Shaunjanae knows what it means to experience homelessness. Since the age of 10, she has rarely lived in a place she could called “home.”
She and her mother were constantly on the move, living with family or friends, renting a room with another family, or staying at a homeless shelter. “It all took a big toll on me,” she recalls. Shaunjanae dropped out of high school her senior year after giving birth to her first daughter. When the father refused to have anything to do with his daughter, Shaunjanae was left to raise the child on her own. “I felt like a failure,” she says.
“We didn’t have anywhere to go, and I didn’t want to sleep outside with my two kids.”
Her struggles continued, as Shaunjanae and her mother fell into homelessness again and lived in an abandoned house for a year. Fortunately, they finally found an apartment they could afford.
“We stayed there for two years, but just when we were going into our third year, the landlord gave us 30 days to leave because he was selling the building,” Shaunjanae says. “That put us in a real hole. We didn’t have anywhere to go, and I didn’t want to sleep outside with my two kids. Union Rescue Mission was our last resort.”
When they arrived, Shaunjanae was determined to change the direction of her life.“They have helped me so much here,” she says. “I’m in the process of getting my GED and they helped me make my resume more professional. I’m also learning how to open up more, because I’m the type who holds everything in. They even provided dental care for my kids. One of the best things, though, is my case manager. She’s so positive and caring, and she’s always encouraging me. I love it—and I need it because I have so much going on. On top of everything else, my mom’s battling cancer, and I need to be here for her.”
Shaunjanae’s future grows brighter every day. She’s already found steady employment as a security guard, she will soon move into a new 2-bedroom apartment, and she has plans to pursue a career as a police officer.
“I’ve learned how to stay strong and never give up because God opens doors,” she says. “You just have to be patient. I walk with God 24-7.”
“I’m also grateful for everyone who donates to Union Rescue Mission. Without them, everything would be 10 times harder. So, thank you!”
Union Rescue Mission’s Angeles House is a 3-story, 75,000-square-ft. facility that provides food, shelter, crucial support, and the love of Jesus for up to 86 mothers, fathers, and children devastated by homelessness in Los Angeles County.
Thanks to your support, these families find new hope, healing, and a way home through services such as:
- Case Management
- Counseling & Mental Health Services
- Medical & Dental Care
- Onsite Daycare
- Job Search & Placement
- Community Job Opportunities
“Over the past year, Angeles House has helped hundreds of families in South Los Angeles who had previously been living in their cars or even on the streets. We saw a need in South LA, and thanks to our donors, we met that need. Many of these families have already moved into their new homes. It’s just a beautiful place.”—Andy Bales
Thanks to your support, Union Rescue Mission, Hope Gardens, and Angeles House offer:
- safe shelter
- nutritious meals
- life-changing care
- the love of Jesus Christ with men, women, children, and families devastated by homelessness and looking for a way home.
You’ll make a difference in someone’s life all year long!
If you want to do something truly meaningful to address the tragedy of homelessness in Los Angeles, here’s your opportunity.
Please join our Union Fellowship today!
Your monthly gift will make a real long-term difference for someone by supporting them on their road to recovery, step by step, as they experience healing—body, soul, and spirit—and complete transformation of their lives.
You’ll receive regular reports on an individual’s progress and have special opportunities to pray.
I’ve always said that Union Rescue Mission will never turn away a family who needs our help. We will NEVER leave people on the streets. Nevertheless, it’s heartbreaking how many families are walking through our doors today.
Right now, more than 220 families, including 415 children, have found shelter, safety, and more at Union Rescue Mission, Hope Gardens, and Angeles House.
While those numbers are tragic, here’s the encouraging part. YOU are the answer to their prayers. Through your support, we’re able to provide people with far more than food, shelter, and safety.
Thanks to you, we offer them parenting classes, financial classes, relationship classes, and Bible classes. We give them the skills they need to succeed and never become devastated by homelessness again. Moms at Hope Gardens receive supportive housing for up to three years, giving them the chance to go to college, gain a career, and save their money. You’re not only an answer to their prayers, you are transforming lives.
Someday, you’ll run into a child who will tell you, “Thank you for being there for me. Thank you for making a difference in my life. Because of you, I am not only productive, I am a champion.”
Blessings,
Rev. Andy Bales,
President and CEO
