HODG is joining the Hands Off! National Day of Action to stand up against those who believe they can take whatever they want – our  health care, our data, our jobs, our services, our government – – and tell them HANDS OFF!

This mass mobiliation day is our message to the world that we do not consent to the destruction of our government or our economy for the benefit of Trump and his billionaire allies.  Americans across the country are locking arms.  We are marching, rallying, protesting and building an opposition movement against the looting of our country. This is a crisis, so do like Senator CB and act now! 

Here’s how:

a. JOIN HODG: LA at the protest in DTLA. 
Meet up at Polly's house in Hancock Park around 3:15pm, and drive/walk together to the metro stop.  She will have coffee + donuts!  For address, etc. email Polly at pollymorf9@gmail.com 

b. Don't live in LA, Join another protest -- they are happening all over the country. 

c. Spread the word.  Tell all your friends, wherever they live, to find and go to the protest nearest them.  

HANDS OFF: LOS ANGELES FIGHTS BACK

A mass mobilization day

Saturday, April 5

4-8pm

Pershing Square

532 Olive Street, Downtown Los Angeles

If you want to go together, with HODG, email Polly at pollymorf9@gmail.com.

Sunday Lunch Drive's 5th Anniversary Potluck
with HODG + Hollywood Food Coalition

Yep, the Sunday Lunch Drive is turning 5 years old this month.  We started in March 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic and have not missed a single Sunday since. 

I have loads to say about this action, and about all of you who have worked so hard to keep it going, but right now what I really want to do is make sure you all do these 2 things:

First, mark your calendars. We are celebrating on Sunday, March 30. Don't make other plans. This is too big a deal to miss. And second, sign up to bring some lunch fare to share – yes, this time we are feeding ourselves!!! 

Sunday Lunch Drive's 5th Anniversary Potluck
with HODG + Hollywood Food Coalition

Sunday, March 30
12:00pm - 3:00pm
Blessed Sacrament Church
6657 W. Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, 90028

Parking: please enter church parking lot on Selma and park in the EAST corner!

TESLA TAKEDOWN

This Saturday -- tomorrow! -- 1pm - 3pm, HODG-er Linda GK is hosting a TESLA TAKEDOWN PROTEST in Culver City. I am going. And I want you to come meet me!

For those of you who are like meh, protests don’t work… nothing is going to change…  you are just not right. These protests and ones like them are meaningful in at least 4 ways – off the top of my head – 1. They build community which is an anti-authoritarian act in an of itself.  2 .They open the eyes of people who are not protesting to what is going on, and who knows, maybe they’ll start paying attention.  3. They give the Dems and our reps the support they need to fight back.  (Not that they should need support.  I mean, get a fricking backbone.  Oh yeah, and it is your job.)   4. They taint the Tesla brand.  I mean, who wants to drive around in a car built by Elon Musk???  

I could go on and on trying to convince you to come and even then I know most of you won’t.  So I’ll just say this:  Democracy dies if we don’t show up for it.

PS: this is a PEACEFUL protest movement.  Violence, vandalism, destruction of property will not be tolerated.  

PSS.  Bring your signs!  Linda says there is going to be a sign contest.  Most clever sign wins!  And if you don’t have a sign – I don’t – I am going to bring poster board and markers so we can make some. 

PSSS.  If you can’t make it to the TESLA TAKEDOWN in Culver City, there are protests all across Los Angeles  AND the Country.  Find one in the link below, call a friend. And show up!

#TESLA TAKEDOWN: A Peaceful Protest

Saturday, March 29

1pm - 3pm

Culver City Tesla Supercharger

6000 Sepulveda Blvd

Culver City, CA 90230

Bring your friends!  Bring a sign!

BIRTHDAY CAKES FOR OUR YOUTH

Calling all bakers!

HODG is teaming up with My Friend’s Place and The Center in Hollywood to provide cakes for their monthly birthday celebrations. MFP and The Center help youth and adults who are experiencing homelessness move toward wellness, stability and self-sufficiency— and birthday cakes are a little “slice” of joy we can help provide.

Please sign up here if you’re interested in participating.

