Current and former gang members have long come to Homeboy Industries to get their lives back on track, in part lured by their trust in Father Greg Boyle, a Jesuit priest who founded the nonprofit nearly 40 years ago.
At Homeboy’s headquarters in Chinatown, people receive employment, tattoo removal, therapy and more. But in recent years, Homeboy said individuals increasingly arrive needing more help than the nonprofit can provide.
Faced with pronounced substance abuse and mental health problems that require supervision and a place to sleep while undergoing treatment, Homeboy had to refer those individuals to outside organizations that provide beds.
We understand that Homeboy Industries will be making their new home at the Monastery of the Angels pending a grant. We will keep you posted when this arrangement is final.
Here’s a link to the LA Times Article that explains it in detail.
Photo: Father Boyle in the center – photo by LA Times.