Dear Ascencia,

The end of summer is approaching, but the dangerously hot weather continues. On the tail end of another major heatwave, we are reminded that regardless of the weather, our dedicated staff remains committed to our mission. We are boots on the ground, working tirelessly to improve the lives of those we serve, advocate for accessible housing, and bring people home. Ascencia is thankful for our generous community and their support that makes our work possible.

We will continue sharing inspiring client success stories, but today, I want to shift our focus to another important matter. September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a month to remember the lives lost to suicide, and a time to raise awareness of this stigmatized topic.

The primary risk factors for suicide include: Depression and Mental Illness, Anxiety and Stress, Family Conflict, Isolation and Loneliness, Domestic or Sexual Abuse, Unemployment, Alcohol or Drug Use, Previous Suicide Attempts, and Adverse Childhood Experiences. These risk factors closely mirror both the common causes and effects of homelessness.

Comparative studies reveal that suicide rates among homeless individuals are significantly higher than those in the general population. In a 2012 study, the suicide rate for a homeless group was found to be 10 times greater, with other research indicating a heightened risk of suicide among the homeless community. Over half of homeless individuals have contemplated or attempted suicide, and over 40% of homeless teenagers grapple with depression, a rate 12% higher than their housed peers. Additionally, studies have shown that LGBTQ youth facing homelessness are twice as likely to die by suicide compared to heterosexual homeless youth, as reported by the National Coalition for the Homeless.

Please join us in spreading awareness, creating safe spaces, and sharing resources. Starting a conversation can help save a life. Studies show people who are having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks about them in a caring way.

Learn more about how to help support someone you care about through a crisis at nami.org/suicidepreventionmonth. If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide, immediate help is available. Call, text, or chat 988 to speak to a trained crisis counselor offering support 24/7/365.

With Gratitude,

Dr. Laura Duncan

Executive Director

Wellness Case Manager Takeover

Welcome to Wellness!

I’m Takila Harvey, a Wellness Case Manager dedicated to supporting Ascencia's clients that are experiencing homelessness. I started at Ascencia just last month, and I'm excited to be on the Wellness Programs team!

Effective case management involves integrated care for those experiencing homelessness, including individualized plans and a Housing First approach. I find great fulfillment in helping clients access essential services, maintain their dignity, and build trust, especially with those facing trauma.

Wellness Case Management focuses on comprehensive wellness services such as mental health support, substance abuse counseling, and primary care. Building trust through outreach, connecting with peer support, and navigating complex systems are crucial, and preventative wellness services can alleviate more intensive interventions later.

A compassionate approach among service providers, community organizations, and government agencies is essential for addressing homelessness and improving lives. I cherish working with the committed team at Ascencia we strive to acknowledge each life's circumstances and approach each situation with kindness and respect.

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'”

-Martin Luther King Jr.

L.A. Care Cares

Ascencia is grateful to L.A. Care Health Plan for awarding us $250k towards Housing Equity! This grant will help us to fund a Housing Retention Case Manager and a DEI Coordinator at Ascencia.

L.A. Care Health Plan is the largest health plan in the county serving more than 2.7 million Angelenos. Their mission is to provide quality healthcare for low-income communities in L.A. County, emphasizing quality, access, and inclusion for all. L.A. Care is awarding 12 organizations with funds aimed at preventing homelessness and addressing housing equity across L.A. County. L.A. Care chose Ascencia as 1 of the 12 Housing Equity Initiative I grantees!

Research has shown that there is a racial bias built into systems that determine an individual’s vulnerability, and access to housing vouchers and housing services. The 12 awards support projects that seek to improve these systems and to expand housing options for populations that experience higher rates of homelessness and housing insecurity. Those disproportionately impacted by housing insecurity include BIPOC and low-income communities, LGBTQIA+ populations, people with mental illness and substance use disorder, families (especially single parent led) that experienced trauma and housing insecurity, and seniors.

With this grant, Ascencia will be able to improve our housing programs and our DEI initiatives to better serve our community. Thank you, L.A. Care, for supporting Ascencia’s mission!

Summer Campaign Progress

Thank you so much to our incredibly generous community for raising $55,000 for our summer campaign: Providing the Steps Toward Home! Your contributions go to Ascencia's General Operating Fund, which funds our programs that need it most!

Right now, we need help covering our outsourced Mental Health services, including our trauma therapy, telepsychiatry, and children's art therapy programs. In addition, with food costs as high as they are, we need funds to cover meals served at our shelter, 3 times a day, 7 days a week, to our 45 shelter residents. Your support is much appreciated!

Every dollar you donate makes a difference. Our campaign ends at the end of the month, so please give now if you can.

Donate Now at www.AscenciaCA.org/Donate. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to our mission!

Donate Now to Help us Save More Lives.

Host a Donation Drive!

Grab your friends, family, classmates or co-workers and host a donation drive for Ascencia! We are always in need of hygiene products, new clothing, food pantry items, and more to have in our outreach vans and donation closet for the people we serve.