It is difficult to describe the heartbreak I feel as our Winter Shelters close. This weekend 450+ souls were asking, “Where can I go?” The very sad part is that many of these folks have never experienced homelessness before. We saw our economy crumble during the months the emergency Winter Shelters were open (Dec-March). Now as they close, these fearful folks will be on the streets for the first time in their lives.
Friday evening I stopped by the Burbank Winter Shelter to be a part of the very special meal of chicken and ribs our kitchen prepared for the guests. California Assemblyman, Paul Krekorian was there with our other faithful volunteers serving the special meals to the guests at tablecloth covered tables. That night many folks were asking me, “Where can I go?” One of our guests–a tall, handsome, and very polite man–asked me to lead them in prayer before they began eating. I was touched by their spirit of thankfulness even as they were about to face absolute homelessness. Another man called me over to his table. I thought he wanted another plate, but instead he thanked me and said that our Winter Shelter staff was incredibly helpful.
My wife and I visited the West LA Winter Shelter Saturday night. There, I asked Lucy, a lovely redheaded woman to come to URM downtown today so that we could assist her. She responded, “I can’t come downtown! The last time I did I was attacked on the street!” I asked the same to a lovely older woman, Annie, and she agreed to come down and give us a chance to assist her in finding housing. Another fellow hugged me in the parking lot and thanked me for the Winter Shelter.
With a real unemployment rate of 20% in Los Angeles, I have been pleading for help. I have been hoping against hope that Governor Schwarzenegger and other leaders would recognize the emergency we are in during this Great Recession—that they would keep the National Guard Armories open and continue the Winter Shelters year round. Unfortunately, no such leadership or help has come forward. Instead of finding partners to step up with an emergency plan to assist, we find ourselves battling some neighbors and a Burbank City Councilman just in order to open the Burbank Winter Shelter again next year. As a result, the majority of the 450+ people at our Winter Shelters, along with many others from Winter Shelters in the area, will find themselves without a roof tonight.
To add insult to injury, on Sunday I received word that the Sergeant on duty at the Burbank Armory decided to close one day early. Our staff found out at 3:40pm when they showed up to go to work. Our team scrambled to move the folks quickly to our downtown URM gym for the night.
Though my heart is breaking, I am also burning with a bit of (I hope) righteous anger at leaders who seem to be caught like a deer in the headlights instead of responding to the needs of fellow human beings. We at Union Rescue Mission are doing what we can. We are leaving most of our Winter cots up at our downtown facility, though we absolutely do not have the funds to do so. Our faithful staff are meeting with people that we referred from area Winter Shelters, many of whom are rightly scared to death of life on the streets. We are doing our best to assist them in finding a place to go.
Please pray for these precious souls. Pray for our leaders to wake up to the emergency we are in. Pray for Union Rescue Mission and our response. Pray for me. Thank you.
Watch the Fox 11 News Story on this at http://tinyurl.com/d5umx4
As a resident of nearby North Hollywood, I also spend quite a bit of time in Burbank, as my husband and I own a horse who is boarded in the Burbank Rancho district and my husband also works there. I also drive through the Toluca Lake area on a daily basis. These areas have always been considered affluent, I think, to a degree, but I am constantly seeing homeless people walking, lingering, and asking for help at corners, etc. The other day, I exited the freeway in Burbank on Pass Avenue and there was a man in a wheelchair with one leg asking for change. Whatever you might say about his life choices or luck, or whatever, someone like this needs help! Even in my neighborhood, there is a church that provides assistance to homeless people, so they are around, waiting for the church to open. Maybe it’s not the ideal situation for anyone, maybe we don’t want to be reminded that problems exist…but we can’t ignore that Burbank, Glendale (where I was born and raised), Toluca Lake, North Hollywood, etc. are going to have homeless people – people that need help! Homelessness is not just about being in downtown LA. Some people are suburbanites too! And want to stay in an area they feel comfortable. The bottom line, if you have ever actually talked to a homeless person, is that they are just like you and me. I’m just afraid I’m preaching to the choir….most of the people who visit this site will already know this. Thanks for keeping us all updated!! Keep up the good work!
Thank you, Tracy! Thanks for your kind heart and words. Bless you!
Thanks to all who showed up to support Burbank Winter Shelter at the City Council meeting. As many people spoke for as against, and great leadership was shown by Mayor and City staff of Burbank. Thank you!
It is a privilege to support the incredible work the Lord is doing through you and the wonderful staff at the URM and even to ‘speak’ to you here. You are obviously a faithful and kind shepherd as our Lord has formed you in his image. He has maintained this ministry all of these years, will He not continue to do so. My heart rejoices as I read your updates of the needy people you encounter that are not only provided for but most of all find the Saviour at the shelter. And now to hear that many are having to be turned away is truly a heart breaker. He says He knows the number of hairs upon our heads and every need we have. I will make it a matter of prayer. I frequently see the homeless in my area of OC as well. I always find it difficult to encounter them as they ask for $…I always ask myself is this how to really help them. But just this week I got to share the good news with a homeless man along with giving him a small donation. He seemed to deeply appreciate it.
Thank you for laying down your life for the poor and needy.
Diane