Dear Friends,
Earlier this month we began what will be a year long celebration of Union Rescue Mission’s 120th birthday! You’ll hear more about our plans in the coming months but as 2011 comes to end, I thought you would appreciate this quote from our history library:
“At a time when bread was only a nickel a loaf, thousands of men, women and children went without. Union Rescue Mission was there for them. In 1910 we served 5,693 meals and helped 875 men find jobs”.
Some might read this and be discouraged. After all, bread costs a lot more than a nickel and men, women and children are still going without. But for me, this passage from our history is encouraging reminder of God’s affirmation of our work and His love for people experiencing homelessness. He has faithfully sustained this ministry for 120 years through wonderful people like you. I’m humbled and blessed to work alongside you.
Our work here is far from complete. According to the latest counts, the number of precious people living on Skid Row has doubled since last year. By years end, URM will have served over 1 million meals. Thankfully, we have 120 years of victory in the midst of challenge under our belt. We will continue to embrace people experiencing homelessness with the compassion of Christ – giving hope and healing for a changed life – helping them find their way home.
Union Rescue Mission needs to raise $3.5 million by the end of the year to meet the needs of the men, women and children we currently serve; move forward with the expansion of our Women’s Life Transformation Program; and implement a robust Job Training, Job Development and Job Placement Program!
As you consider your final year-end contribution to Union Rescue Mission, I have some exciting news to share with you. One of our faithful, generous friends has offered to match every gift we receive between now and December 31st up to $200,000. This means any amount you share will go twice as far. Thank you in advance for giving generously.
May God bless you!
Rev. Andy Bales
i am homeless father who has his 10 month old daughter, and my 14 year old son.. buy because my son is 14 there are not any shelters or housing they will give us! that is very disappointing… Ive been beaten numerous times by the mother and her family.. police reports and restraining orders are made… ive been to the cal works and the have no clue to what to do. i also called 211 there is nothing they can do for me.. im looking for a low income housing so that i may not be harmed by the mother or her family… i called all these numbers..
vehicular outreach 866-9234376.
home sweet home 323-547-8984
l.a. housing 213-225-840
victims of crime… long beach/ Inglewood where i was beat…
San Gabrila rapid rehousing program
harbor interface310-831-0589 and many more.. i need help….
for Christmas we slept in our car! and new years as well. our car was towed the day after Christmas
and as a man i am trying to get some kind of housing for my kids and i… but everywhere i turn there’s a closed door…
please help me find some housing for me and my kids please! Christopher Dickerson…310-935-8760
@ac8cba79e30104bcc9ea696c095f7086:disqus We have tried contacting you multiple times at the number you provided but have not been able to reach you. Is there an alternate number we can reach you at? Also, our contact office is the an excellent place for you to get started receiving the help you need. They can be reached at 213-347-6300 ext 1120.
There are some places in Long Beach. Google homeless shelter long beach. Email or call.
One contacted me the next day.
For temporary, goto Travelodge LA. Online or call http://www.getaroom.com.
I urge Rescue Mission to stop bombarding the donateurs by after-donnation-mails coming make people boxes (Post Office box, mail box or trash) full very soon.
This kind of marketing annoys people and wastes money (total cost = more than received) and paper (global warming, paper whitening chemical and drain energy of Mr. Postman).
People stop giving after organizations send mails continuously and in abundance like Rescue Mission.
Some people get angry, regret, disappointed, til they ask themselves: what have I done?? Why am I being punish like this???