97-year-old L.A. homeless woman gets a home

A 97-year-old homeless woman who was living with her two sons in a battered 1973 Chevrolet Suburban in Venice has received a temporary home, compliments of a nonprofit Los Angeles housing group.

Bessie Mae Berger and sons Larry Wilkerson, 60, and Charlie Wilkerson, 62, had parked nightly on Venice Boulevard after losing their home in Palm Springs and failing to find a place to stay in Northern California.

But a Times story Friday that detailed her plight prompted authorities from the city, the county and the state to step up efforts to assist the trio and led the Integrated Recovery Network to offer them immediate shelter. 

The three are now staying at the California Villa Retirement Hotel in Van Nuys, Charlie Wilkerson said today. “We can make arrangements for the first three months,” said Marsha Temple, the recovery network’s executive director.

She said her group will also work to obtain additional long-term benefits for the three. The recovery network is funded by Kaiser Permanente, the Corp. for Supportive Housing and private donations and can provide placements for those who fall through the cracks for governmental services, she said.

-- Bob Pool

Photo: Bessie Mae Berger sleeps in the front seat of the 1973 Chevolet Suburban. Among the items on the dashboard: lottery tickets. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

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97-year-old L.A. homeless woman gets a home

Comments

[Fred]

Thank you. That was one of the most heart breaking stories I've read in a while.

[August]

Integrated Recovery Network is for mentally ill & alcoholic/drug addicts with MANDATORY 12-Step Religious Cult conversion and insane group therapy nonsense. What a disgrace the POVERTY PIMP are doing to this family!

[August]

This family NEEDS HOUSING, NOT A HORRIFYING LOS ANGELES INSTITUTION!

[Nique_mil]

I'm so happy for you, Mrs. Berger. May God bless you and your sons.

[LA Times Reader]

Glad to see that the family is getting some attention and care from the authorities for now.

[MauiPete]

A great example of Republican healthcare for the elderly!

[matthew]

Good job, Bob Pool and the LA Times. I was thinking the story might result in a positive outcome for that family and it seems it has (at least in the short term). Rather quickly, too... nice work!

[hurchel]

That is wonderful news, god bless them and you bob

[William Vaca]

It still amazes me how this administration values life outside our borders and how a poor 97 year old woman could be put out on the street. We would give money to Sudan but can’t give an elderly woman section 8 housing. I guess that is reserved for lazy scums who have 10 kids. How many elderly are homeless in this country??? The city has failed miserably; the police knowing that this poor woman was homeless would threaten her with a ticket for pan handling instead of helping a woman and finding the right agency so she could receive help. Well I know that if she failed to appear in court she would get a cot and a hot meal. Hollywood crowed and their space cadet thinking have seen this poor woman, seeing how she begged on one of the most famous beaches in the world, and for instance Kevin Nealon could just give her a pizza. What a cold hearted individual. I guess his career is really in the toilet and that’s all he could muster. It saddens me to even think of how many senior citizens are homeless in this country and the amount of money this administration spends to socialize every aspect of a free economy. Sending Brazil billions to drill for oil in their country so we can stay dependent on foreign oil and not here at home to help our own citizens. Well I am ashamed of this administration, myself, you, and everyone who calls themselves Americans. Maybe Nancy Pelosi should stop sucking wind and actually start to give a dam of her own constituents she represents.

[William Vaca]

Okay seeing how this is the LA time I bet my comments would not be posted. Good job Elroy

[Nichole Hoffman]

I'm so happy for this family and thankful for the group that is helping them.

[cordelia]

How can this happen in the richest, most powerful country in the world? There's enough money for entertainment, for weapons, for drugs, and no one can take care of these three old people? Shame on the country that invented democracy and luxury and money

[sandie]

Thank God. This story was so so sad.

[G]

Sad
how many others are lost in the system?

[james]

I cant believe this is happening in America. The richest country in the world and America cant find a perminent home for three elder individuals. Think about it, these people cant work and make a living to support themselves.

America needs to spend less on military might and serve the people. That is what governments are for; for the people

[AB]

Happy to hear. Too bad it takes a front page of one of the biggest (and best) papers in the country to get the richest country in the world to do the right thing and take care of its people. Just can't help but think about allll the others curling up in their backseats right now. -AB

[Lou Bricano]

This is wonderful news for this woman and her two shiftless sons, but why does it take a story in the Times to get a 97 year old woman off the streets?

[Beauty4Ashes]

Thank you L.A. Times for getting this story out, I have been critical of you in the past focusing mostly on down and out illegals when there are americans who are just as needy as seen with this story. Please continue to showcase our plight there are many of us.

