Every day, hundreds of men on Skid Row need basic things; a shower, clean socks, assistance getting an ID so they can apply for a job.
These aren’t big asks, but without the right space and the right resources, they’re impossible to meet.
To meet some of these needs, Cardinal Manning Center has reopening its Day Center and we’re expanding our ability to serve more of our neighbors than ever before.
What the Day Center Actually Does
The Cardinal Manning Center has been a cornerstone of Skid Row for years. Our 65-bed interim housing program gets men off the streets and into stable, supported living with dedicated case managers, healthcare connections, job training, and a real path toward permanent housing.
The Day Center is the front door to all of that. It’s open to anyone in the community. No enrollment, no paperwork, just come as you are. Inside, neighbors can access a hot breakfast, a phone, a computer, a shower, and connections to the services that can actually change the trajectory of their lives.
For many men on Skid Row, the Day Center is the first place that has ever treated them like a person.
More Capacity Means More Resources
Expanding our services on Skid Row is something we are incredibly proud of. It also means we need more supplies to make it work.
That’s where we’re asking for your help.
We’ve built an Amazon Wishlist that makes it easy to send exactly what our neighbors need, directly to us. You can shop, knowing that it will land in the hands of someone who needs it.
Impulse Gifts — $5 to $50
Small items.
A fresh pair of socks after weeks on the street. A razor before a job interview. A water bottle that actually keeps water cold on a 90-degree day in LA. These are the items that feel small to purchase and feel enormous to receive.
- Socks
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Flip flops
- Underwear
- Razors
- Water bottles
Mid-Tier Gifts — $50 to $100
The things that help someone show up.
A backpack that holds everything you own. A towel that’s actually yours. A hygiene kit that says someone thought of you before you even walked in the door.
- Hygiene kits
- Towels
- Backpacks
- Rain ponchos
Sponsor-Level Gifts — $100 and up
For those who want to go bigger.
Bulk purchases and facility supplies keep the Day Center running for everyone who walks through the door. If you want your contribution to have a wide reach, this is the tier for you.
- Bulk hygiene and supply purchases
- Facility supplies
Real Impact.
You don’t have to give big to give meaningfully. A $7 pack of socks sent from your couch in the next five minutes will be in someone’s hands on Skid Row within the week.
Our neighbors deserve more and now it’s easier than ever for you to be part of that expansion — one item at a time.
Click here for the Amazon Wishlist
The Cardinal Manning Center is a program of St. Vincent de Paul since 1955. Learn more at https://svdpla.org/mens-shelter-community-center/
