Racist man verbally attacked a Black Army Veteran experiencing homelessness, bullying him for panhandling & calling him a beggar and the n-word. Let’s help get the victim, Mr. Stanford "Parks", funding towards his transition to permanent housing. It takes a whole community to turn hate into love.

On Friday, 6/26 around 11am at the Ralph’s on 4th, the Long Beach community intervened to stand up against racist hate.

Mr. Stanford "Parks"  was verbally attacked using racial & anti-homeless slurs by Ben Guichard in the parking lot. Stanford was calm in his response to being bullied for being homeless until Ben started directing his hate against a woman with her two small children.
A witness explained “I have no footage unfortunately, but I do know he was screaming at that poor man in the grocery store parking lot slamming on cars and the homeless man didn’t retaliate until he said the N word towards the man in front of a family of color with two little kids and their mother :(“.

Many neighbors have stepped forward affirming the gentle & respectful nature of Stanford. Derrick G. wrote, ”I know Parks and he doesn't bother anybody, and for this to have happen to him or any person of color is not, will not, be accepted by me.“ Others have written how he is a gentleman who helps those with physical handicaps load groceries, and is beloved by the Girl Scouts who sold cookies there. 

We are working with a local non-profit and advocacy on homelessness, Ashlee's Homeless Fund, to best see how to help. Stanford is an Army Veteran who was honorably discharged with a pension, and has access to VA assistance. He has fallen through the cracks of the system and has been homeless for 27 years. Stanford often goes hungry, and frequents the Ralph’s for assistance getting food. He does not drink alcohol or use drugs.

We started this fund with a goal of $1,500 towards groceries, and are increasing it to now include an ongoing fund to transition him and maintain permanent housing. This is our way of thanking & respecting him by acting to restore his faith in the community that appreciates and want to help. Stanford is now being helped by Christine Barry & her non-profit, and is currently staying at a local motel.  Christine's dedicated to setting up a plan and assisting every step along the way. Another neighbor and fellow Veteran volunteered to assist Stanford navigate all his appointments with the VA. He has seen a doctor, is negative for covid, and is getting treatment for his heart disease and diabetes. The VA is working urgently to help provide temporary housing and a voucher for permanent housing. 

After 27 years on the streets he is done & wants our help. Our goal is now to fund his transition, and any donations past that goal will go to help others like Stanford through the non-profit.  All donations will go to transitional costs for permanent housing, paid through the non-profit, Ashlee's Homeless Fund.

We are accepting groceries and clothing donations, and using funds towards:
-Ongoing grocery fund, cell phone & monthly bill, low cost motel stay, bus fare, clothing, rides when needed, amenities and necessary items for his new apartment. 

http://ashleehomelessfund.org/

https://www.gofundme.com/f/ashlee039s-homeless-fund

The man who attacked him was easily identified as Ben Guichard. He is well known for his racism in our community. Just a few weeks ago he committed another Hate Crime by defacing our mural honoring the late George Floyd on Verde Salon on 4th St. The LBPD stepped in and arrested Ben for 2 counts including felony vandalism. It takes only one person to be hateful, but a whole community to turn hate into love. 

Here are the articles related to the the vandalism hate crime.

https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2020/06/09/george-floyd-mural-protests-riots-store-boarded-up-la/


https://lbpost.com/hi-lo/better-bigger-george-floyd-mural-vandalized-but-artists-community-repaint


https://abc7.com/george-floyd-protest-mural-street-art/6249227/

We understand it's hard times for many. A donation of any amount will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.