The Latest

Freebirds Grand Opening Benefits URM

FREEBIRDS, a burrito restaurant that originated in Santa Barbara back in 1987, held their Grand Opening near USC today. The popular chain has decided to open up 16 new locations in California this year.

Keeping in line with their mission, “Feed Your Belly, Feed Your Soul”, they benefit charities at their Grand Opening Events. Yesterday, proceeds went to the Art of Elysium, and today donations were given to us to help people experiencing homelessness. The first 250 guest to arrive were able to receive a free burrito in honor of their $5 donation.

We are so thankful for the generosity of FREEBIRDS, and to everyone who came out to the event to day to support our work here at Union Rescue Mission!

Winter Shelters Staying Open Through Rain!

We are very excited to announce that the Winter Shelters will now be open 24/7 during this inclement weather period! Thanks to LAHSA for helping to make this possible for year round shelters, including the armories where our Winter Shelters are located.

Over the weekend, we were very concerned for all our Winter Shelter guests who had to leave the shelters as early as 5:30am and be out in the rain all day before returning to eat and sleep at night. Find out more about the situation by watching this news clip.

19th Annual Christmas Store a Success

Last week, hundreds of families came to Union Rescue Mission to take part in our 19th Annual Christmas Store!

On Thursday and Friday, parents who otherwise might not be able to buy gifts for their children were invited to come shop with us. We transformed our Chapel into a Christmas Store, filled with gifts, personal shoppers, and present-wrappers!

While moms and dads shopped for their kids, the children enjoyed our Kids Zone. They were able to take a picture with Santa, enjoy popcorn and cotton candy, and play at our crafts table after shopping in their special Kids Christmas Store for their parents!

 

 Rev. Andy Bales said “It’s our great joy to provide an opportunity for a unique shopping experience to 1000 to 1200 families that might otherwise miss out on the joy of personally giving gifts to their children at Christmas.”

 

 

Each year URM’s Annual Christmas Store is made possible through the generosity of  private donors, partnering corporations and companies like Disney, SUBWAY Restaurants, Wells Fargo Women’s Network, Eaton Aerospace, Beverly Hills YPO, Toyota and many others. Thanks to everyone for making this great event possible!

You can see more photos from this event by checking out our Flickr!

 

Stories from Skid Row: Febe

It is our goal to move every precious mother and child off the streets of Skid Row and to the safety and serenity of Hope Gardens Family Center, where they can really get back on their feet.

Febe, a single mom of two, came to Union Rescue Mission when she had to leave her home due to family issues. She is one of the many moms that we have helped move to Hope Gardens, and she definitely won’t be the last. It won’t be easy. But we know with help from friends like you, we can make this dream a reality.

Please take a moment to watch this video of Febe getting a fresh start on life and moving into Hope Gardens. And thank you for your continued support  – we couldn’t do this without you.

Blessings,

Stories from Skid Row: The Nativity

Each night, an average of 145 kids call Union Rescue Mission and Hope Gardens Family Center home. And thanks to help from friends like you, we have rescued over 1,800 precious children from living on the streets of Skid Row in the last 2 years. Kiera is one of these adorable children. We hope you will take a moment to watch her tell the Christmas Story in her own words!

No one deserves to suffer the devastation of homelessness, especially during the holidays. Thank you for your continued support in helping us serve each and every person who comes to our doors.

Help Portrait Comes to URM

For many people experiencing homelessness, taking a family portrait each Christmas, or having a professional take a photo of themselves is a luxury they can’t afford.  But thanks to Help Portrait, an organization that brings professional photographers together to use their photography skills to give back to their local community, this luxury was made feasible and hundreds of people were able to receive beautiful portraits.

On Saturday, December 4th, Union Rescue Mission was one of several locations that photographers gathered to bless the people of Skid Row by taking beautiful photos, and printing them on the spot for free!

There were several backdrops to choose from, including a large Christmas tree with presents under it. A “Kids Station” was set up with crafts and coloring. All in all, it was a great day that brought joy to many people.

Take a look at the Channel 11 News clip below to see some of people that were touched by this fun and generous event!

Andy’s End of Month Update: November 2010

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we wanted to fill you in on what’s been happening at Union Rescue Mission so far this holiday season. Not only have we been busy feeding more people than ever and hosting our annual Thanksgiving Celebration, but we’ve also been celebrating many other achievements and honors this month!

Please take a moment to watch this video and catch up on the latest. As always, thank you so much for your support. We couldn’t do what we do without you!

URM Hosts Annual Thanksgiving Celebration Despite Rain!

Today we held our annual Thanksgiving Celebration – but unlike every other year, we had to move it inside due to the rain! Even with the last minute change, the event was still great and we were able to serve many people from the Skid Row community.

Beginning at midnight, volunteers came out to help fry turkeys all through the night in preparation for the event! Guests enjoyed a hot meal of turkey, stuffing, veggies, yams, mac ‘n’ cheese, salad and pumpkin pie!

The Kids Zone was held in our 3rd floor gym, where people enjoyed snow cones, cotton candy, and popcorn while children played in jumpers, on a bungee run, and other games.

Check out all the photos from todays event by clicking here!

Andre Ethier & Farmer Johns Team Up Once Again

It felt like a day at the stadium yesterday, as Andre Ethier of the LA Dodgers grilled and served up Farmer John’s hotdogs!

Guests were thrilled to meet Andre, and enjoy a tasty dinner. Thanks to Farmer Johns, we were able to serve up 1,000 bacon wrapped dogs – the new Official Hotdog of LA.  We also received a donation of 27,000 lbs of ham thanks to Farmer Johns!

In honor of the donation, we celebrated with one of our traditional Bell Ringings, and Andre Ethier rang the bell.

Thanks to everyone who helped make todays event possible!