Lolita Harper
MEDIA DISTRICT WEST -- It is hidden well under the nicely manicured
lawns and tree-lined streets of Burbank, but thousands of city residents
still need extra support to make ends meet.
Summertime has proved to be exceptionally busy with the rise in
utilities, Burbank Temporary Aid Center Director Pat Smola said.
It is surprising how many residents are living paycheck to paycheck,
she said. When electricity rates started to skyrocket, people were faced
with either feeding their family or paying their bills, Smola said.
But the aid center, financed by a small city grant and the big hearts
of generous residents, has been able to provide for its own.
"We aren't here to judge. We're here to help. How many of us are just
a paycheck away from being here? When you start judging, you lose control
of the situation," Smola said.
The Burbank Temporary Aid Center assists more than 2,500 people per
month with things like free lunches, clothes, groceries, financial
assistance, job searching and apartment hunting, Smola said.
"A lot of people don't know exactly what we do," she said. "We do it
all."
INFO BOX
For more information about the Burbank Temporary Aid Center or to
donate food, clothes, money or time, call 846-2300 or stop by 1304 W.
Burbank Blvd.
