When you first see LAPD Officer Deon Joseph, he can be intimidating. But look closer, and you’ll quickly realize he has an incredible heart for people experiencing homelessness.

The streets are filled with people who struggle with reading, basic math, and other life skills. More than 100 people visit our Learning Center each day to learn skills they need to live a better life.

More than 200 families come to URM for help each month. Mothers and children in desperate need of a safe place to stay and help to get back on their feet.

Giving spare change to people experiencing homelessness doesn’t change lives — but offering friendship and an invitation to join a caring community or church can.

Watch how Moe, a lifelong "stone-hard alcoholic," found new life, thanks to Union Rescue Mission and San Gabriel Community Church. And see how your generous support can help more precious people just like him overcome homelessness.

Dental services. Healthcare. Legal assistance. Counseling. More than 5,500 men, women, and children like Joseph benefit from URM’s free clinical services each year.

Thelma recently celebrated 14 years clean from drugs — and she’s sharing the lessons she’s learned to help others as a supervisor for Union Rescue Mission’s Gateway Program.

When homelessness knocked Edy and her children off their feet, she soon found new hope at Union Rescue Mission‘s Hope Gardens Family Center.

Enrique spent 22 years addicted to drugs. Recently, we celebrated his graduation from our one-year, intensive Christian Life Discipleship Program.

Escaping the streets of Skid Row can be a difficult journey. We want to make the path easier by helping men transition from homelessness.

Addicted to drugs and alcohol, Tommy used to live on the streets of Skid Row. But then he came to Union Rescue Mission and God changed his life.

Rev. Andy Bales, CEO of Union Rescue Mission, spent one night on Skid Row. And on the toughest street on Skid Row, no less. His exact words were, “Hell on earth.”

Robert lived on the streets of Skid Row for months, surrounded by despair and destitution. One day he prayed for God to take away his desire for drugs.

John Kennelly, a high-level executive at Toyota, never gave Skid Row or Union Rescue Mission a second thought until a brief visit a few years ago changed his life.

Kat spent 20 years doing drugs until she found the courage and help to turn her life around. See how this single mom kept her family together.

Pops went from being one of the deadliest drug dealers on the streets to handing out supplies and wisdom to men looking for a new life off the streets.

For years, Jose's life was scarred by stuttering and crippling drug addiction — all because of a painful secret he hid from everyone since childhood.

15-year-old Maurice dreams of being a pilot someday, but his dream seemed far away last Christmas when his family had no place to live.

“The Way Home...” Perhaps there are no better means to finding ‘the way home’ than having steady employment.

URM's Chef Larry struggled with homelessness in Pasadena for six years before discovering God’s perfect recipe for a transformed life.

Union Rescue Mission rescued Al from a life of adversity and addiction, and gave him the family and love he never had before.

URM’s Programs helped Alex and Marty overcome their addictions and reconnect with their families.

Michelle is the eldest of 5 children who lives with her mom and siblings at Union Rescue Mission.

Ralph and his son, Tokoyo struggled with homelessness for five years after Hurricane Katrina robbed them of everything.

We hope you will take a moment to watch a short video of Yemi as she shares what Easter means to her.

We knew this day would come but it doesn't make it any easier — the closing of the Winter Shelters.

The winter refuge we provide for people who have no home.

Febe, a single mom of two, came to Union Rescue Mission when she had to leave her home due to family issues.

Kiera tells us the story of the nativity.

Joe walks us through his average day and his back story.

Aura and Albert never expected to find themselves experiencing homelessness.

Thanks to generous people like you, David and other men just like him are learning that God is the Master Chef who can transform their lives.

Meet Marcus as he walks us through Christmas in July.

Raymond decides to make a positive difference in the Skid Row community.

After reaching the brink of death, hope.

Sandra walks through an average day at the Gelndale Winter Shelter.

Beatriz and her family transition to Hope Gardens.

A glimpse into the life of Kenneth.

Andy, a recent graduate of the Christian Life Discipleship Program, talks about his life now and where he's been.

Lucy introduces us to her life on the streets.

A mother and daughter face the reality of losing their home.

A student gives her perspective on homelessness.

The new face of homelessness.

Once homeless, 15-year-old Eric is now proud to be the Senior Patrol Leader of his Boy Scout troop sponsored by Union Rescue Mission.

Meet Andy Bales, CEO of Union Rescue Mission. Hear his personal testimony and see his heart for the homeless of Los Angeles.

Alex Cornejo once thought his life was over. But today he‘s connecting a passion for helping others with a vibrant new purpose for his life.

Tom talks about how tough it is on the streets.

86-year-old Betty left home and ventured into Los Angeles‘ dangerous streets to find her missing daughter. She was not prepared for what she found.

Carolyn tries to explain homelessness to her children.

Shannon is one of many mothers who have been given the opportunity to transform their children‘s future at Hope Gardens. She fights for her family.

Once a Mission donor, Carol now sleeps on bunk #153.

Chase reflects on his life last Christmas.

Carlos aids the people of Skid Row with the Water Walk

A year and a half after finding herself homeless, Serwa moves into her own place. This is a follow up to the Serwa "Stories from Skid Row” video produced in 2007.

Music Courtesy of Jacob Zachary - "This Town”, "Clouds of Cobblestone”, and "Ode to Zion”