SU CASA Director of Development & Community Outreach Dean Lockwood is pictured at their Walk-In Resource Center in Long Beach. The nonprofit has partnered with the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office to house 100 domestic abuse survivors in hotel rooms during COVID-19. Su Casa is in their second year of their Domestic Violence Housing First Program, to help victims escaping abusive relationship who are faced with housing insecurity. Photo by Laurie Hanson.
BY LAURIE HANSON
Nationally, domestic violence increased by 20 percent since COVID-19. At the beginning of the pandemic, Su Casa of Long Beach partnered with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s office to place more than 100 survivors into hotels, while also offering another on-going program.
“As communities shut down, many people were without work and confined to their homes with their abusers,” said Director of Development & Community Outreach Dean Lockwood, who has worked in the nonprofit sector for more than 30 years, and has been with Su Casa since 2017.
“As more people became unemployed, lack of money became a trigger and brought about greater instances of domestic violence,” he explained. It was out of these sobering facts that Su Casa and the L.A. Mayor’s Office partnered to help curb pandemic-related domestic violence.
Lockwood’s greatest message to survivors is, “You are not alone, and you can find compassionate support.”
Su Casa serves all adult survivors and their children regardless of race, sex, religion, or economic status. Though focused on the Long Beach area, they frequently receive people from all over Southern California and even out of state. Their only qualification is to be impacted by domestic violence. Through outreach and education, their 24/7 Crisis Hotline, emergency shelter and transitional shelter they carry out their purpose.
“Our mission is to empower individuals and families to live free from domestic abuse, and to build partnerships with communities to end domestic violence,” Lockwood said.
Forty-one years ago, the nonprofit was the vision of one woman, Petra Meledez, who herself survived domestic violence. Out of frustration with the services available to her, she started housing families escaping abusive relationships in her home. Eventually she donated her home to the city she resided in with the condition that be used for a domestic violence shelter. It was out of this that Su Casa was born, according to Lockwood.
Su Casa has two shelters. Their emergency shelter is in a home and provides immediate housing and support for families in need. Survivors can reside there for up to 45 days while receiving counseling, medical services, legal support, work and housing assistance. Their transitional shelter is in an apartment complex.
“Both shelters are operating full speed during the pandemic,” said Lockwood. “We have had to make significant changes to our procedures due to COVID-19. To keep the shelters free from outside contaminates, we have instituted new procedures.”
“New participants are provided a room in a local hotel for a period of 14 days,” continued Lockwood. “We’ve extended the stay of survivors due to the difficulty of securing permanent housing. Many of the participants who held employment were furloughed and case management staff has assisted them in obtaining emergency benefits.”A special key program in its second year at Su Casa is their Domestic Violence Housing First Program, where participants come to the nonprofit in a situation where domestic violence creates housing insecurity.
“After an assessment interview, we work with the participants to help resolve the housing issue to keep them in their current home or to help find other housing,” explained Lockwood. “We work with real estate professionals so that they understand the issues that may have caused the housing problems in the past and we stand with our participants. When the housing issues have been resolved, we then provide supportive services, such as domestic violence counseling, job search assistance, childcare, and more.”
In light of COVID-19, Su Casa currently takes a “zero contact approach,” where all communications with clients are conducted by phone or video calls, and that any items given to them are sanitized and placed in an isolated room where they can pick them up later.
“All counseling, both individual and groups, are provided now through video conferencing methods,” said Lockwood. “Children’s play time, counseling, and tutoring is done outside, with appropriate spacing to ensure safe distancing.”
Though their Walk-In Resource Center and administrative offices are closed now due to the pandemic, they continue to take general inquiries, offer referrals and information while keeping their shelters open. For more information about their teleconferencing video services, please call 562-421-6537. Their 24/7 Crisis Hotline is available by calling 562-402-4888.
Su Casa receives most of their funding through governmental and private grants along with support from the cities they serve, and from private donations. For more information or to contribute to their efforts, please visit online at sucasadv.org.
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
[…] SU CASA WORKS TO END DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DURING PANDEMIC AND BEYOND – Los Cerritos News […]
Premier Protein Shake, Chocolate, 30g Protein 1g Sugar 24 Vitamins Minerals Nutrients to Support Immune Health, 11.5 fl oz (Pack of 12)
$31.98 (as of May 30, 2025 05:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Pink Floyd At Pompeii - MCMLXXII
$25.99 (as of May 31, 2025 17:31 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
TicTac Shot Pool Toys Games Set- Tic-Tac-Toe Inflatable Pool Toy with 10 Balls - for Adults Teens Kids 2-10 Players
$33.99 (as of May 31, 2025 17:31 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Nespresso Capsules Vertuo, Variety Pack, Medium and Dark Roast Coffee, 30 Count Coffee Pods, Brews 7.8 oz.
$39.05 (as of May 30, 2025 05:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Reusable Snack Containers with Lids 20Pcs,New Snack Containers,Snackle Box Container Portion Control,Snack Pack Containers,Double Compartment Snack Containers for On-the-Go Meals and Camping
$7.99 (as of May 31, 2025 17:31 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M4 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID; Sky Blue
$869.00 (as of May 31, 2025 17:31 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
AUVERI Super Bright Solar Lights Outdoor Waterproof 10 Pack, from Dusk to Dawn Up to 12H Light for Outside, Auto On/Off Solar Powered Garden Pathway Lights, Landscape Lighting for Yard
$28.99 (as of May 31, 2025 17:31 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
New 2025 ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential - Energy Star Certified programmable Wi-Fi Thermostat - Works with Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant
$129.99 (as of May 31, 2025 17:31 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Crocs Unisex Adult Classic Clog
$30.00 (as of May 30, 2025 05:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Anker Laptop Charger, 140W MAX USB C Charger, 4-Port Multi-Device Fast Charging, Advanced GaN Power Adapter, Intuitive Touch Controls, for MacBook, iPhone 16 Series, Samsung Galaxy, Pixel, and More
$99.99 (as of May 31, 2025 17:31 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
[…] SU CASA WORKS TO END DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DURING PANDEMIC AND BEYOND – Cerritos Community News &#… […]
Never Flinch: A Novel
$22.38 (as of May 30, 2025 05:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy Full Synthetic Motor Oil 0W-20, 5 Quart
$24.97 (as of May 30, 2025 05:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Even In Arcadia
$10.97 (as of May 31, 2025 17:31 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Pink Floyd At Pompeii - MCMLXXII
$25.99 (as of May 31, 2025 17:31 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Carhartt Men's Loose Fit Heavyweight Short-Sleeve Pocket T-Shirt (Also Available in Big & Tall)
$19.99 (as of May 30, 2025 05:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Amazon Basics Hypoallergenic 100% Cotton Rounds for Makeup Removal and Skincare, 100 Count, 1 Pack
$2.96 (as of May 30, 2025 05:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Hanes Men's Boxer Briefs, Cool Dri Moisture-Wicking Underwear, Cotton No-Ride-up for Men, Multi-Packs
$19.76 (as of May 30, 2025 05:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Nippies Nipple Covers for Women - Sticky Adhesive Silicone Pasties - Reusable Pasty Nipple Cover with Travel Box
$26.50 (as of May 30, 2025 05:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes, Daily Facial Cleanser Towelettes, Gently Cleanse and Remove Oil & Makeup, Alcohol-Free Makeup Wipes, 2 x 25 ct
$9.97 (as of May 30, 2025 05:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds - Noise Cancelling, Heart Rate Monitor, IPX4, Up to 45H Battery & Charging Case, Works with Apple & Android - Jet Black (Renewed)
$159.17 (as of May 31, 2025 17:31 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)