[Graham Fisher]

I am so glad to hear this. Thank you, L.A. Times, for not just raising awareness of this specific family's plight, but of all L.A.'s homeless. Let's live up to being home of Hollywood - let's make some more happy endings.

[Ann]

Isn't it a nice change for genuine people in genuine straits to get media attention resulting in better circumstances. I would rather read and see such stories being covered then witness the spotlight being shone on those seeking attention by way of unethical actions.

Thank you L.A. Times!

[David E. Rodriguez]

It warms my heart to read this.

[Javier]

Don't everybody think that this is too late for a woman that deserved a modest place to live long time ago? Where are the feelings of the banks. Sooner more people are going to be in the same situation thanks to them. Thanks to them people are loosing their houses because for them the bussines is in front of all. GOD save Us from them.

[kerry]

Kudos for bringing this story out so that something could be done.
We become jaded to the homeless and forget they are real people with real stories.
Thanks again!

[iconico62]

How have we come to see these scenarios? The saddest part, perhaps the most insulting as well, is our claim to be a Christian nation. But for the grace of God, there go !. Or you.

[supa g]

Makes me want to cry. Wall street executives are back to their raping of the system, and people can't even have a roof over their heads, such BS!

[So Sad]

That's what happens when you have lazy sons.

[VU]

GOD BLESS THE PEOPLE FOR MAKING THIS HAPPENED. IT'S WONDERFUL THING TO DO. THE FIRST PERSON WHO BROUGHT IT TO THE NEWS WILL BE ALWAYS REMEMBERED. YOU ARE SUCH A GREATEST ONE. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS.

[Fred]

And also in the news, Goldman Sachs is preparing to give another round of bonuses (an average of 700,000 PER EMPLOYEE) after receiving a rescue via AIG bailout which saved their ars.

While the rest of us suffer incredibly, GS is raping our country unmitigated having purchased both political parties.

Stop the evil greed that is GS, this company is the most evil thing in our world today....

[ed]

That's great. I read the story the other day and it was very touching and sad that a 97 year old lady had to live on the streets. Glad they found a home, hopefully it more of a long term housing.

[O. Amaro]

These are the types of people who frothing rightwingers fail to see when screaming about "socialism"..."Marxism" or complain about supporting those " too lazy to work."

The fact that this is even ALLOWED to happen in the U.S. is morally wrong -- on both a social and governmental level. I would gladly pay extra in taxes knowing I could help less fortunate human beings, rather than paying for bigger bombs or bailing out corporations.

[nick]

That is a really nice thing to do for that family. Bless You!

[Mr.G...]

What about ALL the other homeless people,they got nothing coming because their story was not in the paper...
Thats not cool...

[Victor]

There but for the grace of God, go I.

[TheBigPicture]

Am I missing something here...are all three mentally challenged...the whole family are "transients." 60 and 62 is not that old, they should be able to obtain employment. I understand that a Walmart greeter gets minimum wage and some type of health insurance.

Could you image these characters camping out in front of your house in some beat down Chevy...I think they need to be institutionalized...for the safety of the family and the public.

[TheBigPicture]

JAMES wrote "I cant believe this is happening in America. The richest country in the world and America cant find a perminent home for three elder individuals. Think about it, these people cant work and make a living to support themselves. America needs to spend less on military might and serve the people. That is what governments are for; for the people" Posted by: james | October 19, 2009 at 09:04 PM

I don't understand all of these comments, everyone want the tax payers to foot the bill for everyone who's made bad decisions throughout their lives.

The sons who are 60 and 62 may live to be nearly their mother's age of 97. You want taxpayers to provide a home for two able bodied people for the next 35 years...just because...

One guy referred to the mean Banker, like it's one miser sitting on a mound of money with no conscience...Banks are owned by stock shareholders, citizen taxpayers, and I don't want my company handing out free money without a nice healthy interest rate attached to it...charity should come from the the church...

[Tom]

The Los Angeles Times is one of the nation's great remaining newspapers and one of the institutions that keeps this city on the leading edge of American news and culture.

A story like this is why Journalism is so critical for society - helping to show our human connection. When a photo and published print on a page has the power to divert people for just a moment -- they are offered the power to see beyond their world in which they live, and through the eyes and challenges of another.

Society has grown too large and complex for people to gather around an evening campfire to share stories and lessons, as our ancestors did -- but our intrinsic need to connect with one another and experience our common nature against the uncertainties of life -- remain the best key to our survival.

News articles like these provide an opportunity in our day to care about another's situation -- and serves to remind us of why it is still important and ennobling to care for others.

