PolyGlobal Event: What Los Angeles Can Learn About Ending Homelessness

Student Reflection by Elizabeth H. ’27

I had the pleasure of attending a homelessness panel organized and presented by Lennon S. ’26, a member of the PolyGlobal Scholars cohort. The panel featured three local experts and advocates who are focused on homelessness in Pasadena and the greater Los Angeles area.

Attending the homelessness panel was a truly eye-opening experience for me, offering a much deeper and more personal understanding of an issue I had previously only seen from a distance. Hearing directly from Ms. Jones (City of Pasadena), Ms. Scott (Door of Hope), and Ms. Alvarez (Door of Hope) brought a human perspective to homelessness in Pasadena and the greater Los Angeles area. 

Before the panel, I tended to associate homelessness primarily with what is visible—people living on sidewalks or in encampments. However, the speakers emphasized that homelessness often looks very different from these assumptions. Many individuals and families are part of what is sometimes called the “hidden homeless,” staying in cars, temporary hotel rooms, or moving between friends’ homes. This insight challenged my previous perceptions and made me realize how much of the crisis exists beyond what we immediately see.

Another key takeaway from the panel was the importance of trust and patience in outreach work. The panelists explained that building relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness can take time, sometimes requiring multiple check-ins before a person feels comfortable accepting help. This highlighted how addressing homelessness is not simply a matter of providing resources or services but also about creating meaningful human connections. Outreach workers must approach their work with empathy, consistency, and respect for each person’s autonomy, which adds a new layer of complexity to my understanding of solutions to homelessness.

The discussion also underscored how fragile housing stability can be and how quickly circumstances can change. The speakers shared examples of individuals who became homeless due to sudden job loss, domestic violence, or unexpected disasters such as the Eaton fires. These stories made it clear that homelessness is not a distant or isolated issue but one that can affect a wide range of people under what the public assumes to be the right circumstances. It shifted my thinking from seeing homelessness as a static condition to understanding it as something that can happen rapidly and often without warning.

Overall, the panel gave me a much deeper appreciation for the organizations and individuals working tirelessly to support people experiencing homelessness. It made it clear that effective solutions must be multifaceted, long-term, and rooted in both policy and compassion. The experience not only broadened my perspective but also encouraged me to think more critically about how communities can respond to and prevent homelessness. I am grateful to Lennon for organizing such an informative and impactful event that sparked these reflections.