The pandemic forced some outreach programs in Los Angeles to pull back services to the homeless this past year, or stop them completely. But, our KNX Hero of the Week continued to feed people living on the street, despite the COVID-19 risk.
Every week, Jae Byon volunteers. It's something he's done for years. Whether at his church or with a rehab organization, Jae shares his love.
Before the pandemic, Jae worked with Fountain of Hope, helping people in Tijuana, Mexico. But, traveling became hard after COVID-19 hit. So, Jae started a local outreach program for homeless people living on Skid Row and at MacAuthur Park, offering sandwiches, water and clothing.
"Especially during the pandemic, they are more lonesome, and they are more hungry," says Jae. "Of course, there is more risk for the coronavirus. But, when I see that they need something, I [can't] stop helping them."
Tae Kim is Jae's pastor at All Nations Church in Lake View Terrace. He says Jae has an incredible way of motivating the people around him to help others. It often involves families in the Korean American community, who team-up to prepare and package food.
"People are making 500-700 sandwiches! Even if they can't be there on Skid Row, they make the sandwiches at home, and then send them to [Jae]," explains Pastor Kim. "So, he's been passing [out sandwiches] every Wednesday and Saturday, with... 25 to 30 people."
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Pastor Kim says families who volunteer with Jae include people young and old. They suit-up, sometimes in full head-to-toe safety gear. They walk around the homeless encampments, offering encouragement.
"Talking to them, spreading compassion," says Pastor Kim, "generosity, courage, and love."
Jae's connection with people goes beyond the food and clothing. Jae is an artist, and during his career he worked on projects with Universal and Disney. Now in retirement, Jae creates pieces of art in his workshop, and they are finished by the people Jae meets in rehab. "Any kind - metal, wood," says Jae, of the pieces he makes. It all provides a creative outlet for those seeking much-needed inspiration.
Volunteer Jae Byon of Los Angeles is our KNX Hero of the Week! KNX Heroes is brought to you by California Resources Corporation, saluting our military veterans, and all of our heroes! Go to https://www.crc.com/ for more information.
If you know someone like Jae, who is motivational and changing lives, nominate them as an upcoming KNX Hero of the Week, at KNX1070.com/nominate
