Lydia endured a lifetime of pain, suffering, abandonment, and violence. But thanks to you, she has the chance to build a new life and a happier future in 2018!

“I’m a fighter. I’ve been angry most of my life, and it’s gotten me into a lot of trouble. But I wish people could see it’s because of all the hurt I’ve been through.

“In third grade, one of my brothers was murdered. Three years later, one of my other brothers started molesting me for four years.

“And when I finally spoke up, I got taken from my family and placed in foster care.”

“By then, I was so angry, and I fought against everyone. I felt abandoned. Like no one cared. Sometimes I even cut myself just to get attention. Then, when I was 18, I moved in with my boyfriend. Eventually he became the father of my four kids.

“But our relationship was often violent, and that’s when I turned to drugs to escape — especially meth and ecstasy. I wanted a fairy tale life. But that wasn’t my reality.”

“Later, I lost all my kids because of domestic violence, and I ended up homeless, panhandling for drug money, living in parks or under bridges, or riding buses all night. But a year ago, I was finally ready to change. I got clean and sober and came to Union Rescue Mission to build a new life for myself and my newborn son. Here, I found the loving support and attention I needed. They held me accountable and made sure I did everything I was supposed to do. I’ve also learned to control my temper, and, thanks to the people here, it looks like I may get all my children back in 2018 — and as we head into the new year, that is my biggest wish!

“I just moved into my own apartment, and I’m on my own for the first time in my life. I’ve also started school to become a drug and alcohol counselor for women like me. It’s not easy, but for the first time, I love myself and my new life. Thanks to you, I’m really going to have a happy new year!”

This past year was a challenging one for precious people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles. According to official estimates, homelessness was up a tragic 23% from 2016 — and the largest increases were among single women and families!

As a result, 2017 was one of the hardest years in Union Rescue Mission’s history, as we continued our tradition of being the only Mission in Los Angeles to provide shelter for single men, single women, single mothers with children, single fathers with children, and even intact families. Yet because of your faithful partnership, 2017 will be remembered as a year of accomplishments and highlights.

Here are just a few:

In this season of giving, there’s no better way to transform the life of someone experiencing homelessness than to give a gift that offers real help and hope at a time when they need it the most. Your generosity can get one man, one woman, or one family off the streets for good — and on to a brand-new life!

Here are a few gifts you may be interested in…