Hi, my name is Rita Thomas. I used to live in downtown Los Angeles for over 4 years, less than 4 blocks away from Skid Row.. During this time I really came to know many homeless people, and  just how bad the homeless problem is in Los Angeles area..

 Not having a home is difficult, but this HORRIBLE... After sleeping on the streets for many years, a sweet elderly lady named Violet was asleep on a bus stop bench when a man doused her with a flammable liquid then continued to LIGHT her on fire with a MATCH!!!!!!! What the hell is wrong with people...  This story made me physically sick to my stomach. I couldn't quit thinking about this woman and decided to try and help her..  A homeless advocacy group is going to help her  get a place to sleep, when she gets out of the hospital.  I would  simply love to help raise some money for her to be able to get the things she needs.. Bandages, food, neosporin and a roof over her head for a year to recover... She is in critical condition at the hospital...

Any amount will help... Just pass on one cup of coffee $5.00.. She will appreciate it , I would be ever so happy that people do care for others as I am losing hope....

Thanks,

Rita

 http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2012/12/27/woman-critically-burned-after-being-set-on-fire-while-sleeping-on-bus-bench/

Photo Credit Joan Mann