Saturday, October 22^nd saw a powerful presentation by Full Harvest International Church featuring Bishop Clarence E. McClendon and Union Rescue Mission in its “Global Harvest Outreach” that touched the bodies, minds, and souls of hundreds of eager listeners assembled at the Mission’s San Julian lot.

During a time when food, clothing, gifts, and even haircuts were freely given to those in attendance, Bishop McClendon brought a message of the Lord’s power and love that touched the very hearts of his listeners. The Rev. Andy Bales, CEO of Union Rescue Mission brought a message from Job 19 and knowing our Redeemer lives. There were two presentations that day with a total attendance of over 800 people. The ministry reaching out to the whole person resulted in 200 people making a decision for the Lord.

Without the help and assistance of a virtual army of supporters, workers, and assistants the entire project could never have occurred. Thanks to everyone who helped; no contribution was too small or neglected.

Urban LA Boot Camp is a 5-week outdoor fitness program designed to help you achieve positive changes in your fitness, health, and spirit.

Starting November 26th, you have the incredible opportunity to be part of this 5-week course while simultaneously helping fight homelessness in LA.  If you donate $100 to URM, your LA Boot Camp course (valued at $225) will be waived!

There are a total of 100 spaces, with 4 different classes and times offered (25 spaces per class section).  When you and your friends SIGN UP, you will not only be improving your health, fitness, and spirit; you will also be providing food, shelter, and fundamental services to those experiencing homelessness!

FOR ALL THE INFO YOU NEED AND TO REGISTER, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Spaces are limited so don’t wait to sign-up.

We look forward to seeing you there!

On Sunday, October 23^rd, students from SCI-Arc hosted a Harvest Party for all the kids at URM! SCI-Arc is an independent architecture school located close to downtown; generous undergrad and graduate students took time out of their extremely busy Mid-Terms week to sponsor and host this fun event.

Kids played games such as musical chairs, received goodie bags, and had pizza for lunch before closing out the afternoon with a piñata!

We are very grateful to all the students from SCI-Arc who made this fun day possible for the kids at Union Rescue Mission!

Last night was a night full of excitement for history-lovers on the URM rooftop as the reel for the vintage film Of Scrap and Steel began to run.  After gourmet box dinners had been served by the URM kitchen staff, brilliant historians walked attendees through the amazing history of Los Angeles and the vital role that Union Rescue Mission has played.

Though this film was made in 1948, the story it tells is an enduring tale of men and women in search of hope, and an opportunity to get back on their feet.  Over the past 120 years, URM has been such a place for these individuals.   Of Scrap and Steel is not only a rich, historical gem, but is also a powerful reminder of the timeless redemption and salvation found through Christ.

A huge thank you to Los Angeles Visionaries Society (LAVA) and to URM Historian, Liz Mooradian for coordinating this wonderful event.

For more pictures of the event please Visit the Event Album.

For more information on the Los Angeles Visionaries Society Please visit Lavatransforms.org.

And for intriguing and historical testimonies of men and women who came through URM years ago please visit In SRO Land.

It was a cold night on the URM rooftop this last Tuesday night, but that only made the screening of the movie Snowmen even more appropriate.  Mothers and children from Hope Gardens and URM, staff, and members of the cast (including Bobby Colemen) all nuzzled together under the heat lamps to stay warm and enjoy the movie.

Snowmen is a movie about three boys who make a surprising discovery in the snow, casting them into a spot-light of small-town fame.  The journey of fame takes these friends through a series of events leading them to the conclusion that though fame comes and goes, true friendship lasts a life-time.

Click Here To watch the trailer and read more about the cast and the movie

To view more pictures of this event and it’s participants please visit our photo album here

Tucked away deep in the archives of Union Rescue Mission, Of Scrap and Steel, was waiting to be be discovered, becoming more and more fragile with each passing day.  Recently, URM Historian, Liz Mooradian, pulled this 1948 short film to the surface.  Had Liz not transferred the deteriorating 16mm print into video, this fascinating piece of Los Angeles history would have been lost.

Today, October 18,2011, Liz Mooradian and CEO, Rev.Andy Bales discussed, with excitement, this wonderful discovery on KPCC 89.3.  “We were out of our minds when we saw it, that it was in tact and that we could see people walking around the mission,” said Liz.  The KPCC radio segment was a beautiful glimpse into the rich history of URM.

Take a few minutes and listen to the KPCC segment here.

A historical gem like this is meant to be shared.  That is why this Thursday October 20th, 2011,  the Los Angeles Visionaries Association, In SRO Land, and Union Rescue Mission would like to invite you to join us for a FREE rooftop screening of Of Scrap and Steel.  What better place to enjoy this enthralling film than the beautiful re-designed URM rooftop nestled in the city lights of Los Angeles.

For all the info you need regarding parking, address, program schedule, and to register, .

We look forward to seeing you there!

Sneak Peak of Of Scrap and Steel

Saturday, October 15, 2011, from 3pm-6pm, we would like to invite you to the Hope Gardens Open House on the beautiful 77 acre campus in Sylmar, California. This fun-filled event will give you the opportunity to tour the beautiful campus, meet the incredible staff, enjoy some great food, and engage with the precious women and children of Hope Gardens.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Latonja Lindsey at (213) 347-6341 or email llindsey@urm.org.

Please RSVP by October 12th

Far from the dangerous streets of Skid Row, nestled in the foothills of Sylmar, California, lies Hope Gardens Family Center, a transitional housing and permanent supportive housing campus for mothers, children, and senior women experiencing homelessness.

Back in August, 2006, after a long hard fight to acquire this property, Hope Gardens opened its doors to women and children in need.  With approximately 85 children, 42 mothers, and 21 senior women, Hope Gardens is a peaceful place of refuge for these beautiful people, a stop on the way home.

We look forward to seeing you at the Open House to help us celebrate the blessing of Hope Gardens and its guests.