Setback But Not Deterred

November 2010 - Skid Row Clean & Quiet

Something dreadful is happening on Skid Row in Los Angeles, and it seems no one is taking notice or talking about it. I guess I will be one of the first. Most of the incredible work done from 2005-2010 by the community to restore hope, bring order, and reduce the numbers of precious people living on the streets has been reversed over the last 12 months.  After Steve Lopez and the LA Times published Life on The Streets, much needed overdue attention came to LA’s Skid Row, and the number of people on the street was reduced from 2000 to 600.

In the last 12 months the number of people on the streets of LA’s Skid Row has grown from 888 one year ago, to 1662 on the street last week according to the Central Division of LAPD, and crime has risen.

I attribute this to 3 major factors: the worsening economy bringing high unemployment and a lack of services to people in need, the one size fits all move to Housing First which has caused the limited resources available to move away from emergency services and to permanent supportive housing only, and the recent federal court ruling in favor of LACAN which protects the property of people experiencing homelessness to the extreme point that any type of clean up of Skid Row by anyone is not allowed.

Current Condition of Skid Row

Click on this link to take a quick poll and let us know if you think it should be illegal to remove abandoned property from Skid Row

http://client.mobilecause.com/multiple_choice_polls/LTExMzYxODkwNjY

We’ve seen no reprieve since the Great Recession hit hard in October of 2008, as the tsunami of families and individuals continues to pour into Skid Row and into Union Rescue Mission.  Each hot day that we take cold bottles of water out on the streets, we can see newbies, brand new arrivals to Skid Row walking along in a state of shock, as they’ve either lost their  home, their temporary bed, or have been recently released from prison without any substantial support system or any hope of employment.  I believe the only solution for this is a jobs program similar to the WPA and CCC of the Great Depression era that kept families like my own father’s working and alive as they lived in a tent in Azusa Canyon while my granddad helped build the Azusa Canyon Dam.

The move to Housing 1st is a key to ending homelessness among chronically homeless individuals and veterans, and added to other strategies could be a very good thing for the 10 to 20% of people experiencing homelessness who are indeed chronically suffering on the streets. But instead of adding this strategy to others, proponents of Housing 1st have made it a singular focus, one size fits all approach, and garnered the support of government officials, foundations, and corporations, causing a shift of resources away from the services that support 80% of the people experiencing homelessness.  This has caused many service providers to shrink services or disappear completely, leaving more people than ever out on the mean streets while the limited few who can be served by Housing 1st are saved from the streets.   I believe this has greatly added to the number of people on Skid Row, and while the few are served by Housing 1st, many within the other 80% who drop into homelessness, including children, are left unserved, and will become the chronically homeless of tomorrow, in effect adding to the homeless numbers rather than ending homelessness, as Housing 1st advocates intended.  We needed a both/and approach, continuing emergency services while adding permanent supportive housing to the continuum of care, http://youarethemission.org, not a dropping of emergency services and shifting of all resources to Housing 1st!  Permanent supportive is one of the many steps needed to end homelessness, not the one solution to ending homelessness.  Many may disagree, but the numbers speak for themselves.  The number of people on Skid Row has doubled since the shift of resources to Housing 1st.

Finally, LACAN activists, who seem determined to keep Skid Row, Skid Row, played a key role in shaping a Federal Court ruling that now bars anyone from picking up left behind items from Skid Row.  Believing the pendulum had swung too far in police and street crew clean-ups of abandoned property belonging to people experiencing homelessness, the Federal Court, according to police, did not even consider both sides of the argument and ruled that no one can clean up the streets of Skid Row lest they wrongfully remove the property of persons experiencing homelessness.  This has left piles of debris on the sidewalks, human waste now intermingled in the piles of debris creating a health hazard, and according to Captain Chamberlain of the LAPD, “has taken Skid Row back 10 years!”  LACAN activists are even reportedly dropping off old computers and garbage at the debris piles to make a point!  It seems that a compromise for the sake of all is needed.  Perhaps the CCEA could store left behind property and a 3 day notice could be left at the site of the abandoned goods letting people know where they might find their property?

