Dr. Michael Omidi Appreciates University High School’s Philanthropy Fair

The simple act of helping others in need doesn’t have to consume one’s life. Good deeds don’t even have to take an entire day’s effort as was recently proven by students of University High School who gathered sixteen different non-profit organizations together for a lunchtime philanthropy fair held on their Orange County, California campus. We appreciate this student effort, which also included the participation of Mercy House, an organization that Julian Omidi and I have supported and spotlighted through No More Poverty.

In less than one hour, as many as 500 students had committed to community service efforts that will directly benefit poor, disabled and disadvantaged people. The organizations that participated in the third annual event include those that operate local non-profit programs, as well as several that conduct a national charity effort. Some of the agencies that participated include the American Heart Association, the Red Cross, Kids Who Care and the National MS Society. Julian Omidi and I applaud all of these organizations for providing opportunities for young people to serve their communities. We were especially pleased to learn that an organization that we support, Mercy House, was also on hand to distribute information to University High School’s students.

Featured at NMP.org, Mercy House has helped hundreds of homeless individuals and families access shelter, as well as secure permanent housing. We appreciate that the students of University High School included MH in this event since the organization works so hard to address poverty and homelessness. In fact, since November is Homeless Youth Awareness Month, we’d like to take this moment to encourage everyone to take a closer look at Mercy House, as well as the other homeless organizations featured on No More Poverty’s site in order to learn about the plight of individuals who find themselves without reliable shelter and to learn how to help them.

The University High event, appropriately named ‘Count Me In’, is held every year in order to help raise awareness about the many needs of disadvantaged people living in Southern California and throughout the nation. During this event, students are offered information about how various organizations are addressing the unique needs of people who are facing issues like homelessness, terminal illness, physical disabilities and poverty, in general. Participants are also able to learn how their direct skills and interests can be paired with the outreach efforts of various organizations in order to best serve those in need. Students who are so moved to do so can also sign up to volunteer with these organizations during the lunchtime event.

No More Poverty appreciates seeing young people so enthusiastically support an event of this magnitude. We applaud every single one of the 500 students who signed up to volunteer their time to help others. At a time when young people are distracted by so many other social events and activities, Julian Omidi and I are impressed that these students are willing to take the time to contribute their energy and skills to programs that serve others.

The Orange County Register. “University High Holds Philanthropy Fair.” The Orange County Register. Orange County Register Communications, 16 Oct. 2012. Web. 06 Nov. 2012. <http://www.ocregister.com/news/students-374788-community-irvine.html&gt;.

Dr. Michael Omidi Discusses New Law Affecting the Homeless

Dr. Michael Omidi and his brother Julian Omidi are the founders of the organization No More Poverty, which seeks to end the ravages of poverty both in the United States and abroad by sponsoring like-minded charities. In this article, Dr. Omidi discusses a trend in many American cities to prevent homeless panhandling via the aggressive issuance of citations and arrests.

As someone who works to stop poverty and its causes, I was struck by a series of articles concerning America’s homeless population. It seems that many cities and counties all over the country have banned homeless panhandling, and are issuing citations to the homeless in increasing numbers. However, some homeless are fighting back, and suing the cities for violation of their free speech.

Panhandlers can be irritating and sometimes even dangerous. There have been cases where people using outdoor ATM machines have been harassed by forceful panhandlers, who lurk nearby and watch the customers withdraw money. But the ordinances have cut a broad swath across the spectrum of panhandling, and even homeless people who don’t solicit vocally but through use of signs are being targeted for write ups and arrest. For homeless people for whom panhandling is the only source of income, the citations are more than just a nuisance; they are seen as a measure to criminalize homelessness and drive the homeless population out of the city.

The ban on panhandling was a bid by many city commercial districts to lessen the number of homeless encampments near their businesses, which tended to drive customers away. Yet many officials are issuing citations to panhandlers who operate on or near roadways. Since the economic downturn of the last few years, the number of citations has gone up. Some city officials argue that the citation of aggressive panhandling is a reaction to complaints. Steve Ray Evans is a Utah homeless man who has brought lawsuits in many districts for violation of his first amendment rights. He has been successful in many cities, since legislators do not want to spend city funds fighting these suits. According to Mr. Evans in the New York Times:

“This is my only source of income.  I do it for survival purposes. I feel as though a lot of other individuals depend on it, too.”

