Month: October 2012

Hannah Forster – Making a BIG Difference

Hannah started with a flyer. The idea was simple – hand it out to her neighbors, ask them to collect clothes they would be willing to donate, and Hannah would swing by and pick them up.

“Each year I look for ways to make the world a better place” says Hannah.

Well Hannah, that is exactly what you are doing.

Hannah collected 80 bags of clothing to bless the families at Union Rescue Mission.

It is people like this that are making a difference in the lives of families experiencing homelessness in LA. Little acts of love go a very long way. We can’t thank Hannah and all of her neighbors and friends who donated enough.

The Mission Newsletter – October 2012

Growing up in a Mexican family, we’ve always liked spending time together — especially at Thanksgiving. Every year, at least 30 of us — brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins — would gather together to feast and enjoy one another as a family.

But thanks to drugs, I missed more than a few Thanksgivings. High on drugs, I would remember my family celebrating without me. Then sadness would overwhelm me and I’d cry.

I’ve been a crack addict for more than 25 years. And for 20 of those years, I tried to get clean . . . again and again and again. Over and over, I’d get sober, then go right back to drugs. I’ve had several good jobs and lost every one of them because of drugs. When I hit bottom again in 2011, my sister was so angry.

We’ve been close all our lives. She loves me like a mother. But this time, she just said, “Why do you keep doing this? You might as well go kill yourself!”

I don’t know why I keep sabotaging my life. I guess I don’t want to face my problems. But what my sister said hurt. And it got my attention. I came to Union Rescue Mission on June 1, 2011, and today I’ve been sober for over a year.

I’ve come to realize that the only way to overcome my addictions is through the Bible, dying to myself, picking up my cross every day, and following Jesus. I’ve learned that I can’t quit this horrible addiction by myself — but with God, I can do all things. I’ve read through the Bible three times this year, and it has become my energy and refuge.

I especially love James 4:7 — “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” That’s what I’m doing, submitting my life to God and resisting the devil.

This Thanksgiving, I’ve found a new family to celebrate with. The people at Union Rescue Mission have truly given me a helping hand — spiritually, emotionally, and physically. They have loved and cared for me like my own flesh and blood — they have been the presence of Christ to me.

Thanks to Union Rescue Mission, I know I will make it this time. I am a grateful man.

When I think of Thanksgiving, I think about my childhood in Adel, Iowa, when all my favorite aunts, uncles, and cousins would gather for a wonderful meal and a day full of fun and football — it was a day of being surrounded by family who loved me.

It’s one of the great tragedies among people who live on the streets. The biggest common denominator is that most have lost connections with their family. Many lost their families when they were children through death or divorce. Others burned bridges to their family through drugs, crime, and addiction. But whatever the reason, once that love and family is gone, when you’re alone in the world, you don’t have much of a shot.

That’s why Union Rescue Mission does more than just offer a great meal to the folks on Skid Row every Thanksgiving. With your generous support, we work hard to create a day of hugs, smiles, fun, games, and welcoming love — the same welcoming love I enjoyed as a kid. Many who join us that day find a new family here. The truth is, when we welcome people into our home — maybe they’ll find their own way back home

Blessings,

Andy Bales, CEO

We Still Need Shelters

As you may know, I’ve been speaking up for Rescue Missions and shelters, while much of the country has been discrediting our work.  In some recent blogs I have said:

“Resources are moving and moving quickly, away from shelters and transitional housing beds, towards housing first initiatives, which is believed to be the new way to end homelessness.  See my earlier blogs for notes on this.  As the resources move, shelters, transitional housing, and the beds therein are being removed from the scene, and the number of precious people on the streets, in tents, and in cars continues to increase.  However as the next count rolls out, the easier more accurate part of the count-those in shelter and transitional housing beds-will have dwindled, and the more difficult, nearly impossible part of the count, going out on the streets looking for people, will continue to be difficult, and it will appear, or be made to appear, that homelessness has decreased, when in fact, homelessness has increased”. Continue reading »