You don’t need to be an expert baker to join in! Whether from scratch or from a box or even from the bakery down the street, we just need seven or eight cakes (or cupcakes equivalent) to offer 60-100 servings for the guests of My Friend’s Place and The Center each month.

You can email lorettaramos@gmail.com for more info.

Thank you so much!

Team HODG

HODG Backyard Lunchmaking

We are not just celebrating the lunch drive this month.  We are also having another IN-PERSON backyard lunch-making bonanza this coming Sunday.  These gatherings are super fun -- a bit chaotic -- and totally FAMILY FRIENDLY.  (Sadly they are not dog-friendly -- the pups really seem to like PB&J’s) 

 Here's how this works:

 Sign up on the spread sheet below to bring enough of a lunch item to make 50-100-150-100 (you decide amount) lunches

 Bring those items to 153 S. Norton this Sunday, March 23 at 10am

 Decorate or Assemble – along with a bunch of other HODG-ers -- around 200 lunches.

 Knock these out by 11:30/noon and then enjoy the rest of your Sunday knowing you HUNG OUT and DID GOOD.  

BACKYARD SUNDAY LUNCH MAKING 

Sunday, March 23

10am - noon

153 S. Norton Ave

All are welcome!

Bring kids!

Bring friends!

Sign up to bring a lunch item for a bunch of lunches!

March for our Constitution

This Saturday in West LA -- and all over the country -- there will be a peaceful rally to oppose the Trump Administration.  These rallies are being organized by Indivisible and Democracy Action Network  – a grassroots organization dedicated to defending democratic institutions, & promoting civic engagement – sounds like HODG!   

Now, many of you have emailed, asking do you really think these protests do anything? Yes, I do. But… do I think they’ll affect Trump? No. Do I think they’ll give our Democratic reps the boost they need to get cracking? No. Especially since our craggy-ol-Dems seem to be playing the James-Carville-Do-Nothing-So-People-See-How-Horrific-Trump-Is Plan, which I think is a loser of a plan and they should focus on making blue cities amazing so people start believing in them again.  But… 

I DO  think rallies like this change the way the public/community/citizenry feels and thinks about what’s going on.  I mean, look back at all the times you’ve seen people in far away places take to the streets.  Doesn’t it affect you?  Doesn’t it make you question the people in power?  It does me.  I think the reason to go to this rally is to feel less alone, and to build the Democratic movement.  And those are 2 pretty good reasons!

So with that…  I hope you will all take the time/energy to SHOW UP.  A bunch of HODG folk are planning to!  Here are the deets: 

We are meeting at Moira’s house in Hancock Park – 138 N. Gower –  at 10:45am on Saturday morning.  There will be coffee, OJ, donuts.  We will form carpools and head to the  Federal Building. First carpool will leave at 11 AM,  last at 11:30 AM.   (If you want to plan a carpool from your house, please let us know and we will spread the word!)

MARCH FOR OUR CONSTITUTION

SAT, MARCH 22

12-2pm

The FEDERAL BUILDING

11000 Wilshire Blvd

WESTWOOD

Bring a sign!  And water!

Wanna carpool?  RSVP to Polly at: pollymorf9@gmail.com
 

For those of you who want to make posters, Polly is hosting a POSTER MAKING PARTY.  Come let your artistic or non-artistic juices flow!  It's super fun and don't worry -- the bar is very low.  (take a gander at some of those posters below!  ha!)
 

POSTER MAKING PARTY
Friday, March 21
5:30 pm
Polly's House
134 S. Van Ness Ave

RSVP -- so Polly knows how much poster board to get! -- by emailing hangoutdogood@gmail.com (put Poster Party in Subject line)

HODG Postcarding for Wisconsin

You all know how important -- and winnable! -- the April 1st special election for State Supreme Court is in Wisconsin.  I wish we could all go there and knock on doors, but since that is just a fantasy, how about joining HODG for another postcarding session? If you've never postcarded with us, you don't know what you're missing. And if you have, you know you don't want to miss it! 

