Finding Hope, Health and Homes: Remembering Mollie Lowery

July 26, 2016

This week, Los Angeles said farewell to one of its fiercest advocates for our neighbors in need. Mollie Lowery, who passed away on Monday, spent more than four decades on Skid Row, helping homeless men, women and children to find dignity, health, hope and a new future for themselves and their families.

The legacy she created, first as founder of LAMP Community and later with Housing Works, stands as an incredible example of how one person’s compassion and commitment can transform the lives of thousands. In January, Lowery was selected as one of CCF’s Unsung Heroes of Los Angeles County, and she shared with us this story.

“I’ve been doing this kind of work for 45 years now, and I still believe human nature is good. Every day, I learn it’s the truth. I learn from folks who are told they’re nothing. Yet they say, ‘I want a chance, I want to live and I’m grateful.’

As a founder of LAMP Community on Skid Row, I wanted it to be a place with a real sense of community; a place people wanted to come to. Mental health and substance abuse treatment have to become accessible to everyone. Permanent supportive housing is one solution to ending homelessness. It isn’t the only one. But it’s their gateway to a home and getting needed treatment.

I know we’re supposed to think big and mainstream. On the occasions I’ve tried to do that, I’ve realized I’m just about one-on-one, one person, one life, one relationship at a time to make it a better world.”

To learn more about how you can support Mollie Lowery’s legacy and improve the lives of homeless Angelenos, visit housingworksca.org.

Photo by Noe Montes.

TAGS: Centennial, homelessness, los angeles, unsung heroes

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