IN THE NEWS First To Serve, Inc. is known throughout the community for collaborating with local providers in an effort to provide expert integrated services to address the various conditions our clients face as they work to become whole again. Black History Month: Former Homeless Man Helps Others Get on Their Feet Rev. Richard Reed founded the agency “First to Serve,” which helps homeless people get off the streets. Published February 3, 2019 A former homeless man found his redemption in a ministry born in Los Angeles’ African American Episcopal Church. Beverly White reports for the NBC4 News at 11 on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019. What to Know Richard Reed founded the agency “First To Serve” 20 years ago. He’s helped thousands of men and women each year off the streets or referred by partner agencies. Reed fell onto hard times, living in his car, because he couldn’t afford rent at a “sober living house” nearby. He’s helped thousands of men and women each year off the streets or referred by partner agencies. Reed said that people coming out of homelessness and out of prison find a home in his facility. Two clients who agreed to speak with NBC4 called Reed and First to Serve a “lighthouse in a storm.” “I was homeless for three years because I lost my Section 8. Homeless three years,” client Bonnetta Simmons said. Reed said that First to Serve is for people who need particular services, such as life skills and job preparation, or face domestic violence, homelessness and they can’t care for themselves. “I’ve lived on the street for two years in Sacramento, and I’ve seen how people are treated,” client Reba Thomas said. “The women — dealing with the domestic abuse, rape and drugs.” Reed’s connection to homelessness began decades ago in Los Angeles. He fell onto hard times, living in his car, because he couldn’t afford rent at a “sober living house” nearby. “I couldn’t get myself together,” Reed said. “I used to work two to three jobs. I couldn’t make it. Just couldn’t make it. It was cold and hard to take showers. It was very complicated.” Reed sprung into action when his pastor, LA’s legendary Rev. Cecil “Chip” Murray, pushed him to launch First To Serve. “I told him, ‘I’m homeless. I don’t have a place to stay,'” Reed said. “He changed it around and said, ‘You know what son? I have something for you.'” Reed also became a minister and now coordinates 15 facilities, including First to Serve, where his awards fill the walls. He also is certified as a drug and alcohol counselor. Reed strives for dignity and safety for all clients at every facility. All employees are certified and compassionate. “I saw the need in what I went through,” Reed said. “I wanted to help another individual so if they happened to go through what I went through, I can help them get on their feet. Or, stop them from even going through what I went through.” “I appreciate you guys. Keep up the good work,” Simmons said. First to Serve aims to forge connections and change lives, one client at a time. “Here, lets get back to what we used to be — upstanding citizens,” Thomas said. Reed’s goal is to make people whole from what he knows. “We as a people should not hate homelessness,” Reed said, “but be concerned that there’s not enough housing.” Original Article: https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/black-history-month-spotlight-former-homeless-man-helps-others-on-their-feet/3708/ Share This Post OUR MISSION We exist to make a difference in the Los Angeles Community; our mission is to provide comprehensive substance abuse treatment recovery services and supportive services to economically disadvantaged individuals that suffer from substance abuse, mental illness, and homelessness. LEARN MORE ABOUT First To Serve Outreach Ministries, Inc. is a Los Angeles based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving men, women and families affected by and struggling with substance abuse, domestic violence, and homelessness. We are excited that you have taken the opportunity to learn more about our organization. As you explore our website we hope that our work will inspire the spirit that fills each one of our leadership team, staff, and clients every day CONTACT 1017 W 50th St Los Angeles, CA 90037 USA Phone: (323) 758-4670 HOME ABOUT US SERVICES GALLERY NEWS/PRESS CONTACT US DONATE © Copyright 2021 First To Serve, Inc. | All Rights Reserved.