Farhad

Farhad, a young Farsi-speaking man, reached out to Jewish Family Service LA for assistance from a downtown homeless shelter. Prior to the pandemic, life had not been easy for him, but he had managed overall. Originally from Iran, Farhad came to California on a student visa eight years ago and chose to stay, knowing there was little to go back to in his home country. Most recently he had been able to find sporadic work and was renting a room from an acquaintance. The work was not steady, but he earned enough to keep his room as he had minimal expenses. During the pandemic, work dried up and Farhad could no longer pay his rent. He was forced to give up his room, even though he had nowhere to go. Fearful and without options, Farhad spent a few nights on the street until he found a shelter that would take him in. He was confused and overwhelmed there, mostly keeping to himself. Remarkably, one of the residents suggested he contact JFS, as he knew JFS could provide help in Farhad’s native language.

When Farhad first spoke with Shadi, one of the JFS CENTRAL ACCESS social workers, he was extremely anxious, and it was challenging to understand the details of his circumstances. After several phone sessions, Shadi learned that Farhad did not have anyone he could count on in Los Angeles and very little support anywhere. Shadi was able to provide transportation assistance (TAP cards) and coordination with the JFS SOVA Community Food & Resource Program for food. Once he was connected to JFS SOVA, Farhad was able to pick up much-needed food and toiletries.

Shadi provided short-term case management support and connected Farhad to the JFS Mental Health Services program for assessment (in his native language) of Farhad’s mental state and options for treatment. Case management support was intensive, and Shadi and Farhad reached out to numerous agencies to better understand his options and make needed connections. Ultimately, with much advocacy, Shadi was able to connect him with a homeless services provider. Farhad is now in transitional housing and has a stable place to stay while he works on his plan for the future.

Snip-It about this Program: JFS’ CENTRAL ACCESS PROGRAM provides information, referral, and short-term case management. Social workers are located at the JFS Pico[1]Robertson Family Resource Center and at the JFS SOVA Community Food and Resource Center in Van Nuys. Central Access staff field over 300 intake calls each month and provide over 40 emergency financial assistance grants each month. Funding for Central Access is provided by The Jewish Federation, private foundations, and JFS fundraising.