Postcarding with HODG

SUNDAY, March 16

10:00am - noon

134 S. Van Ness Ave 
Los Angeles, 90004

All are welcome. No dogs please.

Ready, Prep, Go! Emergency Preparedness Gathering

Admit it.  You weren't prepared for the fires.  And you still aren't prepared for the big quake that will eventually hit us.  Or the meteor that's coming our way.  Okay, maybe you are prepared.  But I sure as hell am not.  [Although we do have a generator should the big one hit and you need a place to plug in your phones etc.  Norton is always here!].  

My unpreparedness is what got me to reach out to the most prepared gal I know -- Christopher Mehta! This woman is stocked and prepped and she has organized a morning for the rest of us to do the same.  She has invited a preparedness expert from Listos California Grant Program to help us all get ready so we can Go!  when -- not if, WHEN -- another catastrophe hits.  

Thank you so much, Christopher, for organizing!

Ready, Prep, Go!
Emergency Preparedness Gathering

Saturday, March 15
10:30am - noon
234 S. Muirfield Rd
FREE
All are welcome. Bring a friend.

GROCERY GANG DROP-OFF

Come participate in our monthly grocery drop-off!

The HODG Grocery Gang buys groceries from a list of non perishable items and drops them off to one of our homes by the 10th of every month. Groceries are then delivered to formerly unhoused folks living in PSH (Permanent Supportive Housing) run by a non-profit called A Community of Friends. The groceries go to two of their buildings: one on Gower and the other on Hudson — where clients live and make their own meals.

If you’d like to participate - please email Pegah at: hangoutdogood@gmail.com

FYI for newcomers: You do NOT need to buy everything on this list.

You can purchase whatever you’d like for either 1 person = 1 bag or as many as you’d like.

Drop off/Instacart is by the 10th of every month before noon.

THE GROCERY GANG SHOPPING LIST

Chicken/Tuna Creations (ready to eat package-starkist)

Canned fruit/cups

Canned beans

Canned vegetables

Bag of rice

Breakfast Cereal

Crackers

Oatmeal- instant pouches 

Grits- pouches

Bread

Jam/Jelly

Peanut Butter

Hamburger Helper

Pasta

Granola Bars

Apple Sauce

Juice Boxes (eg: Capri Sun)

Milk (Boxed, shelf)

Shoe Drive for Elementary Students Affected by the Eaton Fire

We recently spoke to principle Dr. Dana Hill at Altadena Arts Magnet Elementary, and she said they have a lot of kids effected by the fires that need NEW shoes!

What to do:

1. Sign up for a student and purchase NEW sneakers in their exact size using the sign up sheet below.

2. Then write the students name on the shoe box or if they are not in a box, write the students name on tape on the bottom of the shoes and tie the shoes together.

3. Please drop off by MARCH 9TH to Helen, Peggy, or Melissa’s house. No later.

4. We will take the shoes to the school on March 10th!

Drop-off addresses:

Helen: 611 Lilian Way, 90004 (LARCHMONT)

Peggy: 4627 Wortser Ave, 91423 (SHERMAN OAKS)

Melissa: 2927 N Coolidge Ave, LA 90039 (ATWATER/ELYSIAN)***

***YES - you can ship shoes to Melissa as well!

Thank you so much, everyone!!!

Questions? Please email Melissa at: mel7valencia@gmail.com

HODG Postcarding for Wisconsin

You all know how important -- and winnable! -- the April 1st special election for State Supreme Court is in Wisconsin.  I wish we could all go there and knock on doors, but since that is just a fantasy, how about joining HODG for another postcarding session? If you've never postcarded with us, you don't know what you're missing. And if you have, you know you don't want to miss it! 

**Note: if you and some friends want to host a postcarding session over the next couple of weeks, please reach out to hangoutdogood@gmail.com. We will supply you with all the stuff you need. All you need to do is supply the friends and the coffee!! It's a great way to build community and see your friends while doing good! (PS -- you can do it any time during the week, whenever is convenient for you and yours. Not just weekend mornings!)

Postcarding with HODG

Saturday, March 8

10:00am - noon

2120 Rockford Rd. 
Los Angeles 90039

All are welcome. No dogs please.

