Norwalk officer among those honored for transition of homeless family off streets

NORWALK -- The Norwalk City Council recognized several women, including one Norwalk officer, for their participation in the aid of a homeless mother and her six children.

The mother and her six young children were discovered by a trash dumpster behind a market and reported to city staff by a concerned resident on June 14. Public safety personnel were able to locate the family and transport them to the city’s social services center where the family was bathed, fed, and temporarily housed while permanent housing was secured.

Amanda De Leon of the Whole Child, resident Kelly Walker, and Social Services Department staff members Gabriela Regalado, Mercedes Ceja, and Carmen Trevino were all awarded with a Public Safety Director Award for their efforts in the situation.

“Positive change can be made when concerned and dedicated community members come together,” said Mayor Jennifer Perez during her presentation. “Earlier this summer we had an example of what we can accomplish when residents take the time to report a concern, followed by staff and agency providers connecting to provide assistance and resources to help people in need.”

Norwalk Sheriff’s Sergeant Maria Ortega was also honored, receiving the Mayoral Award, for her effort in guiding the transition of the homeless family.

Ortega spent several hours, including during her personal, off-duty time, looking after the family’s safety and well-being, as well as working with Los Angeles County Social Services to obtain proper identification documents for the mother that were required to obtain long-term housing.