We’ve definitely suffered a setback in ending homelessness as we know it on Skid Row in Los Angeles, but we will not be deterred.  Union Rescue Mission has pledged to do all that we can to see less than 100 precious souls on the streets of Skid Row by June 2016.

Let your voice be heard on this.  Skid Row is in Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard’s district.  Go to https://roybal-allard.house.gov/Contact/ContactForm.htm to contact her.

Then please go to http://youarethemission.org to see how you can become involved.

Blessings, Andy B.

Faith Community Women’s Group Hosts Kids Party

The Women’s Group of Faith Community in Covina hosted a wonderful Kids Party on Saturday for all the children, and their families, at URM!

The gym was transformed into a fun zone, with games, music, free-throw contests, photo booths, hoola hooping, face painting and more! The kids had a blast, and didn’t want it to end. The ladies of Faith Community generously supplied everyone with pizzas for lunch, which was a great ending to a great morning of fun.

Thanks to Faith Community and everyone who made this escape from life on Skid Row possible for our kids!

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,

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!

Men’s Program Celebrates November 2010 Graduation

Three times a year, we have the great joy of celebrating our men’s Life Transformation Program’s graduation! For the men who have completed the one-year program and all of it’s requirements, it is a very special day to celebrate how far they have come.

Yesterday was no different as we honored 22 graduates in our November 2010 ceremony.  The graduates and guests heard an inspirational speech from Dr. Keith Phillips, President of World Impact. Cassie Sanchez, Worship Leader at Church of the Redeemer, also blessed us with her beautiful voice and sang several songs.

Thanks to everyone who helps make our Life Transformation programs possible; without you, we wouldn’t be here to help these courageous men and women make the steps to recovery and really change their lives.

Most importantly, congratulations to our graduates!! We are so proud of you.

November 2010 Graduates

Sean Donahue

Terry Fluornoy

Willie Gaines

Darrell Huggins

Joseph Montoya

Broderick Smith

Francisco Alvizar

James Glover

Carlos Herrera

Edward Maldonado

Franscisco Pedroza

Fredis Zuleta

Oscar Castelo

John Meyers

Austin Onyango

Nicki Sidebottom

Louis Stephenson

Steven Varga

Kenneth Jones

Eric Theirmann

Ronald Wells

Talent Show Packs the House!

Last night, the  Servant Leadership group hosted a URM Talent Show.  The Servant Leaders are program men and women who choose to commit beyond the regular program commitments. Wanting to do something fun to lighten everyone’s spirit, they chose to organize a Talent Show. This was no easy task – but proved to be a great idea; the Chapel was standing room only for the show!

The evening began with the Servant Leadership praise team singing two numbers, and giving a warm welcome to the completely full Chapel of guests! The performances were all wonderful, and included a barbershop quartet, spoken word, praise dancing, many soloists, a hilarious skit, and Christian rapping.

Not only did the crowd get to enjoy the talents of others, but the performers really enjoyed being able to share their gifts. It was a fun-filled evening – we are already looking forward to the next one!

Summer Camp Makes Lasting Memories for Kids

One of the highlights of summer for many kids is the opportunity to go to summer camp!  This year, we were excited to be able to send kids from URM and Hope Gardens to The Oaks Camp by Lake Hughes, CA.

A week at summer camp is a welcome retreat from Downtown LA and city life in general.  The Oaks, nestled in the Angeles National Forest, offers breathtaking views and a peace and quiet not found in urban areas. Many of the campers had never been to the country before, much less experienced the outdoor activities that were offered. They enjoyed making new friends, canoeing, rock-climbing, learning about God, campfires, and swimming!

