Matthew Smith has an extensive background in ministry and addiction support, serving as the Associate Minister and Minister of Evangelism at Metropolitan Church of Christ since 2012. Additionally, Matthew holds the position of Lead Case Manager at New Directions, Inc. since April 2007, specializing as a Certified Addiction Specialist. Matthew's education includes training at the CAARR Institute and Los Angeles City College, as well as studies at the Southern California School of Evangelism.
New Directions for Veterans
Los Angeles County is the location of the country’s largest population of homeless Veterans, with more than 4,800 Veterans living on the streets on any given night. New Directions for Veterans has welcomed homeless veterans with open arms for 25 years. We continue to make great strides in supporting the needs of both male and female veterans from all generations and theatres of conflict. Our range of services are customized to each and every individual and encompass addiction recovery services, mental health therapy, case management, clothing, food, legal and tax assistance, workforce development, housing placement, family reunification services, and aftercare support. Our services are designed to address the complexities of homelessness given the wide range contributing factors, and our goal is that every veteran participant leaves New Directions with a job, stable income, a permanent home, and the skills to lead a healthy, productive life.