WELCOME TO THE SUNDAY LUNCH DRIVE

Thank you so much for joining us in helping feed our neighbors.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. The lunch drive happens every Sunday morning. Rain or shine.

2. You make lunches at home.

3. Most folks make about 10 lunches, but you can make as many or as few as you like.

4. Label the bag with the type of sandwich (this is important and gives the recipients a choice.)

5. Be generous. This is the only meal these folks get all day.

6. Lunches should contain at least 7 items:

   • A drink (water, Capri sun, soda)

   • Sandwich (PB+J, Turkey, Ham + Cheese are most common)

   • Potato Chips (individually packaged)

   • Fruit (oranges, apple sauce, bananas. No apples: too hard on teeth)

   • Cookies (individually packaged)

   • A  snack (beef jerky, granola bar, nuts, etc.)

7. No Glass

8. Some people decorate their bags. Not required but much appreciated.

9. Drop your lunches off at one of the locations:

Visit the HODG Lunch Drive page for more info!

GROCERY GANG DROP-OFF

Come participate in our monthly grocery drop-off!

The HODG Grocery Gang buys groceries from a list of non perishable items and drops them off to one of our homes by the 10th of every month. Groceries are then delivered to formerly unhoused folks living in PSH (Permanent Supportive Housing) run by a non-profit called A Community of Friends. The groceries go to two of their buildings: one on Gower and the other on Hudson — where clients live and make their own meals.

If you’d like to participate - please email Pegah at: hangoutdogood@gmail.com

FYI for newcomers: You do NOT need to buy everything on this list.

You can purchase whatever you’d like for either 1 person = 1 bag or as many as you’d like.

Drop off/Instacart is by the 10th of every month before noon.

THE GROCERY GANG SHOPPING LIST

Chicken/Tuna Creations (ready to eat package-starkist)

Canned fruit/cups

Canned beans

Canned vegetables

Bag of rice

Breakfast Cereal

Crackers

Oatmeal- instant pouches 

Grits- pouches

Bread

Jam/Jelly

Peanut Butter

Hamburger Helper

Pasta

Granola Bars

Apple Sauce

Juice Boxes (eg: Capri Sun)

Milk (Boxed, shelf)

BIRTHDAY CAKES FOR OUR YOUTH

Calling all bakers!

HODG is teaming up with My Friend’s Place and The Center in Hollywood to provide cakes for their monthly birthday celebrations. MFP and The Center help youth and adults who are experiencing homelessness move toward wellness, stability and self-sufficiency— and birthday cakes are a little “slice” of joy we can help provide.

Please sign up here if you’re interested in participating.

You don’t need to be an expert baker to join in! Whether from scratch or from a box or even from the bakery down the street, we just need seven or eight cakes (or cupcakes equivalent) to offer 60-100 servings for the guests of My Friend’s Place and The Center each month.

You can email lorettaramos@gmail.com for more info.

Thank you so much!

Team HODG

WELCOME TO OUR YOUTH OUTREACH SNACK BAGS

To sign up, please reach out to Melissa: mel7valencia@gmail.com

We have 2 teams, so each person will be doing dinner bags twice a month (every other Wednesday.) Dinner bags will be given to Covenant House and My Friend’s Place.

Details:

• Please provide 10 Youth Outreach Bags

• Shelf stable items to pack in each bag and examples of the protein items to include:

• Beverage: Juice Box or bottle of water

• Fruit cup (include spoon) or Apple Sauce squeeze

• Bag of chips

• Granola Bar

• Cookies

• Napkin

• Pick one of the below for protein:

• Tuna/Chicken Lunch to-go kit OR Beef Jerky+ Crackers

If you’d like to include anything else (masks, chapsticks, etc.) you are more than welcome to, but the list is the essentials that we’d like included in each bag. Please no cash (this actually endangers folks and makes them targets.) Each bag should contain one of each item listed, except the protein items - include either tuna or chicken kit or jerky+crackers.

