General

You Are the Mission to End Homelessness!

This Wednesday, October 28th, Union Rescue Mission will be holding a press conference to unveil an initiative for ending homelessness as we know it in Los Angeles.  Our goal is to reduce the population of people on the streets of Skid Row by 90% in 3 years, cut the number of people who are homeless in LA County by 50% in 7 years, and in 10 years end Los Angeles’ reign as the Homeless Capitol of the US.  We believe it is time for the people of Los Angeles to rise up and take positive action to bring an end to the homeless epidemic in our community.

You Are the Mission to End Homelessness!

 

MEDIA ALERT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

CONTACT: Kitty Davis-Walker

(213) 673-4585 or (213) 507-5562

Email: kwalker@urm.org

WHAT: Union Rescue Mission is hosting a press conference with community leaders and organizations helping people experiencing homelessness.  The purpose of the press conference is to announce an initiative to end homelessness as we know it in greater Los Angeles.

.

WHEN:     Wednesday, October 28, 2009

                  10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

 

WHERE:  Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels

                  Courtyard

                  555 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, 90012

                       

WHY: Because it is time for the people of Los Angeles to rise up and take positive action to bring an end to the homelessness epidemic in our community.  It is time to replace homelessness with hopefulness.  Hope for a better life off the streets and help from those individuals and organizations who can pull together to make this a reality.

 

Union Rescue Mission CEO, Andy Bales, said “We cannot live up to our name, the City of Angels, while leading the Nation with the highest numbers of people living on the streets of our City.  With your help, we are launching an initiative to reduce the population of people on the streets of Skid Row by 90% in 3 years, cut the number of people who are homeless in LA County by 50% in 7 years, and in 10 years end Los Angeles’ reign as the homeless Capitol of the United States. You are the Mission to end homelessness!”

About Union Rescue Mission

Union Rescue Mission is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving people experiencing homelessness. Established in 1891, URM is one of the largest rescue missions of its kind in the United States and is the oldest in Los Angeles.  It provides a comprehensive array of emergency and long-term services, including food, shelter, clothing; medical and dental care; Christian recovery programs, transitional housing, legal assistance, education, counseling, and job training to needy men, women, children and families.  For more information, please visit urm.org.

Texas BBQ Comes to “Feed The World”!

Stubb’s Legendary Kitchen rolled into URM yesterday for a stop on its “Feed the World” tour.  They served up their famous barbeque to about 450 people experiencing homelessness!

stubbs2

The tour, which features a specially designed 34- foot mobile kitchen and musem, presents an exhibit filled with the rich history of founder C.B. “Stubb” Stubblefield’s unique life story and his famous Texas barbeque sauce.  The “Feed the World Tour” is named for the stated mission of “Stubb”, who said, “I was born hungry and I want to feed the world”. Today, Austin-based Stubb’s is the nations #1 super-premium barbeque sauce and marinade brand.

stubbs4

“Stubb was a cook but more than that, a lover of people. The values that guided his life still guide the company that bears his name. Stubb’s life truly is in every bottle of sauce and marinade we make. We’re thrilled to work with the Union Rescue Mission and bring all of Stubb’s love and happiness to those who need it most,” said CEO Kurt Koegler. 

“The economy has placed greater demand on organizations like the Union Rescue Mission, so we couldn’t think of a better time to show our support,” Koegler said. “Stubb’s greatest joy was feeding the people who came from all around for a taste of his famous barbeque and it is an honor for us to fulfill his mission with our Feed the World Tour.”

stubbs3

Since June, Stubb’s has travelend thousands of miles and barbequed for thousands of homeless people in cities including Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Cincinnati.   

Video of the tour kick-off event in Austin is available on YouTube, and on Stubb’s Web site http://stubbsbbq.com

Thank you to Stubbs and the “Feed the World” Tour for bringing a delicous meal and a day of fun to Skid Row! 

 stubbs1

 

“What We Do” Part 3: Recovery

This week we are focusing on the “Recovery” phase of what we do here at Union Rescue Mission.  The transition from “Rescue” to “Recovery” is different for each person we serve, and the process is based on each person’s individual situation.  We offer Life Transformation programs from men, women and families, which include GED completion and job training.  Each person has access to mental, legal, dental and medical services through our four on-site clinics, Bible studies and classes on overcoming addiction, anger management, budgeting and other life skills.

We hope you will take a moment to see how Henry experienced Recovery, and the difference it is making in his life. 

Click Here to find out more of “What We Do”.

Blessings,

Putting the “Rescue” in Union Rescue Mission

 

Our theme for October is “What We Do”.  This week, the focus is on “Rescue”, which is often the second step in the process of giving hope and healing to those who have been devastated by the effects of homelessness.

We hope that you will listen to the story of Mo and her baby to better understand our Emergency Services, and the role they play in helping people find their way home.

Click here to find out more of “What We Do”.

Blessings, 

Housing the Homeless Saves Money?

A new study by the United Way of Greater Los Angeles shows that providing housing for the vast homeless population in Los Angeles may actually save taxpayers’ money.  A survey showed that those living on the street may incur more expenses than those incurred by public housing, through more frequent trips to the hospital, mental health clinics, and jail, which are paid for with tax dollars.

