When Randal Lauderdale’s older brother, Lionel, began to experience homelessness in the South Bay in 2024, Randal couldn’t stop thinking about him. Family means everything to Randal and the thought of his brother with no one by his side “didn’t sit right” with him. So, in October 2025, Randal followed his brother to Inglewood in the hope of reconnecting.

“I started from scratch, just started from the bottom. That’s what I had to do,” Randal said.

He arrived in Inglewood without a job or a place to live.

From left: Marlen Pomposo, case manager, St. Margaret’s Center, and Randal Lauderdale.

A close friend pointed Randal toward St. Margaret’s Center (SMC), a social service center operated by Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, located in the Lennox neighborhood of Inglewood. As a South Bay Cities Council of Governments’ (SBCCOG’s) partner organization, SMC serves low-income and unhoused individuals and families across the South Bay, offering a wide range of programs, including counseling services, emergency food assistance, immigration services, educational support and financial assistance.

In December 2025, Randal attended one of SMC’s monthly resource fairs facilitated in partnership with Better Angels Los Angeles. There, he connected with key staff and was introduced to Marlen Pomposo, a case manager at St. Margaret’s Center who would play a pivotal role in his journey.

“I came to one event that they had and met some really nice people,” Randal recalls. “They were giving me a lot of good information [and resources].”

“It’s good to know that they come here, and they can get taken care of, whether it’s going to a shelter, getting health [resources], or supporting them with getting employment,” Pomposo explained.

After applying for multiple jobs on Indeed, Randal landed a spot in a two-week paid job training for Southland Transit in El Monte, a promising opportunity, but one that came with a logistical challenge since he didn’t own a car. Public transportation from his location would take more than two hours each way, jeopardizing his ability to arrive to work on time.

Pomposo stepped in to help Randal. Using Measure A Local Solutions Fund (LSF) provided by the SBCCOG’s Client Aid program, she arranged Lyft transportation for Randal, ensuring he could attend his training. With the completion of the training, Randal obtained his Passenger (P) endorsement on his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

Today, Randal works for a rideshare company and a moving company, building the financial foundation he needs to secure stable housing for himself and his brother. He hopes to soon land a job that requires his CDL to further his journey toward financial stability. He is grateful for the help he received from SMC.

“St. Margaret’s has great people,” he says. “They have looked out for me.”

For Randal, the journey to Inglewood wasn’t just about a fresh start; it was about making sure no one in his family had to face it alone.