Readers of my books know well the moment in a movie when a hero does something nice — like save a cat — endears him to us and makes us root for him.
But the act itself stands alone.
The universal truth is that acts of selflessness, charity, and plain kindness not only help the world, but give us a renewed life as well.
Yet we rarely get a chance to act.
I want to speak on behalf of an organization here in Los Angeles that needs our help, and gives us all the opportunity to give back to a truly worthy cause.
Every night in LA there are 7,000 homeless families (approximately 15,000 children) who are sleeping on the streets, in their cars, or in and out of shelters, including missions in Skid Row — and the situation is getting worse!
Beyond Shelter’s “Housing First” program has been helping homeless families with children for over 20 years. Through their efforts, over 4,000 families have moved into permanent housing in residential neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles County. Once back in housing at rents they can afford, parents are able to begin the process of rebuilding their lives for themselves and for their children.
For those many families, Beyond Shelter is their last hope. With your help, we can give them hope — and a hand.
Take time for a moment to think of a family that once felt safe — they were renting a home, had a job, paid their bills, and then the pink slip came, or their hours were cut, or their landlord defaulted. These families who were getting by are now homeless… their children are homeless.
I serve on Beyond Shelter’s Emergency Campaign Committee, and I am challenging Cat! Nation to save homeless families! This week (June 15-19), we need to raise $25,000 in five days.
Please make your best gift to help these families.
I know your generosity will make the difference.
June 22: We’re extending the campaign through June 30. Here are the names of our generous contributors (so far):
Elizabeth Fais
Debby Chang
Jennifer Chang
Barry Cutler
Paul Brannigan
Mike Rinaldi
Claudia Kim Wolfkind
Jeff Stearns
John Bradford Richardson
Scott Woehrer
Brian Finney
Peggy Schatz
Shane Laporte
Yasuko Whitmore
David Strom
Alex Tucker
Forrest Knutson
Pat Flaherty
Marty Lang
Anne Lower
Thank you one and all!
Blake Snyder
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Blake, this is awesome!!! Anyone with Twitter can try #savethecat, and here is the small url – http://bit.ly/hrwWx
Pretty amazing charity, thanks for posting this Blake. Some of these people have lives just like you and I, and they just fell off the path to reaching their dreams come true. While you’re looking at the website, I hope those with children can think about them and how lucky you are to be able to avoid not being able to afford to buy them the latest toys or send them to a worse school because you can’t transport them back and forth. You have that peace of mind, and that load can be removed from other parents simply by offering your help:)
We do things to help people because God sends them to us. And yes, But by the grace of God go I here. Carol and I have extra room so two weeks ago we put a homeless mother and daughter in it. We share what we have,but the valuable gift is the love we give and get with no expectations. Anna 33 and Kendall 12 got here in a nich of time because Kendall has a sexual predator hot on her heals. The child is no longer a bird fell from it’s nest.We face her life by her side. With the job comes the strength to handle it.We found that out the third day when Kendall was admitted to a childrens hospitol.What would they have done without The Captain? What could I do with myself if I did nothing to help? Just do it! We do it to really and truely be alive.
I’ll deliver my donation in person when I come down for the Master Board Class on the 27th – 28th!
I wish I had available funds right now! I see a lot of these folks in Hollywood. At church, we feed them on Sunday afternoons, and the numbers (especially of those with families) as been up lately. Things really are rough and we do need to help each other.
Blake, your generous actions inspire me. Friday is payday at the grocery store. I’ll do what I can. Bradford
@ Captain Perry and others, very inspiring.
The economy being what it is, I’m one of the lucky ones right now. God knows it wouldn’t take much to change that status. I hope my contribution was able to help in some way.
Blake thank you for doing this. I am glad to help.
Solid organization, worthy cause, huge need. I have a few friends who are involved with Beyone Shelter. Definitely an organization that deserves more attention and publicity.
Blake
I wish that I had the funds to contribute to your cause. I know how dear to your heart this charity sits.
By the By – good Save the Cat – review in Writer’s Digest. Congrats – 12th printing? I love it when a plan comes together!
Namaste Speedo
I don’t have a lot of money, and I don’t even live in L.A., but I’m a father of a two-year old boy. And I know how I’d feel if we had to live on the street, or didn’t have enough food. This is a world-wide problem (there’s enough of it in my own city), but I made a donation because Blake’s been so generous with sharing his knowledge, both with his books and seminars, and even just by answering my questions via email… it’s time to give back! Cats of the world unite! Let’s meet that goal!
I completely agree. I know that except for the grace of God go I. I juggle with finances every day just to try to make it through, but I know there is nothing more rewarding and necessary than helping others. We are all living this spiritual experience together. I just wish I could do more.
This is a drop in the bucket, a tiny thank you for all that Blake has done for us. God Bless you, Blake.
Great topic, Blake. Here is proof that it can – – and does happen to even the most talented people. http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/lists/homeless.html
Blake: Sixteen people have made contributions to Beyond Shelter so far – and we are so appreciative for their caring and support! Thank you for keeping the “challenge” going until the end of the month – because everything helps. (President/CEO, Beyond Shelter)
Blake’s generosity in sharing his knowledge and experience has changed the lives and careers of many, including myself. He’s given us the breaks we need and I for one am delighted to be able to do what I can to help give a break to others. Pay it Forward.