[DEEDUB]

That was a heartbreaking story but if it was a 97 year old African American or Hispanic would the timeline be as quick. We might not never know?

[Midwest Reader]

YIPPEEE!!!!! I am so pleased to read that someone stepped up to assist this family.

I realize there are many others in similar situations as Bessie and her sons, but getting Bessie the support she deserves is a nice start. It gave me hope that, although the "system" may fail, HUMANS can always help one another.

[Christina Becker]

and what happens after 3 months? There are hardly any homeless people in the UK, Germany and France, New Zealand and I am asking myself why the government does not step in. Have you been to downtown and seen the tents on the street? Hundreds of homeless people adn we are getting told the recession is over and banks are making profits again. The recession is only over for 2-5% of the population. Come on America. Where is the revultion!!! Oh well, no revolution, we are all so stoned we dont really care..but thos who dont have a dope card and can get pot on every street corner can be dumped down quiet nicely on thier prosac or their good friend Lexipro. What a strange country!Nixon certainly killed all the hippies.

[Christina Becker]

and what happens after 3 months? There are hardly any homeless people in the UK, Germany and France, New Zealand and I am asking myself why the government does not step in. Have you been to downtown and seen the tents on the street? Hundreds of homeless people adn we are getting told the recession is over and banks are making profits again. The recession is only over for 2-5% of the population. Come on America. Where is the revultion!!! Oh well, no revolution, we are all so stoned we dont really care..but thos who dont have a dope card and can get pot on every street corner can be dumped down quiet nicely on thier prosac or their good friend Lexipro. What a strange country!Nixon certainly killed all the hippies.

[kay]

Republican healthcare? how about a plain failure of their fellow Americans to care! to help out! why wait for the state! In the old days folks took others in! There were places to go for women and men and not homeless shelters, somewhere they could stay for a low fee until they got on their feet. Not any more not my problem let the feds help them. This situation and many others has nothing to do with politics grrrrr. Thousands dont have to have this happen but it is, folks living in national parks, have jobs but cant afford the living, plain horrible!

[robert martinez]

While I feel sorry for anyone who finds himself/herself in such a situation, I'm routinely and constantly amused at how the media pretends that the people somehow just ended up that way when we all know different.

IF the media, including the LA Times, were actually honest... they would delve into the story a little deeper and explain for all concerned just what brought those people to the situation they are in and without the usual BS that the media spews in its attempt to whitewash the situation.

In 90% of such cases including all the so called "homeless" on the streets, the people lived a life that was their own choice and which most of us recognize as stupid and foolhardy. They lived lives of heavy booze, illegal drugs, "party" behavior (ignorant behavior), and having children that they could not afford.

In the end, they live a miserable life.... and as we see here.... the media then attempts to make the public feel guilty.... FOR WHAT THE PEOPLE DID TO THEMSELVES.

[patti]

I am happy she and her sons now have a place to live, but I am disturbed as to how many people who are commenting on this story seem to think she and her sons should have been "taken care of."

We all work, we all pay bills, we all try to save money. Why weren't her sons able to pay for their home? They could have found a cheap studio if they needed to, but instead lived in their car.

I am not being heartless here. I was saddened to hear this story, and I was happy to hear the outcome. My point is, you don't blame the system. You blame the system, you blame the people. Our government is "for the people, by the people." We run it, not "them."

So figure it out. When do people start taking responsibility for themselves and their circumstances?

[Nora]

I am sorry the human being such as "Thebigpicture" posted here exists on the face of thsi earth along with all of you in humans. It really doesnt matter how these folks got to were they got. The point is the and elderly 97 year old women (doesnt matter race or color) (I am a full blooded latina) needs help and care. People must be dogs not to want to help this poor lady. If I was there and saw this ( I live in WA state with family in Reseda, CA) I would hesitate once to pick up these people and help them at least get them started with decent clothes food. Help in find a job anything but not see them on the street. This American government with all its politician including the police departments should be so ashamed to be called Americans.

[Judy]

Reading these comments, there are many reasons why this very elderly mother and sons 60 and 62 have been homeless but this story was HEARTBREAKING, Im happy that they are now with shelter, I hope permanent housing is offered to them immediately. It's embarrassing that in a country as wealthy as the USA that anything like this goes on. To have NO PANHANDLING LAWS with absolutely NO offer of HELP to those in need is truly OUTRAGEOUS. I think this mother and 2 of her sons are an example of FAMILY VALUES, after all...they stayed together, they are still together and I hope they will remain together in spite of their very low income, ages and disabilities.

