Bread Baking at New Homeboy Bakery

Ovens Running, Bread Baking at New Homeboy Bakery
Grand Reopening Held at New $8 Million Facility in Downtown

CHINATOWN, Oct. 2, 2007 (KABC-TV) - The Homeboy Bakery is back in business. Eight years after it burned down, the bakery that employs former gang members reopens its doors.

Homeboy Bakery held a big grand opening Tuesday. The ovens are running and bread is baking again.

The original Homeboy Bakery burned down about eight years ago. The new facility cost about $8 million to build, all coming from private donations.

The goal at Homeboy Bakery isn't just to make baked goods, but also to change lives. The program helps gang members get off the streets. Those involved say it does make a difference.

"It's incredible because like I never thought I'd be a baker," says Johnny Ortega, former gang member. "I mean all my years, what I've been through. I mean doing this now it's an experience that I couldn't believe I'd be doing."

Homeboy Industries told Eyewitness News they have more than 250 former gang members taking part in the Homeboy Bakery program. They're getting involved and getting off the streets. Homeboy Industries helps these former gang members lead more productive lives.

Homeboy Industries also has a Homegirl Cafe, for former female gang members, at the same location. The facility is located in Chinatown, and for one reason: it's neutral territory for the gang members. There are no gangs that claim the turf, which is important for gang members trying to escape the life.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• baking
• Bread
• Homeboy
• Industries
• Bakery
• Homegirl
• cafe
• gang
• members
• gangs
• downtown
• los
• angeles
• opening
• chinatown

[BurnTheLeaves]

lol... what?

[22SELiNA22]

yes there should be.

and im determined to do something just like this and help gang members that want to change there life around

[Anarion18]

:48-:50. I never thought i would be a baker? funny yet sad. I'm pretty sure as a kid ortega once dreamed of doing something amazing with his life. He chose his path which led him to his misery. Thanx to gregory, he is partially saved now as a baker. Well, he has a lameass job but a job nonetheless.

[Nazeye]

hilarious