As an innocent, young girl, Maritza suffered unspeakable pain at the hands of her stepdad.
The abuse left scars that never fully healed, even after she was removed from her home and put into the foster care system. When she turned 18, Maritza ended up on the streets, surviving however she could, trying her best to keep her life together.
Before she came to Hope Gardens, Maritza had been living in a hotel, but her money was running out and she needed to find somewhere safe for herself...and her children.
She received Union Rescue Mission CEO Andy Bales' contact information and called him on his cell phone for help. He personally drove to get Maritza and her children, and a new chapter in her life began.
In the beautiful surroundings of Hope Gardens, Maritza found the space to heal, find peace, and feel safe for the first time.
But what she's incredibly thankful for is that her kids are in a secure environment.
"My kids are happy," she says. "They're in a space where nothing can harm them. No one is here to harm them. That's what I always wanted."
Help restore men, women, children, and families with lifesaving care and the hope of God's love.
Many of the individuals and families who come to Union Rescue Mission need help beyond the immediate basics of food, shelter, and clothing.
Inside, they are broken, damaged souls. They need a place to feel safe. To find comfort. To be part of a community where they can heal with others who share their suffering, and begin to find healing through the power of God's love.
Union Rescue Mission, located in the very heart of Skid Row, welcomes anyone who needs help— men, women, children, and families. Those who enter into our programs experience the love of God at work in tangible ways.
Will you give a generous gift today? Thank you and God bless you!
Your gift will provide meals, shelter, and lifesaving care for men, women, children, and families devastated by homelessness. Please be as generous as you can to restore broken lives today.
Help Today