Marty successfully graduated the Christian Life Discipleship Program, but due to years of methamphetamine abuse, Marty’s teeth were still severely damaged. Thanks to our partnership with the USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, we can help people like Marty restore their smiles at our on-site USC Dental Clinic—the only one of its kind at Skid Row. As you will see in the video, transforming someone’s smile is not merely physical—it transforms hearts, too.
It’s difficult for anyone living at Skid Row—but especially for a teenaged girl. That’s why we’ve created Girl Talk, a group where teen girls living at URM can take a break from Skid Row and support each other through the struggles they face. Watch Olivia’s story and give greater opportunity to teens experiencing homelessness today.
After facing sexual abuse as a child, Maritza entered foster care then experienced homelessness as a young mother. With the help of Hope Gardens, Maritza began to restore her relationship with God and found the safe space that she always searched for.
Ruby experienced homelessness as a child, living out of a car with her family. After Ruby had three children of her own, she was living in a motel despite having a full-time job. Like Ruby, people who experience homelessness as children are more likely to experience homelessness as adults. Today, Ruby is working diligently to break the cycle of homelessness that she has been in since childhood. Listen to her story now.
When Ray came to Union Rescue Mission for help, he didn’t realize how much anger he still carried from the trauma he experienced as a child.
“None of these scars are from the streets. They’re from my home.” – Ray
Your support provides a way home. Watch how God transformed Ray’s life now.
It’s been two years since Sebastian, now 11 years old, was featured on Stories from Skid Row.
When you last saw Sebastian, he and his mother were living at Hope Gardens where he discusses the road that led his family to Hope Gardens and their future, including his wish for a pet dog.
At the end of 5th grade, Sebastian and his mother moved into their own apartment. His mother, who now works as a Case Manager at Hope Gardens, successfully transitioned into independent living, but Sebastian encountered challenges along the way.
Children experiencing homelessness can suffer significant trauma or setbacks, and it’s common for a child experiencing homelessness to fall behind up to two grade levels.
But Claudia, equipped with the tools she learned at Hope Gardens, knew exactly what to do to ensure that Sebastian received the additional support he needed.
Sebastian participates in weekly Bible studies with his youth group, and Claudia adopted a senior dog who now serves as an emotional support animal for Sebastian.
Like most kids, he loves video games and stays connected to his friends at Hope Gardens by playing video games online. His best friend currently lives at Hope Gardens, too.
Halfway through his first year of middle school, Sebastian’s behavior has improved dramatically. He’s becoming more independent and is succeeding in his afterschool tutoring program.
He loves to ride his scooter and wants to be a chef. Claudia is teaching him how to cook, and he wants to start taking cooking classes after school.
In addition, Sebastian still returns to Hope Gardens to fulfill his volunteer hours for middle school. His favorite activity is to help out in Peeps daycare, caring for infants through preschool-aged children.
Sebastian is now in 6th grade and will turn 12 years old this April.
Your generosity and care has made a lasting impact in Sebastian’s life and so many more.
Yoana grew up in a home torn apart by abuse and alcoholism. After becoming a teen mother and leaving home at a young age, she spiraled into a cycle of addiction and homelessness. Today, she dedicates her life to serving others who are on the path to recovery.
Philip’s addiction drove him to the streets of Skid Row. But God wasn’t done with him yet. Today, he reflects on his change of identity, from the life of an addict to becoming a cook who helps prepare 1,900 meals each day at Union Rescue Mission.
Amanda had to do things no woman should have to do in order to survive the streets of Skid Row. Expecting a child and addicted to drugs, Amanda knew something had to change. After seeking treatment, she found Hope Gardens.
After his mother passed away from a heart attack, Juan Carlos spiraled out of control. Isolated, miserable, and jobless, Juan Carlos finally found hope at Union Rescue Mission.