Hertzberg’s Heroes: Vol. I, Issue X
Melissa McQueen & Keith Russell, Hope of the Valley
Welcome to Hertzberg’s Heroes! Every month, Team Hertzberg will highlight an organization or individual who exemplifies heroism through their dedication to making life better for the San Fernando Valley. Have a Hero to suggest? Submit your idea to Senator.Hertzberg@sen.ca.gov!
For San Fernando Valley residents, it’s not uncommon to see sidewalks and underpasses lined with tents and sleeping bags. Our statewide homelessness crisis is heartbreaking to every community and corner it touches, however it has inspired some to simply give back. Melissa McQueen, who works as an outreach worker at Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission in Van Nuys, is one such person.
McQueen greets clients with a warm smile and encourages them to come to the Rescue Mission for a hot meal and a shower when she sees them on familiar Van Nuys streets that she often travels to and from for work. She and her partner, Keith Russell, share a common bond for lending a hand to help our most vulnerable residents on the streets.
McQueen and Russell have lived together since 2012, when McQueen was caring for both of her parents, both of whom passed away a few years later. McQueen was devastated by the loss of her parents, who helped her care for her children as a young woman who was formerly incarcerated.
The couple relocated to Los Angeles, where Russell grew up, in 2015 and after an unfortunate turn of life events, spent nights in their car with nowhere else to turn. They worked a variety of odd jobs and were kept company by their Pitbull, Koko. Their car broke down in Van Nuys in 2017 while they were on their way to donate plasma. After saving enough money, they stayed at a motel and made Van Nuys their home.
When they asked around for services, they heard great things about Hope of the Valley. They received meals, showers, clothing, and were deeply moved by the kindness and hospitality of the Rescue Mission. When they were able to, McQueen and Russell found themselves wanting to give back. Hope of the Valley and LA Family Housing helped the couple move into an apartment in the Fall of 2017.
From that point forward, McQueen and Russell have given their time to make the San Fernando Valley a better place. Both have long volunteered with Clean Streets Clean Starts, a program that gives unhoused people a chance to work, purchase groceries and gas, and beautify the community through routine cleanups. McQueen and Russell continue to inspire others through their selfless drive to give others hope and a second chance. Melissa is proud to be a grandmother and hopes to teach her grandchildren to play a role and give back to their communities.
