Wille J. Dangerfield Outreach helps the homeless

'Tis the Season! I do pray that you are having a safe, healthy, and wonderful holiday season.

Over the next several weeks, you will be asked to give, serve and/or donate to charities, shelters, GoFundMe campaigns and other causes. We are making you keenly aware of one more thing, which is doing the important work of the people, for the people - that is, all people. We proudly introduce the Willie J. Dangerfield Outreach Foundation (WJDOF).

We are all aware that there is global homelessness and a housing crisis. However, what many may not know is that this is a crisis affecting children and families alike. In our home of Los Angeles County alone, according to the Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority, approximately 69,144 people experienced homelessness in 2022. Of these, over 20,000 received shelter on any night. Out of the 69,144, South Los Angeles is the second largest homeless community, showing a population of 15.7% (11,670). This GoFundMe campaign will raise money for blankets, coats, gloves, sweater caps, boots, socks, undies, and toiletries for those currently in need in South LA. (Go to this link to donate https://gofund.me/aad73d75)

Why these items? "More than not, when people find themselves in this state, they have very little. These items are a sign of encouragement to help them maintain their hygiene and well-being, while reestablishing their place in society," said Willie J. Dangerfield.

Founded in 2017, the Willie J. Dangerfield Outreach Foundation (WJDOF) is a 501(c)(3) organization, and the brainchild and legacy of the late Mrs. Willie J. Dangerfield. Since its genesis, WJDF has serviced several outreaches and shelters in Los Angeles including New Reflections Outreach, Triangle Christian Services, Greater True Light BC, Greater New Light Missionary Baptist Church, The Los Angeles Mission, and Fred Jordan Missions.

WJDOF continues to provide outreach services, including food, toiletries, clothing, housing, financial literacy, life skills, job training, and small business training and development, via its incubation center. We encourage, inspire, and empower homeless individuals to rise above their current circumstances, to return to the place and people they once were or may have only dreamed of becoming.

Our originator, Willie J. Dangerfield, obtained her bachelor’s degree in Social Science and master’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA). Her education aided her in securing a job with The County of Los Angeles as an eligibility worker. With her heart and passion for people, she worked to become a social services supervisor and continued to work tirelessly in her position for over 30 years before retiring Mrs. Dangerfield also faithfully served as an ordained minister for over 50 years, until she quietly passed away in her sleep on December 21, 2021.

In the early 1990s, she housed her first incubation center in her home when she turned her den into an office space. That business later went on to international acclaim when it helped to launch the career of female American urban contemporary gospel duo, Mary Mary, as well as to rebrand Glory Foods and Mr. Steve Harvey.

Throughout her lifetime, Mrs. Dangerfield worked with several outreach ministry groups and formed several ministries at her church. She formed youth ministries, served on evangelism teams, and serviced homeless shelters and convalescent facilities. One of her utmost passions was to ensure that every person she encountered would feel valued and have a positive quality of life. WDJOF is a direct reflection of Mrs. Dangerfield's devotion to and love for helping people.

"She would feed you, give you the clothes off her back, talk to you, teach you, give advice to you and hire you all on the same day," says Dr. Jefflyn Dangerfield, WJDOF Founder/director and proud daughter of Mrs. Willie J. Dangerfield.

Following Mrs. Dangerfield's passing, the Outreach Foundation was established to not only preserve her memory, but to also continue her advocacy and paramount work to uplift and empower others with love, fervor, and conviction.

This event is the first of many that WJDOF will sponsor, to support its three major subsets: community, fundraising and incubation. WDJOF is hoping to raise Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) to service 500 to 1000 families in need in South Los Angeles. 100% of the proceeds will purchase toiletries, feminine products, blankets, socks, undies, and snacks for various homeless/women shelters in said area.

We are humbly seeking monetary support for the Wille J. Dangerfield Outreach Foundation. All donations are charitable donations.

Imagine you only had $15 (the average amount stated that a homeless person may have in their pocket a any given time) and you had to choose between food or toiletries, wouldn’t you like to know that someone had taken care of your toiletry needs for you? Or if you had to choose between a blanket to keep you warm and gas in your tank, wouldn’t it make you feel good to know that you could have both without having to choose? Or if your children needed socks and undies and you had to choose whether they would get them or a bed to sleep in, wouldn’t you feel better knowing both needs were met? These things may seem small but when you have to make a choice they can become very large. Remember it is the little things that make a difference. Please provide these families with this peace of mind, especially now during this season. Help us meet these needs for them. Help us spread the love and conviction of Mrs. Dangerfield’s heart.

Whether small or large, every donation counts. We sincerely THANK YOU in advance for your support of our homeless community. You are certainly making a difference, and your contribution will be felt! (Go to this link to donate https://gofund.me/aad73d75.

Graciously,

Dr. Jefflyn Dangerfield and the Board of the Willie J. Dangerfield Outreach Foundation