Of course, providing public housing isn’t a perfect solution; as with any complex situation, there is no easy fix.  The researchers noted that “chronically homeless residents feared that public housing would be taken from them” and it “took time for them to overcome their suspicions.  Even so, as they became more comfortable, “their qualify of life improved, with many getting off drugs and alcohol and finding permanent jobs”. 

Another major factor to consider is mental illness.  “Putting those folks…into housing is nothing but warehousing them without treatment,” says Tony Bell, spokesman for county Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich.  That being said, the government would need to address “the particular needs of the homeless before their problems become debilitating”.

The United Way hopes to educate the public about their findings, and hopefully, to use them to bring about positive change regarding the issues of homelessness in Los Angeles.

To read the entire article, Click Here.

A Football All-American Life Transformed

Several years ago, I received a phone call from a writer at Sports Illustrated, asking me if I could connect him with a man who was homeless on the streets of Pasadena, CA, Eugene Jones.  The writer said that he would love to connect with Eugene, who he described as possibly the best linebacker prospect the Nation had ever seen in the late 1970’s.  I told him that I would ask Eugene if he was interested the next time that I saw him. 

I saw Eugene a short time later and asked him about the interview.  “Yes, I played with James McAlister and Kermit Johnson for Blair High School.  We were undefeated, 13-0, and then I played at UCLA.  I am not ready to be interviewed at this time of my life and in the current shape I am in.” 

I Google-searched Eugene’s football background and this is what I found from the Sports Illustrated Vault and other news reports from that era:

 

“When McAlister graduated from high school, the recruiters lined up three deep. He had three close friends at Blair: Kermit Johnson, another running back; Eugene Jones, a 6’3″, 230-pound tight end; and Billy Williams, a 6’1″, 190-pound defensive back.

To the surprise of no one, James McAlister was a runaway pick as Player of the Year in “AAAA” division football for 1969 as Southern California sports journalists met at Helms Hall to make their annual all-star football team selections. Since 1937, members of the southland press have gathered to select the top high-school grid stars and in turn honor them for their collective gridiron exploits. The 1969 season was a banner year, as records were toppled right and left.

McAlister and running mate Kermit Johnson rolled up over 4,000 yards between them in rushing offense for the season… a remarkable and unmatched feat in the southland. McAlister’s total of 2,168 yards is third best in local history, with his career mark (4,367 yards) second only to Mickey Cureton’s 4,920 yards.

The 6-foot-one, 200-pound fullback scored 31 touchdowns over the season and a total of 228 points, third best 1n CIF history. Glenn Davis set the record of 236 in 1942 and then Centennial’s Mickey Cureton set the current mark of 240 in 1966.

The Foothill League champions charged through their divisional playoff chores, whipping Bishop Amat in the finale 28-27…and more impressively than the score indicated. In the three earlier playoff encounters the Vikings murdered Hueneme 62-0 …ran away from Santa Monica 44-19 and sneaked past Lakewood 24-19, before doing in the Angelus League co-champion Lancers. It is interesting to note that Coach Pete Yoder, who directed the title-winning Vikings, also quarterbacked Downey High to the CIF title back 1n 1957. Coach Pete was an All-ClF first-team pick that year.

 

ALL-SOUTHERN SECTION “AAAA” TEAM — 1969

FIRST TEA M

POSITION   PLAYER

End………..JOHN MoKAY

End………..EUGENE JONES

Tackle…….RANDY IVEY

Taok1e……SAM THAD

Guard……..MIKE HANNA

Guard……..LEE GARCIA

Center…… NICK BUCKIVIEYER

Backer…….FORRIE MARTIN

Backer…….PAUL MORO

Back……..*JAMES McALISTER

Back………KERMIT JOHNSON

Back………PAT HADEN

Back………GEORGE FRASER

Back………PAT McPARTLAND

Gradually I got to know Eugene better, and I was always impressed with his strong handshake and gentle manners.  He is a big man, and I sensed in several challenging situations that he always had my back.  He was struggling with some kind of addition, probably crack cocaine, for decades, and didn’t talk much, but he was always polite and kind to me.  I tried to encourage him to enter into programs and get help.  He sometimes rode his bike by my house and we’d talk briefly.  The last time I saw him living on the streets, he came into a Von’s grocery store and with all the money that he had was trying to buy a little something at the counter.  “Are you hungry?” I asked.  Eugene said, “Yes!”  I told him to get what he needed and I would treat him.  He came back with a loaf of bread, stack of sandwich meat, jar of mayonnaise, and a gallon of lemonade.  I told him, “Eugene, I am now the head of Union Rescue Mission in downtown Los Angeles, and if you will come in and get clean, I will find a job for you.” 

