I’m blossoming in God’s garden
Two and a half years ago, I was homeless, 8 months pregnant, and living in a garden-tool shed in the San Fernando valley with my boyfriend. I was terrified that authorities would take my son from me when he was born, so I desperately called around everywhere for someplace I could go for help.
I had already given my life to Christ in January 2021, so when Hope Gardens told me I could join their three year, Christian-based program, I was filled with joy and relief. I knew my journey, however, would not be easy. I had a lot of trauma to overcome.
First, my father left the family when I was 6. I thought I was daddy’s little girl, but suddenly my hero and protector was gone. I felt so vulnerable.
Two years later, I was abused by a family “friend.” After that, I never trusted anyone. I was depressed and my self-esteem was ruined.
By 14, I was already drinking and smoking marijuana. I dropped out of school, and by 20, I was heavily using drugs. At first, drugs took me out of reality and helped me cope—but whenever I came down, the pain I felt in my life was always 20 times worse. My life got completely out of control. When I became pregnant about three years ago, I was finally able to quit drugs, but shortly after that I fell into homelessness. I desperately needed help.
I don’t know what would have happened if I couldn’t get into Hope Gardens, but I thank the Lord that I did. I immediately started taking classes and learning more about the Lord. I had a team of counselors, case workers, and chaplains who helped me deal with all the fear, depression, anger, and resentment I had carried for so long.
What really changed my life, however, was my faith in Jesus. He has been here with me every step of the way and in every decision I make. It’s Jesus who helped me let go of all the emotions and trauma of my past. I learned that “by his wounds you are healed,” (1 Peter 2:24), and that I am a new creation in Christ. He gives me the strength to keep going.
I recently graduated from the program here at Hope Gardens, and I’m now employed as a kitchen assistant. My two-year-old son is blossoming, too. I can’t believe how far we’ve come!
I’m so grateful that everyone here at Hope Gardens never gave up on me—even when I was tempted to quit. I’m also grateful for people like you, who support Union Rescue Mission and Hope Gardens, and that you allowed God to use you to help someone like me.
Men, Women, and Children Devastated by Homelessness Need Your Help
Someone once said that men, women, and children devastated by homelessness don’t live on the streets, they die there. More than 48,000 precious souls currently suffering on the streets of Los Angeles, unsheltered and vulnerable to dangers, certainly know that’s true.
They need hope. They need our help—and they need your help. Your support today for our Care and Shelter Drive will save lives by providing hot, nutritious meals, safe shelter, recovery from addiction, education, job training, life-skills training, case management, and the love and mercy of Jesus Christ. You even provide access to intensive counseling, health and dental care, and legal aid. You can’t solve the crisis of homelessness all by yourself. But you can help save ONE life today. Your gift right now will help someone escape these dangerous, cruel streets for good. So please, send the most generous gift you can today!
Throughout the rest of the summer, URM will distribute Outreach Kits to our neighbors living on Skid Row. These kits are filled with shampoo, soap, toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, razors, socks, snacks, a Bible, and a special note reminding them they are a loved and a child of God.
You can provide an Outreach Kit to our neighbors living on Skid Row for just $4 per person! When you send your gift today, simply include an extra $4 with your donation for an outreach kit.
It’s nearly impossible to comprehend the inhumanity, indignity, suffering, and cruelty of Skid Row. Rev. Andy Bales has called it “the greatest man-made disaster in the United States,” and there’s no end in sight. In reality, Skid Row is a living graveyard.
• Nearly 70,000 men, women, and children are devastated by homelessness in Los Angeles Country.
• Almost 48,000 people have no shelter—living in cars, RVs, tents, or the streets.
• The number of families devastated by homelessness is up 15.4%.
• In 2021, 1,612 people living on the streets were murdered—a 100% increase in three years.
• Over the past five years, more than 1,000 women have died while homeless on the streets in LA County
With YOUR Help We Can Change These Tragic Numbers
Your support in the months and years ahead will save lives by helping to …
• Regionalize services by decentralizing Skid Row and building more Angeles House type facilities throughout LA County.
• Expand our senior housing at Hope Gardens to 50 apartments.
• Build 70 more apartments for moms, kids, and graduates at Hope Gardens.
• Create a chain of thrift stores throughout LA County, providing job skills and employment opportunities.
I encourage you to look one more time at the tragic, heart-wrenching numbers above my article. According to Forbes magazine, the three most dangerous neighborhoods in the United States are in and around Skid Row. Men, women, and children are not only devastated by homelessness—thousands of them are dying on our streets.
When I read numbers like that, however, I don’t see statistics. Each one is someone’s father, mother, son, daughter, brother, sister, or someone’s baby they once held in their arms, and the world revolved around the baby. As each one is beaten, assaulted, shot, or stabbed, I imagine their last moments of terror. That’s the reality of homelessness in Los Angeles—living in unrelenting fear 24 hours a day. Living without sleep because you must stay constantly alert.
I thank God for His grace and mercy, however, because every year, thousands of precious souls find safety, peace, and love when they leave the streets and come to Union Rescue Mission, Hope Gardens, and Angeles House. And He is using caring heroes like you to do it.
You are their bridge to hope—not only for one or two nights of safety, but helping them escape the streets for good. You’re transforming lives. You’re making a difference, all in the name of Jesus. You are the angels in the name Los Angeles.
Thank you!
Blessings,
Rev. Andy Bales, CEO