Please DROP OFF BY 12 PM to Helen’s House: 611 Lilian Way, 90004

BACKYARD LUNCHMAKING

Being part of our Sunday Lunch Drive is, I hope, a part of your regular routine. Whether it’s making lunches, decorating the bags for others to fill with lunches, driving lunches – it’s a good, easy way to be a part of something bigger than yourself. (Which every study shows is a key to happiness.)

But I get it, making lunches for food insecure folks isn’t for everyone. It gets $$ every week. Sunday is a day of rest, etc. It’s also, for the most part, solitary. For example, I make my lunches late on Saturday nights, alone, after everyone’s asleep.

BACKYARD LUNCH MAKING addresses those issues: a whole group of us come together in the backyard and form an assembly line and make the lunches together, so that takes away the solitary part. As far as the $$ part, we ask that you bring a bunch of one item – as much as you can swing – so it doesn’t need to be more than $25, or less. OR you don’t have to bring anything and just come and help us decorate the bags and make the sandwiches. Again, whatever works for you. And most importantly, it’s super fun, and in less than 2 hours we’ve made 250 beautiful lunches! Please join us!

HODG BACKYARD LUNCH MAKING

Sunday, February 23

10am - noon

153 S. Norton Ave

HODG Shabbat

I just read an article about a poll that was just done that showed that most Americans don’t think the Dem party shares their priorities. Most people apparently think that the Dems are too focused on issues like abortion, equity and… climate, instead of cost of living. 

On one level, I get it. You can’t feed your family or pay your rent, you’re not gonna focus on climate. But on another level… we're talking about being able to live on this planet... well, I don’t have to tell you.

The thing to ask is: what do we do about it? If so much of America is more worried about the price of eggs.  And rent. And everything else?

My answer -- and I'm sure there are others -- is:  support our climate leaders. They need us now more than ever. Which is why for our next HODG shabbat we have invited the folks from EarthJustice and Climate Changemakers.  

Earthjustice is a non-profit legal group that is dedicated to litigating environmental issues.  Earthjustice has been critical in many precedent-setting, and planet-protecting cases. In fact, they were the attorneys for the first supreme court case to ever address climate change (Mass vs EPA, 2006)  Earthjustice is on the frontline of fighting against the current administration.  They will be talking to us about how they are doing that and how they will continue to advance clean energy.  

We've also invited Climate Changemakers to join us.  While Earthjustice is focused on fighting for climates in the courts, Climate Changemaker is focused on the legislative branch and on harnessing the energy of us – engaged constituents – to hold elected officials accountable.  Climate Changemakers has easy, quick ways that each of us can do our part in protecting our planet, while also – because why can’t dems do both??! – lowering the cost of living. Many of us already know CC, but it's been a while, and I don't know how many of us are still doing their One Hour Of Action (We need to get back on that!)

So, please join us for Shabbat Dinner and some great conversation with folks who are the real bisons in all this.
 

HODG SHABBAT with 

EarthJustice and Climate Changemakers

Friday, Feb 21

6:30pm

153 S. Norton Ave
Bring a drink or dessert to share.

Los Angeles Homeless Count

Here's how it works -- you and a friend or two drive to the "deployment area" where you will be given instructions how to count, and a turf.  You go to the turf and assign jobs: One of you will be the counter, one of you will be the recorder and one will be the driver.  And then you drive the turf.  That's it. 

I have only ever gone to the Hollywood Count, which is taking place on Feb 18 this year.  But if that doesn't work for you, there are areas all over the city that are counting -- from MacArthur Park to Mar Vista to Sherman Oaks. 

So here's what I rec: go to the website, sign up for the place and day you want.  Then rope in a couple friends to join you.  And thank you!  I won't be able to do the count this year, but I am so glad you can!!
 
Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count
Tues Feb 18 - Wed Feb 19 - Thurs Feb 20.
8pm
All across LA. 

Hollywood Area: 
First Presbyterian Church
1760 N. Gower St.
(the are still 37 volunteers short)

Los Angeles Homeless Count

Here's how it works -- you and a friend or two drive to the "deployment area" where you will be given instructions how to count, and a turf.  You go to the turf and assign jobs: One of you will be the counter, one of you will be the recorder and one will be the driver.  And then you drive the turf.  That's it. 

