Richard Maize: Helping The Homeless Transcends Christmas, Hanukkah

Richard Maize: Helping The Homeless Transcends Christmas, Hanukkah

Los Angeles --- December 30, 2010 ...... "Helping the homeless is an event which is not limited to Christmas and Hanukkah," says respected philanthropist and businessman Richard Maize.

"The homeless can be you or me. To be homeless does not mean that one is a loser, a drug addict or a psychological misfit. If one is out of work, cannot pay the mortgage and has no family nearby, he or she could be waiting for one of these blankets."

Recently, the nation's homeless population came to the media forefront as a few in the City of New Orleans sought shelter in abandoned buildings and perished in a fire. 

They have a number of reasons why they are unwilling or unable to seek shelter elsewhere.

"If it get too cold, I'm going to a building. If it starts raining, I'm going to a building. That's the only choice I have to keep from being on the streets," said Ernest Davis, who planned to sleep outside the New Orleans Mission last night.

David said he couldn't afford the $5 cost of sleeping in the shelter. He said he may have to light a fire in an abandoned building to keep himself warm if the temperature drops.

It's a concern for city officials in cities across the US in the aftermath of Tuesday's tragic fire that claimed the lives of eight young transients staying in an abandoned warehouse.

"I try to get down to the corner of La Brea and Santa Monica in Hollywood once a week," says Richard Maize.

Rochelle and Richard Maize first became aware of plight of the homeless through the Green Youth Movement and something that the Maize Foundation has participated in at this location about a year ago.  Maize states that this is an area where homeless people gather to get regular evening meals donated by local restaurants and are handed out by volunteers."

"My participation is not an organized function, but something that anyone can do at any time to help those less fortunate," says Richard Maize.  "I found myself in downtown Los Angeles the other day and thought I might take the time to visit the shopping area in the fashion district known as the 'Alley'.  It was here that I thought it might be nice to buy some things that I could give away to help brighten the holidays for a few people."

Richard Maize continues: "You meet all kinds of interesting people doing this and they all have a story to tell."

"There was one man that was an educated guy who lost everything when the company he worked for went out of business.  He lost his pension and he could not get a job.  He collected unemployment for as long as he could but found that no one wanted to hire an aging out of work guy when they could hire someone fresh out of college for much less of an investment with more of a long term upside."  

"Even when he said that he was prepared to work for far less than he had been making he was unable to compete with the younger job seekers.  Things went from bad to worse and eventually he found himself out on the street.  The homeless problem is so bad here in Los Angeles and in New York, Boston, Miami, Chicago - throughout the US.  So many of these people just need a little help to get themselves going again.  One hopes that the little we did will give someone the incentive to do more for themselves.  Maybe some new clothes will lift someones spirit enough that they might feel they can present themselves better for a job interview.  If everybody could help just a little it would make a huge difference."

Richard Maize, when asked why he goes out of his way and makes the time and effort to be a humanitarian, says that the reason is that Christmas and Hanukkah are a time of giving and makes one think about the less fortunate.

"The other reason is the most obvious which is my little contribution can and usually does make a big difference to these poor people," says Richard Maize.  "And third, it makes me feel so good about what I am doing.  I often leave wondering if I am doing this to help the less fortunate or a really great way to make me feel better as a person."

"My advice to others during the holiday time is giving and doing something wonderful such as feeding or clothing the homeless.  These people are suffering throughout the entire year and should be considered not just during this Christmas and Hanukkah New Year season, but every month, week and day."

Richard Maize concludes: "As important as providing the homeless with food, drinks, clothes and a clean bed to stay, is just one simple thing. A warm smile and a hug to say that you are not alone, we will get you out of here as a team." 

According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness between five and six hundred thousand people are considered "homeless" at any given time - without a “permanent, safe, decent, affordable place to live”. Homelessness in America persists in part because many urban areas remain economically depressed, housing costs have risen rapidly in the past decade, and wages for lower skilled workers have remained stable.

The most proximate cause of homelessness in America is poverty.  

Statistics show between twenty and thirty percent of homeless families surveyed in 1996 said they had gone without food for part of the previous month. The homeless also face persistent deprivation and constant threat of harm. They spend more time in the hospital and in jail than their poor counterparts. The majority are victims of violent crimes, and one fourth lack needed medical care. 

Children in homeless families do worse in school and have lower attendance and more long-term absences.

The Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation is a philanthropic organization that supports and contributes volunteer and financial resources to causes locally in the community and worldwide by supporting meaningful programs focusing on art, culture, family services and health care that work to help people live more fulfilling lives.

Richard Maize, a respected leader in the mortgage banking real estate industry, and a mentor to young entrepreneurs, has generously supported organizations and causes including the American Cancer Society, Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services, Hurricane Katrina, Los Angeles Police Foundation, USO, Haiti earthquake relief efforts, Israel Flying Aid and Cedars Sinai Board of Governors.

Richard Maize and his wife, Rochelle Maize, are longtime benefactors of the American Cancer Society, among many other organizations, and Richard Maize has been recognized for his efforts on behalf of more than a dozen charitable groups and community projects.

The Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation supports an extraordinary number of foundations, organizations, and non-profit groups.

Richard Maize: How Do We Decide Which Charity, How Much?

Richard Maize: How Do We Decide Which Charity, How Much?

Los Angeles ---- December 15 ...... "There are so many worthwhile charities. Where does one start and one end in their time and of course in donating their charitable funds," asks Richard Maize.

 

"First off, you need to recognize that you are a "giver".  For me, we have established the Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation that was set created as a vehicle to give to a wide variety of charities.  Our foundation, which is simply a family foundation with a limited amount of funds".

"Here are the reasons and charities we look at," says Richard Maize.

 

"Family and friends are involved - I would say almost all charities are worthwhile and for my circle of friends to be involved, the only thing I can do is to support and applaud their efforts.  Charities are a selfless job and I am grateful that my friends and family are not only involved financially, many of them are very involved with their time and effort.  I just don't say no.  For example, this last weekend, I went to a function for ORT." 

 

"Charities that are in desperate need of funds only to keep their lights on that have a deep meaning."

 

Maize adds: "Some are religious oriented. The Jewish Federation, Vista del Mar, YLDI, Chabad of BelAir, JVN, US Committee for Sports in Israel (Maccabiah Games / Jewish Olympics) and many others."

 

"Non generic in nature - Cedar Sinai hospital (board of governors), feeding the homeless (I supply much needed clothing and hand them out myself).   this is one of my favorites.  USO - it gets no better than supporting our service men and women.  Helping those in catastrophe both in Katrina and Haiti of recent events." 

"The Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation is mandated by the income the founders make from year to year.  There are no grants nor outside contributors," says Maize.  "A minimum of 15% of the yearly gross income is forwarded to the Foundation."

 

"As to why and how much to give each charity is predicated on what each charity stands for and our belief.  I also make sure that the a majority of the actual dollars get through to the cause that you are giving.  There are charities that have such big salaries to the workers and the politics of the individual charities are such, that only a very small percentage of the actual dollars given are used toward the cause," says Maize.

"I have no problem with this young man of 26 years of age - Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook - giving a great amount of his sudden wealth to charities," says Maize.   "The question is why?  A simple and good answer would be that I simply don't need that much money to live a lavish lifestyle and while I am young and still earning more than I will ever need, I want a needy organization to be helped and for that much money, it can actually make a big difference." 

 

Richard Maize concludes: "I was recently asked if I made a one billion dollars, what would I do with it?  The answer I had was I would be able to give more away.  For one, it avoids the income tax on those gross dollars so that the government is participating.  And second, I couldn't do anything more with a billion dollars than I could with 200 million (other than buying completely unnecessary toys).  I could live where I wanted and drive any car I chose.  Vacations would be lavish and so would the clothes on our back.  At the same time, a big contribution would bring a big welcome smile on needy people or medical research.  That would make me the happiest."

The Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation is a philanthropic organization that supports and contributes volunteer and financial resources to causes locally in the community and worldwide by supporting meaningful programs focusing on art, culture, family services and health care that work to help people live more fulfilling lives. 

Richard Maize has generously supported organizations and causes including the American Cancer Society, Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services, Hurricane Katrina, Los Angeles Police Foundation, USO, Haiti earthquake relief efforts, Israel Flying Aid and Cedars Sinai Board of Governors.
 

Richard Maize and his wife, Rochelle Maize, are longtime benefactors of the American Cancer Society, among many other organizations, and Richard Maize has been recognized for his efforts on behalf of more than a dozen charitable groups and community projects.

The Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation supports an extraordinary number of foundations, organizations, and non-profit groups. The Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation is a philanthropic organization that supports and contributes volunteer and financial resources to community and global causes by supporting programs focusing on art, culture, family services, and healthcare. The Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation’s efforts also help people with cancer and those who care for them lead live more fulfilling lives. 

