Dr. Rosie Milligan, Black Writers On Tour (BWOT) founder, respected leader, and self-appointed “Mayor of South-Central Los Angeles,” has partnered with the Gailen and Cathy Reevers Center for Community Development (GCRC) to address an urgent need for individuals who have recently transitioned from homelessness into housing.
During a recent episode of Dr. Milligan’s talk show, GCRC highlighted the critical need for men’s clothing, as many residents arrive in their new homes with only the clothes on their backs.
“We’re calling on our neighbors, local businesses, and organizations to help fill this immediate gap by donating new or gently used men’s clothing,” Dr. Milligan stated. “Our goal, in collaboration with GCRC, is to ensure that these individuals have the essentials they need to transition comfortably and with dignity.”
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Requested items include:
– Men’s clothing (all sizes): pants, shirts, and jackets
– Footwear, and (new/packaged) socks and undergarments
– Basic toiletries
GCRC will manage the distribution of these items to those in need, ensuring that donations reach newly housed individuals across the community.
The initial drop-off location is Classic One Books, 1425 W. Manchester Ave. Ste. B, in Los Angeles. Business hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For additional information or to arrange for a donation pickup, call (323) 750-3592 or (213) 400-6521.
In addition, Dr. Milligan’s Black Writers On Tour Expo is kicking off a unique, special Holiday Writing Contest themed “What it Feels Like to be Housed Again.”
The contest invites previously unhoused children, ages 11 to 18, to share their stories, dreams, and perspectives as they settle into their new homes. To celebrate their resilience and creativity cash prizes will be offered and winners will be announced just before Christmas.
“Santa is coming early this year,” said Dr. Milligan. “We’re excited to give these young writers a platform to express themselves with stories that will uplift them and resonate within the community.”
In conjunction with the contest, BWOT is launching a drive for book donations from authors and local readers. The drive will help build mini libraries in each apartment building now housing formerly unhoused families. With reading material in their buildings, children and adults can access books that inspire, educate, and entertain.
“Literacy and technology are the building blocks of the future,” said Dr. Milligan. “Our goal is to help every child fall in love with reading and writing as early as possible. This contest [and book drive] is just one way to light that spark.”
For more information on the annual Black Writers On Tour + Business + Tech Expo, which will be held April 26, 2025, or to contribute to the book donation program, call (323) 750-3592 or (213) 400-6521, or email [email protected] or visit www.blackwritersontour.com.
Larry Buford is a contributing writer and author of “Things Are Gettin’ Outta Hand” and “Book To The Future” (Amazon). Email: [email protected]
