Providing Food and Resources to West Hollywood’s Unhoused Population

Jewish Family Service LA’s SOVA Community Food & Resource Program operates food pantries across Los Angeles, but one is unique in its mission. At Plummer Park in West Hollywood, JFSLA has opened a pop-up pantry that exclusively serves the community’s homeless population. The pantry–operated every Tuesday morning by Jeth Ray Sisior, JFSLA’s SOVA Pop-Up Coordinator, and JFSLA’s incredible volunteers Caroline Nagy and Sam Elbaz–has seen a significant increase in visitors in the last year. From initially serving 10-15 individuals weekly, the pantry now assists 45-50 individuals experiencing homelessness each week. Since January 7th, the SOVA pop-up has also supported individuals who lost their homes in the fires. 

Visitors to the pantry receive non-perishable food items, toiletries, and referrals to additional resources. Jeth Ray manages client intake and enrolls individuals in SOVA’s Community Food & Resource Program. He also ensures that each client’s specific needs, such as dietary restrictions or personal requests, are addressed.

“The SOVA pop-up pantry is a steppingstone for individuals struggling with housing insecurity and we are here to help them move forward through a difficult time,” said Jeth Ray.

One of Jeth Ray’s most heartwarming success stories involves a visitor who came to the pop-up pantry every week. After a period of absence, Jeth Ray unexpectedly ran into this individual at the SOVA Valley food pantry in Van Nuys. This time, the man looked completely different—well-groomed and in a better headspace. He shared with Jeth Ray that he had secured an apartment and was attending culinary school. He was so grateful for the support he’d received from JFSLA.

“We know our clients by name. We know their stories,” said Caroline Nagy, a volunteer at the Plummer Park pop-up. “Weekly, we would set aside this individual’s favorite danish for him, and he’d be so happy. When he stopped showing up, we didn’t know what had happened to him until he came by months later. He returned to say hello and let us know he was okay. It was one of the best hugs I’ve ever received in my life.”

JFSLA is grateful to serve alongside, Ascencia (a housing organization) is on-site and helping to make this pop-up pantry so successful. This collaboration allows for seamless referrals between the two organizations. SOVA can direct clients in need of housing assistance to Ascencia, while Ascencia can send clients to the SOVA pantries for food. 

The pop-up pantry has also attracted people who want to learn more about JFSLA’s work. As a result, more people have become volunteers, donors, and even clients. 

“While there may be some who still struggle with the complexities of homelessness, we feel that we are educating the community and raising awareness about the issue,” said Jeth Ray. “These are individuals who are going through challenging transitions; we are just a helping hand in their journey.” 

Jewish Family Service LA’s SOVA pop-up pantry at Plummer Park in West Hollywood is more than just a food distribution site for individuals experiencing homelessness—it’s a crucial resource providing nourishment, support, and a sense of community to some of the most vulnerable people in LA.

“Although the number of participants visiting the pantry is increasing, I see it as a positive development. It signifies that we’re meeting a need in this close-knit community, where it’s clear that word has spread about our pop-up being a safe and welcoming space for those unhoused,” said Joyce Williams, JFSLA’s Director of Volunteers and Training. “Much of the success of this site can be attributed to Jeth Ray and our volunteers, Caroline and Sam. This position calls for individuals with the ability to build strong relationships, inspire repeat visits, and create an environment where people feel comfortable sharing their stories.”

As the SOVA pop-up pantry in Plummer Park continues to grow, it will undoubtedly remain a beacon of support and empowerment for those navigating the difficult journey out of homelessness.

“I know there are people with more knowledge and resources working to address homelessness on a larger scale, but on Tuesday mornings, Jeth Ray, the other volunteers, and I are doing our best to create change at the micro level by offering the most basic human needs—food, supplies, and most importantly, kindness,” said Caroline.