 

Richard Maize: Donating to USO Provides Security To Every US Citizen

Richard Maize: Donating to USO Provides Security To Every US Citizen

Los Angeles ---- December 2, 2010 ...... There are many charities that one can donate to during this holiday season. But without any doubt, perhaps the most important organization is that which physically protects our lives, our homes and our sacred values of democracy," said Richard Maize.

Richard Maize is one of the world’s most successful and respected businessmen. Maize also directs the Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation – a philanthropic organization that supports, contributes volunteer and financial resources to causes locally in the LA community and worldwide supporting programs focusing on art, culture, sports, family services and health care that work to help people live more fulfilling lives. 

"The USO is truly a fantastic organization.  I had no idea what they did before my visit today.  I can mainly speak for the LAX USO.  I found the USO is a safe haven for servicemen and women both current the retired.  It is a place for these soldiers to either rest, shower, watch a movie, eat a snack or use the computers.  Often soldiers come in from all around the world and need a place to wait, congregate or simply rest.  All of the above is done here," says Richard Maize.

The USO mission is to provide morale, welfare and recreation-type services to uniformed military personnel. There are over 120 USO Centers around the world serving thousands of brave US troops in the Marines, Army, Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force stationed from California and New York to Iraq and Afghanistan.

"On the day and time I visited there were not any soldiers in uniform.  Apparently, many go to USO Centers during a transition," says Maize.  "Let me tell you what I learned from Ismael Martinez who is the Chief of Naval Operations.  He was there awaiting the arrival of certain wounded or sick sailors from the US Coast Guard."

Maize continues: "I discovered that the USO also sponsors 'wounded worrier games' which takes a certain number or wounded soldiers from the Navy, Air Force, Marines and Army to participate in Olympic style games in Port Hueneme."

"I lived during the time that we, as young people were trying to figure out how to deal with Vietnam.  I was so very concerned about fighting a war on the other side of the world that I had no real knowledge of our strategies or how in the world we are going to win that one." 

 

"Since that time, our brave servicemen and women have shown the US who they are and who we are as a nation.  I am proud to be an American who stands up for justice.  Our whole country rallied in retaliation to 9/11, much like when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor.  We rallied together with more mutual American love than we showed each other for many decades.  The other countries around the world supported our efforts to preserve democracy and freedom. It was a great moment in a horrible time." 

Richard Maize concludes: "The USO survives mainly on contributions.  I was more than pleased to participate through my foundation to provide funds for the USO.  It was truly a fulfilling experience. And to improve upon the morale of soldiers is enable them to be that more effective in defending the home land. What could be more important?"

"I think the world of our men and women in the US armed forces.  They are selfless and I view them with great honor and praise.  Great work you men and women in uniform.  Hope you all have a safe holiday wherever you are and come home safe and sound."

Supporting America’s troops was the first mission of the USO. In 1941, as it became clear that the nation was heading into World War II, several organizations mobilized to support the growing U.S. military: the Salvation Army, Young Men’s Christian Association, Young Women’s Christian Association, National Catholic Community Services, National Travelers Aid Association and the National Jewish Welfare Board.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt created synergy among these agencies by forming the United Service Organizations, with the objective of providing the emotional support the troops needed.

Over time, the USO has evolved, developing new programs and services to meet the ever-changing needs of the troops and their families, while holding fast to the original mission.

Today, the USO continues to lift the spirits of America’s troops and their families, and will continue to be there for them until every one comes home.

Richard Maize, who also serves as mentor to recent college graduates, established the Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation – a philanthropic organization that supports, contributes volunteer and financial resources to causes locally in the LA community and worldwide supporting programs focusing on art, culture, sports, family services and health care that work to help people live more fulfilling lives.

Richard Maize has generously supported a variety of organizations and causes including the American Cancer Society, Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services, Hurricane Katrina, Los Angeles Police Foundation, the Beverly Hills Police and Fire Department, the USO, the Cedars Sinai Board of Governors, Israel Flying Aid in earthquake devastated Haiti and the Maccabiah Sports Games in Israel.

Richard Maize and his wife, Rochelle Maize, are longtime benefactors of many other non-profit local organizations in LA and globally where Richard has been recognized for his humanitarian efforts on behalf of dozens of charitable groups and community projects.