Homelessness cannot be ended by harassment and handing out tickets. It is troubling that the underlying causes of homelessness are not being fully addressed by many states, cities and counties. My organization, No More Poverty, currently supports numerous charities that work tirelessly to provide resources for people that want to bring themselves out of homelessness.  Foundations such as Under the Bridges and on the Streets, Children of the Night and The Children’s Lifesaving Foundation work with the homeless to find solutions, and help them by giving them the tools they need to get the educations and the jobs that will allow them to support themselves and their families. Visit us at nmp.org to learn more about my brother Julian Omidi’s and my efforts to stop homelessness and its causes.

Sources:

Frosch, Dan “Homeless are Fighting Back Against Panhandling Bans” Nytimes.com

Romney, Lee “Arcata Panhandling Law Mostly Struck Down by Judge” Latimes.com http://articles.latimes.com/2012/sep/27/local/la-me-arcata-panhandling-20120927

Dr. Michael Omidi MD cofounder of No More Poverty Supports Jessica’s Hope Foundation

Dr. Michael Omidi MD, along with his brother Julian Omidi, is cofounder of No More Poverty, an organization promoting the works of charities that strive to end poverty and the conditions that cause poverty both in the U. S. and abroad.  In this article, Dr. Omidi discusses the Omidi brothers’ sponsorship of Jessica’s Hope Project, a foundation that sends healthy care packages to U.S. soldiers overseas.

We have all, at one point or another, had to work when we weren’t at our physical or mental peak; we were sick, exhausted or just lacked motivation.  Now, imagine working in conditions of extreme stress for 12 and sometimes 14 hour shifts, where you might have to carry 50lbs of body armor in extreme desert heat.  These are the conditions in which our soldiers often find themselves, and being run down or unfocused might cause injury or even death.  Our foundation, No More Poverty, is pleased to announce its sponsorship of Jessica’s Hope Project; an organization that strives to keep our soldiers at their strongest and healthiest.

Jessica’s Hope project began when its founder, Jessica Maddin, read an article that reported the health statistics of U.S. Marines.  It stated that the average serviceman or woman would likely lose approximately 40lbs in body weight during deployment.  This is due, in part, to the rigid fitness standards to which soldiers must adhere, but also, unfortunately, to caloric deprivation.  It is not uncommon for a soldier on a mission to have to rely on only the sustenance of his or her field rations, and these are frequently insubstantial.  In order to maintain muscle mass and brain function, an active person must consume an adequate amount of calories and nutrients in the form of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and fats.  If not, then that person will likely suffer from symptoms of malnutrition, which are generally fatigue and dizziness, two conditions that can put a soldier at grave risk.

Jessica decided to write to the CEO of 24-Hour Fitness, where she worked as a receptionist, and ask for donations of health supplements.  Several days later, she received $17,000 worth of protein bars, muscle milk powder, vitamins and nutritional supplements.  Working in her grandmother’s living room, she packed individual boxes of health supplies and shipped them to the servicemen and women in all branches of the U.S. military.

These healthy care packages were a huge hit.  The soldiers did receive care packages from loved ones, but they were typically filled with candies, chips, chewing gum and other snacks that they missed, but would not sustain them on their grueling work days.  Soon, Jessica’s Hope Project was flooded with letters and emails thanking her for the much needed and thoughtful items.

To date, Jessica’s Hope Project has mailed more than one thousand healthy care packages, and with the help of No More Poverty, will continue to send more.

Dr. Michael Omidi and Julian Omidi Sponsored The Challenge Golf Tournament

Dr. Michael Omidi and Julian Omidi sponsored the Challenge Golf Tournament for children with disabilities at the Porter Valley Club in Northridge, California.  It was a day of fun, golf and camaraderie for the children.

Dr. Tom Odgers Thanked Julian Omidi & Dr. Michael Omidi

Dr. Tom Odgers thanked Julian Omidi and Dr. Michael Omidi for their generous sponsorship of the Challenge Golf Tournament.