I didn’t see Eugene for several months, possibly over a year.  Then he showed up looking clean, with some of his weight back on, and beaming with pride.  “Andy, I just completed a program, I am in a halfway house, and I am here to apply for a job!” There is no way I would not keep my word.  Our Human Resources director interviewed Eugene, twice, and hired him as an usher/attendant for our guests at Union Rescue Mission.  He is doing a spectacular job, and he is letting me tell his story, of a life transformed. 

eugene

80th Birthday Celebration Brings Love and Hope to Skid Row

Last Saturday, September 26th, the Biddy Mason Foundation brought together people from all across the city to celebrate Rev. Dr. Cecil “Chip” Murray’s 80th birthday and assist many people living on Skid Row.

Volunteers gathered in the morning for service projects at Union Rescue Mission and the surrounding area. At 1:00pm, festivities began in the San Julian Park. The afternoon was kicked off with a party for local children complete with face-painting, cotton candy, and snow cones! Over 500 people were able to enjoy hotdogs and hamburgers, meet with a job recruiter, and watch amazing performances by J’n’J Soulful Steps and The Spiritual Hi-Tones. The party was complete with cake and the singing of “Happy Birthday” led by Mayor Villaraigosa. Volunteers also handed out water to Skid Row residents, which was much-appreciated on a hot summer afternoon!

DSC00677

Union Rescue Mission was delighted to be able to be a part of the celebration. Rev. Andy Bales commented, “What an honor it was to be invited to celebrate the One who sent legendary Rev. Dr. Chip Murray to Los Angeles. We were proud to assist Rev. Murray and 1st AME Church as they brought love and hope to the people on Skid Row for his 80th Birthday Celebration.”

DSC00661

 

Rev. Murray joined the faculty of USC’s School of Religion after retiring from pastor of First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME). Throughout his 27-years as FAME’s pastor, Rev. Murray transformed a small congregation of 300 into an 18,000 person church, with multi-million dollar community and economic development programs that have brought jobs, housing, and corporate investment to many neighborhoods in South Los Angeles. He is known throughout the community for his passion to have African American Church leaders of the Civil Rights generation pass on their years of experience, spiritual authority, and political pragmatism to the next generation. In 2005, he was appointed by Mayor Villaraigosa to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority Commission (LAHSA) which coordinates and manages over $70 million annually in Federal, State, County and City funds for programs which provide shelter, housing and services to those experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles.

DSC00668

Union Rescue Mission would like to send a warm thank-you to everyone who participated in the celebration; it is always a blessing to join with others to bring hope to those who need it the most.

New Los Angeles City Attorney Endorses Cedillo Bill on Counterfeit Goods

(Los Angeles) – State Senator Gilbert Cedillo, Shelter Partnership, and Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen Trutanich gathered atop the Union Rescue Mission in the early morning sun to announce the new city attorney’s support for SB 324 and urged the Governor to sign the bill.

SB 324 would enable confiscated counterfeit goods to be donated to non-profits serving families and individuals experiencing homelessness or economic hardship. Shelter Partnership approached Cedillo, who has authored several bills on homelessness issues, with an opportunity to repurpose the goods. Under current law upon conviction or close of the case all counterfeit items are destroyed by incineration or dumped into landfills. Ruth Schwartz, Executive Director of Shelter Partnership which runs a 108,000 sq. foot clearinghouse of donated goods that are distributed to local service provides, and the attorney responsible for the Identity Theft and Fraud Unit in the Office of the City Attorney worked with Cedillo to draft the language of the bill. Provisions were made in the bill to protect intellectual property rights and electronics so items such as DVDs and televisions would not be included. SB 324 does enable the prosecuting attorney to ask the judge to permit a trademark owner to donate the goods rather than destroying items at the close of a case.

“Each year, law enforcement agencies seize millions of dollars in counterfeit merchandise. And make no mistake – we are fully committed to aggressively prosecuting those who illegally profit from prated trademarks. Yet in almost all of those cases, the merchandise seized is destroyed by court order. I am proud to stand here with my friend Gil Cedillo and Downtown LA’s hard-working service providers in support of good common-sense legislation,” remarked Trutanich. 

The numbers of families and individuals encountering homelessness is equally concerning. At the press conference Rev. Andy Bales, the CEO of Union Rescue Mission, shared stories from the past year on the “tsunami” of people seeking assistance at the facility. Of the 223 families seeking shelter at URM from January through August of this year, 52.4% were experiencing homelessness for first time; 84.1% reported receiving benefits of some sort. The primary causes leading to homelessness were financial hardship, eviction, or job loss.

“The numbers and increases are incredible, but the picture of the many families living in tent like structures, called EDARS, in our chapel, community rooms, and conference rooms is an even more amazing sight to behold. The volume of people who get in line for one of our nine meals per day is also staggering,” shared the Reverend. “We need to recommit ourselves to the issue of homelessness and continuously push for creative options to help families and individuals stay in their homes or quickly recover; SB 324 is one of those options. I urge the Governor to sign this bill.” 

“I am honored to have the support of the city’s new City Attorney Carmen Trutanich and appreciate the significant contributions the office has made to SB 324 over the past year. I am also grateful to partner with Shelter Partnership, URM, and the other service providers to bring about the basic, and more impertinently the systemic changes, needed to end homelessness. I hope the Governor will sign the bill and put good intentions to work.”