I have only ever gone to the Hollywood Count, which is taking place on Feb 18 this year.  But if that doesn't work for you, there are areas all over the city that are counting -- from MacArthur Park to Mar Vista to Sherman Oaks. 

So here's what I rec: go to the website, sign up for the place and day you want.  Then rope in a couple friends to join you.  And thank you!  I won't be able to do the count this year, but I am so glad you can!!
 
Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count
Tues Feb 18 - Wed Feb 19 - Thurs Feb 20.
8pm
All across LA. 

Hollywood Area: 
First Presbyterian Church
1760 N. Gower St.
(the are still 37 volunteers short)

Los Angeles Homeless Count

Here's how it works -- you and a friend or two drive to the "deployment area" where you will be given instructions how to count, and a turf.  You go to the turf and assign jobs: One of you will be the counter, one of you will be the recorder and one will be the driver.  And then you drive the turf.  That's it. 

I have only ever gone to the Hollywood Count, which is taking place on Feb 18 this year.  But if that doesn't work for you, there are areas all over the city that are counting -- from MacArthur Park to Mar Vista to Sherman Oaks. 

So here's what I rec: go to the website, sign up for the place and day you want.  Then rope in a couple friends to join you.  And thank you!  I won't be able to do the count this year, but I am so glad you can!!
 
Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count
Tues Feb 18 - Wed Feb 19 - Thurs Feb 20.
8pm
All across LA. 

Hollywood Area: 
First Presbyterian Church
1760 N. Gower St.
(the are still 37 volunteers short)

Postcarding for Wisconsin Supreme Court Judge

This could be the biggest, highest stake election this year. Currently the Wisconsin Supreme Court has 4 liberal and 3 conservative judges. One of the liberal judges terms out this year. So whoever wins the seat, will seize majority of the court. The liberal candidate – supported by Dems – is Judge Susan Crawford. Electing her will preserve the liberal majority along with abortion rights in the state and lead to new congressional maps that could help Democrats flip two Republican-held House seats. Which heaven knows we need!

We have connected with Judge Crawford’s campaign to see how we can best help her. In the meantime, we are gathering this weekend to write postcards to WI Democrats.

POSTCARDING for WISCONSIN

Sunday, February 16

10am - noon

815 N Stanley Ave LA 90046

Bring a friend! The more the merrier!

No dogs, please.

WELCOME TO THE SUNDAY LUNCH DRIVE

Thank you so much for joining us in helping feed our neighbors.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. The lunch drive happens every Sunday morning. Rain or shine.

2. You make lunches at home.

3. Most folks make about 10 lunches, but you can make as many or as few as you like.

4. Label the bag with the type of sandwich (this is important and gives the recipients a choice.)

5. Be generous. This is the only meal these folks get all day.

6. Lunches should contain at least 7 items:

   • A drink (water, Capri sun, soda)

   • Sandwich (PB+J, Turkey, Ham + Cheese are most common)

   • Potato Chips (individually packaged)

   • Fruit (oranges, apple sauce, bananas. No apples: too hard on teeth)

   • Cookies (individually packaged)

   • A  snack (beef jerky, granola bar, nuts, etc.)

7. No Glass

8. Some people decorate their bags. Not required but much appreciated.

9. Drop your lunches off at one of the locations:

Visit the HODG Lunch Drive page for more info!

Bake Sale + Blood Drive for Wildfire Relief

Hello HODGers!

We're planning a Bake Sale + Blood Drive for Wildfire Relief, and we would love your help! (Blood donations are down and desperately needed due to the fires, and who doesn't love a sweet treat to get their blood sugar up after donating... a win win!) 

DATE: Saturday, February 15

TIME: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

LOCATION: 208 N. Larchmont Blvd, L.A., 90067 (Larchmont Village)

BENEFITTING: The Fuerza Fund, supporting wildfire-impacted families and workers.

BAKE SALE:

We'll need bakers to donate goodies and folks to work on the day. The sign up sheet is here, and you'll see different tabs for Bakers and Shifts (set up, breakdown, and 2-hr sales shifts in between). Feel free to sign up for as many baked goods and shifts as you like, and feel free to share with any friends who might be interested! 

