We were thrilled when Los Angeles recognized the State of Emergency of Skid Row and prioritized the issue of homelessness. It is absolutely an epidemic right now. The time is past due to allocate resources to the problem.
Unfortunately, the money just hasn’t shown up. I know it makes us feel great that we’re talking about a plan, or proposing a budget, but that doesn’t help the people dying on the street tonight. This emergency was declared six months ago and we’re still talking about what we’re going to do next year or over the next five years.
We’ve gone from 44,000 people experiencing homelessness to 47,000 people, an increase of almost 6%. Of that 3,000 more people, 40% are single women. Now, more than ever, we need to find a place to shelter these vulnerable people, yet more and more shelters are closing their doors. We lost over 2,000 shelter and transitional beds county-wide.
Since last year, the numbers on the streets have increased and over 40% of that growth is single women. We are going backwards.
At Union Rescue Mission, women and children outnumber men for the first time ever and we’re sheltering over 1,000 people each night. Since 2013, there has been a 55% increase in women experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles. We need more options now so women are not stuck on mean streets of Skid Row or anywhere in our city. My heart won’t rest as long as women and children are on the streets. We, Union Rescue Mission, will not rest as long as women and children are on the streets. With your help, while others talk we will continue to step up.
Please consider giving a gift during our Matching Gift Challenge and make an impact on the lives of those experiencing homelessness that have come to Union Rescue Mission. Any gift you give will be matched 100% by our anonymous donors.
Hello I currently go to free indeed Christian fellowship in the city of Perris. I’m looking to set up a mission event to help and wondering if you do any events such as feeding or giving stuff to the homeless? I’m thinking of doing a donation gathering and making bags with stuff needed and doing a give away and go and evangelize with prayer. Let me know if you are interested. Thanks
Hi Michael,
Someone from our volunteer department should be reaching out to you soon.
I am in Urm program Hg and I am so grateful for all they do for me. I am getting to know and love myself and i am exited on what’s yet to come
The VACANT SALVATION ARMY BUILDING WILL HOUSE AND PROVIDE JOBS FOR THE HOMELESS WOMEN AND CHILDREN. ….SIMPLY TAKE ACTION PRIORITIZE WHAT MATTERS.
I would like to volunteer my time , on Monday or Thursday. Please let me know if theirs anything available.
Hi Valerie,
Someone from our volunteer department should be reaching out to you soon.
I would like to know if I can be a part of the program. I am able to volunteer any time. U can call me at [Redacted] and my name is Teresa Trujillo
Hi Teresa,
Someone from our volunteer department should be reaching out to you soon.
Thanks,
Shawna
I have lived in Downtown LA for 10 years and I’ve noticed an uptick in homelessness. I walk everyday to work and to home and I am confronted in a very visceral way by all forms of homeless people-sleeping, panhandling, screaming/making a scene, and a very few who try to engage in an aggressive manner. I’ve read your advice on providing them with resources and a handout as a last resort. What are their resources? Where to sleep? Eat? Get medical attention? My little girl growing up in the city also wants to know if we should give them snacks and our money. We are also Christians. But just me and my little girl I’m too scared to approach many of them. Please advise.
Hi Olivia,
Thank you for reaching out to us. You can start here: http://urm.org/get-involved/. If your daughter really wants to get involved, I’d recommend creating outreach kits for you both to give out – http://urm.org/get-involved/outreach-kits/. The kits include snacks and sometimes hygiene items, water, bus tokens – whatever you’re comfortable including. This blog entry from Rev. Andy may also be helpful – http://urm.org/2012/03/27/why-i-am-weary-of-giving-money-to-people-panhandling/
Thank you and God Bless!
Shawna