In January 2018 the PRNC voted to take the next step on homeless outreach with the Clean Streets Clean Starts program. In 2017 the Homeless Solutions Committee, comprised of Susan Gorman-Chang, David Balen and Jason Hector, spent several months meeting Porter Ranch homeless individuals, learning their names, talking to them about their situation, giving them a hot, home-cooked meal, and providing them with information about where they can get help.

The Clean Streets Clean Starts Program was designed to provide resources to homeless people, provide some job experience, and to clean up the community. The PRNC approved a grant for $5,000 which covers breakfast, grocery cards for food, bus tokens or TAP cards to get to a shelter and supplies. The program started in May as a twice a week program for six weeks. Participants met at Pillars Cafe at Shepherd Church, enjoyed breakfast and then worked for three hours cleaning the community. At the end they received a $25 gift card for their work, to buy food. Each participant also worked with a Navigator to work on their resume and take steps towards getting permanent housing.

In the first week the crew picked up trash on Rinaldi and did some tree trimming. In the second week they prepped fire hydrants for painting by cleaning them and applying a base coat. On a subsequent day they applied the top coat.

The Clean Streets Clean Starts Program is run by Don Larson who has also run this program in Northridge with great success. For his efforts he has received the Heart of the City award at City Hall. Find out more about Clean Streets Clean Starts. 

The PRNC is excited to bring this revolutionary program to our community, benefitting both our homeless and housed community. We are looking forward to a second session of Clean Streets Clean Starts again in Porter Ranch in a few months.