By Mary O’KEEFE

Glendale police recently responded to a call at a local gas station concerning a disturbance that turned into something officers didn’t expect. What was thought to be a possible domestic dispute was found to be a family in need.

“The [family] had been living in their [SUV] since September of last year,” said Sgt. Patrick Magtoto, GPD Crime Impact Team.

The initial call was valid; the mother and father were in an argument but once the “dust settled” Officers Newborg and Lee saw that six children and their parents needed help, Magtoto said.

The family had driven to Glendale and stopped at a gas station at Glendale Avenue and Monterey Road.

“They had spent the night in the car,” Magtoto said.

The family’s plight touched the hearts of the officers who contacted Glendale Community Services and Parks who linked them to Family Promise of the Verdugos, where they began the intake process.

“You are affected by [what you see],” he said. “There were six kids all under the age of 7, many in diapers.”

The family had fallen on hard times. They worked when they could find a job but nothing was found that could sustain monthly rent and food. The family would have enough funds to stay in a hotel for a few nights each week but then would be back in their car.

In the past the family had gone through the process of getting assistance but were told that because they made some money no one could do anything for them, Magtoto said. They had become frustrated by the process that seemed to be against them at every turn … that is until they drove into the City of Glendale.

Magtoto reached out to the city services and organizations that were available. The family was fast-tracked at LA Family Housing but still had to wait days before there was something available.

“The dilemma was how do we get them to Tuesday [when housing was available] from Friday when [they were found at the gas station]?” he said.

GPD decided to access funds through a grant secured a few years back that could be used to help those in need.

“We have been very prudent on how we spent the money,” he said.

They were able to use this money to get a motel room for the family for four days. Glendale Unified School District joined in support by donating food and Target gift cards. The team was able to find transitional housing for the family while they waited for a more permanent solution.

“We are still working on a long-term solution,” Magtoto said.

Often those who are homeless are helped by police and civic organizations but there is not any follow-through; but for Magtoto getting initial help is just the beginning.

“I stay in touch,” he said. “[The family] is proud and at first was hesitant to take help.”

But after they found there was not only help but a continuum of care they were very appreciative of the support and assistance.

Glendale’s homeless and mental health outreach teams work together with the city and local organizations but not all homeless encounters are the same. Recently an officer had an encounter with a homeless person suspected of committing a robbery who became violent. The officer ended up with a broken nose. GPD does have a quick response when dealing with encampments, closing them down within 72 hours of discovery, and they don’t arbitrarily kick people off the street. Instead they try to work with people to get them housing and other services.

“We cannot arrest our way out of this homeless [crisis],” Magtoto said. “We take a balanced, measured approach to [the issue].”

He said there are some homeless people who do not want help, including housing, and although the police don’t allow them to set up an encampment they take a responsible approach when helping them.

“There is that balance we seek. The [citizens of Glendale] want to continue their quality of life and at the same time we want to help those in need,” he said.

He added the police and organizations that work together know the Glendale City Council will back them up and give them the support they need.

Magtoto also praised the generosity of the people he has met in Glendale. When several of the customers and neighbors of the gas station realized this family was in need they too offered money and asked how they could help. The family too was grateful as they realized how many people were there to help them.

Magtoto said the family shared their concerns when they first saw officers, fearing it would end with one or both being arrested, only to end up in a motel room with hope for the future.

“Every contact does count, and [it is] even more imperative to find long-term solutions,” he said. “People don’t want a band aid fix; they want a [real] solution.”

  Mary Okeefe