Some general info: 

• Drop-Off: We will happily accept your baked items at the Larchmont location on the day-of (preferably between 9-10am for kick-off, but restocking during the day would also work). We can also make arrangements for items to be dropped off the night before. 

• Individual packaging is greatly appreciated, to make sales easier - options such as these clear treat bags or these individual cupcake boxes (Michaels is having a great sale!). (Pooling resources might be helpful here, since they tend to come in large quantities!) 

• Ingredient lists encouraged (either on individual stickers or listed on a sheet of paper) 

• Some ideas for what to bake: Brownies, Cookies, Rice Krispie Treats, Mini-Bundt Cakes, Cupcakes, Slices of Loaf Breads, Dog Treats (a bigger list of suggestions here)

• We also welcome cakes or pies, which we will sell whole at a higher price (lots of options for cake boxes such as this one)

• We welcome traditional/standard ingredients, or alternative options (vegan, gluten free, nut-free)

• When signing up, scan through what others' are bringing - if ten people are already bringing Rice Krispie Treats, we're probably covered on that front ;-) 

BLOOD DRIVE:

Specific guidelines have recently changed & many can now give blood again!

✓  FREE for everyone:  no fees or cost whatsoever to give blood

✓  All are invited: ages 16, 17, 18, & up  [no upper age limit!]

✓  Only 16 year olds specifically require a signed Parent Consent hospital form  [download form here]

✓  Even first-timers are welcome: donors able to find out their own individual blood type within about a week

✓  Most common medications no problem (aspirin, cholesterol, blood pressure, birth control, pain pills, antidepressants/anxiety, thyroid, even diabetics taking insulin)

✓  Ink-work tattoos & ear/body piercings are allowed (as long as it was a professional licensed shop & no amateur settings, i.e. home/garage or incarceration)

✓  The actual blood donation process itself only takes about 10 mins & is fairly simple

✓  All donors be sure to have photo I.D. or a picture of it on their smartphone is okay (driver license, Calif I.D., or a passport will work best)

✓  Adios to finger-sticks!  The non-invasive finger sensor device is the newest innovation for easy iron readings & makes it a cinch

PLEASE RSVP TO DONATE BLOOD HERE

The following helpful link is from our Nutrition Dept of Registered Dieticians:  good for anyone who’s ever had decreased iron, which can fluctuate monthly/throughout the year and yes they most definitely can try again (most people don’t have actual diagnosed anemia).  And I’ve met vegetarians/full-vegans who don’t eat even any meat yet still have sufficient iron to give blood just fine:

Iron • detailed info & beneficial food list

From the Red Cross:

“Severe winter weather and wildfires have forced thousands of blood donations to go uncollected. There is a critical need for platelets, as well as an emergency shortage for types O negative and B negative blood. Donors are needed TODAY!”

Feel free to email us with questions: hangoutdogood@gmail.com.

WELCOME TO OUR YOUTH OUTREACH SNACK BAGS

To sign up, please reach out to Melissa: mel7valencia@gmail.com

We have 2 teams, so each person will be doing dinner bags twice a month (every other Wednesday.) Dinner bags will be given to Covenant House and My Friend’s Place.

Details:

• Please provide 10 Youth Outreach Bags

• Shelf stable items to pack in each bag and examples of the protein items to include:

• Beverage: Juice Box or bottle of water

• Fruit cup (include spoon) or Apple Sauce squeeze

• Bag of chips

• Granola Bar

• Cookies

• Napkin

• Pick one of the below for protein:

• Tuna/Chicken Lunch to-go kit OR Beef Jerky+ Crackers

If you’d like to include anything else (masks, chapsticks, etc.) you are more than welcome to, but the list is the essentials that we’d like included in each bag. Please no cash (this actually endangers folks and makes them targets.) Each bag should contain one of each item listed, except the protein items - include either tuna or chicken kit or jerky+crackers.

Please DROP OFF BY 12 PM to Helen’s House: 611 Lilian Way, 90004