[JanineC]

Kay is absolutely right. This type of thing is becoming more of a problem because the people of this country have lost their moral compass. People used to be friendly and help each other. They had God in their lives and weren't so obssessed with the material world as they are now. Now if you say "hello" to someone on the street, you are lucky if they growl at you (or don't hurt you). People have become selfish and nasty and expect the government to fix everything for them instead of doing it themselves. These people should never have fallen this far, but they probably didn't have neighbors who even knew their names--let alone who would help like the old days. Don't blame Republicans for this mess...blame yourselves. How many of you are friendly and helpful to strangers on the street or at the store? Or do you run into someone and not even say "excuse me"? I know that people were not this rude 30 years ago.

[Mel]

For those who think the sons are just a couple of bums who never worked, this is from the original article: "Charlie worked in construction and as a painter before becoming disabled by degenerative arthritis. Larry was a cook before compressed discs in the back and a damaged neck nerve put an end to it." Maybe now that they have the chance of having a steady home, they could find some light work, if someone out there would be kind enough to offer it to them, but for the harranguers, try reading the original article before engaging mouth/fingers/keys. It's great that they now have a chance for a home. How about highlighting more cases weekly and putting a dent in the homeless population? Not all homeless are there because they're into living outdoors/dopers/mentally handicapped or ill. Those stereotypes are just an excuse to look the other way and not see the humanity in the people who are suffering from misfortune. For those who are addicted or mentally ill, does that make them less human or qualified for assistance? One never knows what happened to lead them to that end, and don't assume that it can never happen to you. There but for the grace of God...

[money]

To the ones that think the sons should have a job. Do you know how these people became homeless? How do you know they didn't have a job. The only answers you have are people want to live off the government. What about all the big wigs that are living lavishly and we have 97 year old homeless people on the street.

[FortWorth]

I am glad these folks have obtained temporary housing. Hopefully this will enable the two sons to find some sort of gainful employment and find permanent housing for the 3 of them. I am wondering if the 97 year old mom signed up for Medicare. Also wondering if she is on Medicaid. If she has medical problems (pretty likely, considering she is homeless and probably doesn't eat properly), Medicaid would pay for her to be in an assisted living facility. I also note the article mentioned lottery tickets on the dashboard of the car. Hardly what I would consider to be a wise expenditure of their apparently limited funds. . . Also, for all those who are posting about the government (and everyone else's) lack of care for the homeless -- When is the last time YOU sat down and actually had a conversation with a homeless person, bought them a hot meal, looked for shelter for them? Donated food or money to a food bank or homeless shelter? Volunteered through your church or community to serve or help provide/prepare a meal at your local shelter? Donated money/time/used clothing and household goods to your local shelters or the Salvation Army or GoodWill? If you are truly concerned, there ARE things YOU can do. And if your resources are limited in these trying times, you can still help someone else without spending a dime.

[Nacole]

This story touched my heart! If i had sumthn 2 give, I would have gave! This goes to show there are still people out there with huge ♥'s.... God Bless America...

[Marie]

So the next time you see a homeless person or someone in need, will you feed them, will you care for them, will you clothe them, will you meet their need? Don’t give them money. That isn’t what they need. They need you. Will you give them of yourself? Will you love them? When you answer “yes” to these questions you are answering “yes” to God.

[Marie]

I had never appreciated the plight of the needy. They actually made me uncomfortable and a bit afraid. I felt they should stop bothering people and go out and get a job like everyone else. I had apparently never learned 1 John 3:17-18, which says: “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?”

[Pete]

Like everyone else I felt awful when I first started reading this story, but by the end I was thinking "What the hell is wrong with these people?" and I was all out of sympathy. Let's look at the facts of the case.
She could have a house tomorrow but they refuse to split up the family.
Why don't her 2 sons insist she leave them and go live in the elderly housing she qualifies for? What kind of a person allows their elderly mother to remain on the streets? Probably the same kind of people who would let their mother panhandle to support their lazy asses.
Why don't they take the combined 1,300 a month they get in Social Security and disability and move to an inexpensive apartment somewhere?
They would have to move out of California and to a more affordable area of the country but at least they wouldn't be living in a car. The article said they spent 600 on repairs to their SUV. Where I live that would have covered the first months rent in a nice little apartment.
Speaking of moving, why don't they move in with a family member?
The article said besides her two lazy, good for nothing sons, she has six other living children, why can't one of them can't put them up for a few months until they all get into a new place?

These people may have become homeless by circumstance, but they stay homeless by choice.

[TOto]

At least, they are a little bit better now. Glad to see this.