Stephen, a 6th-grader from URM, said his favorite part of camp was “Fire Circle” – each night everyone goes up into the mountains for a campfire. They sing, see pictures from that day, and listen to the speaker.  Marcus, an 8th-grader from URM, enjoyed the speaker and canoeing. He even made a promise to start reading his Bible everyday, and was the only camper in his cabin to memorize every single Bible verse for the whole week!

Although the cost of camp is high, the chance to experience new things, make new friends, and learn about God in a whole new way is invaluable. Summer Camp is a life-changing experience for many kids, and we are so grateful to everyone who helped make it possible for us to provide this great opportunity!

 

Gateway Program

A few weeks ago on this blog I explored the options of having people experiencing homelessness pay part of their own way when they come into a Mission or agency for assistance.

I am going to reprint the former blog, share the comments, and after that, I am going to share how you all helped us arrive at what I believe and hope is an excellent path! Thank you!

There has been some controversy over guests paying a fee for services, both nearby on Skid Row and in New York City.  The controversy arose when a local group in LA bought a building, and after a few months began offering a cot and a place to sleep for $125.00 per month.  Some advocates for people experiencing homelessness cried out about the fee, but also in regards to the fact that only the cot and case management was offered, and that there were no shower services or regular food program to go along with the cot.

In New York City a bigger storm arose over the City of New York carrying out a Client Contribution Program, a pilot program to charge guests with an adequate income a gradually growing fee to both sustain the shelter program and to develop responsible choices among the guests.  I have posted the link below:

http://www.villagevoice.com/2007-08-21/news/bloomberg-charges-the-homeless-rent/

“Dusting off an idea dating back to the Giuliani era, the Bloomberg administration has quietly started charging rent to homeless people who stay in emergency city shelters, the Voice has learned.

With no fanfare, Bloomberg officials in June began charging residents of at least four Brooklyn shelters up to 30 percent of their income, records obtained by the Voice show. People who don’t pay could be kicked out of the shelter, the documents show.

Eric Deutsch, a spokesman for the Department of Homeless Services, tells the Voice that the so-called Client Contribution Program is a “very small” pilot program for people with a significant amount of income in the shelter. “We’re trying a variety of new strategies to help families and individuals move towards permanency and into their own homes,” he said.

According to Deutsch, the first month at the shelter is free, with fees rising from 10 percent in the second month to 30 percent in the fourth month. Deutsch said the money goes into a pool that “clients” can draw from when they leave the shelter. But shelter residents say a number of people have already refused to pay the rent fee because they can’t afford it, and because the city hasn’t offered any additional rights or benefits in return.”

At the Rescue Mission I ran from 1986 to 1990 in Des Moines, Iowa, we had a similar practice.  The Door of Faith Mission was established by George Holloway, a man who had a 3rd grade education, spent 37 years on the road without a home, going from shelter to shelter, until he had his life transformed right here at Union Rescue Mission, I believe.  He returned to Des Moines, Iowa, with a philosophy of running mission’s differently:

  • He made it welcoming for the entire day, instead of making people line up at night to come in for a meal and a bed
  • He fed the men well so they could feel good, go out and work, and get help avoiding the temptations of drugs and alcohol
  • He required sobriety from those who lived at the Mission because it is difficult to stay sober when surrounded by the site and smell of alcohol
  • He required the men to work and pay their own way, because people feel better about themselves when they work, and pay their own way. It affirms their dignity, teaches responsibility, prepares them for paying rent when they move, and it provided 1/3 of the needed income for operating the shelter.  The rest of the income came from churches and individuals. The first 3 days were free of charge or paid by the County, subsequently the next 30 day fee was $6.00 per day, then $7.00 per day, and finally $8.00 per day to prepare the men to pay rent.

In effect, I learned everything I know about properly running a Rescue Mission not from my more than 15 years in colleges, universities and seminaries, but almost entirely from a man with a 3rd grade education.

I came to Union Rescue Mission with this philosophy intact, but I have not implemented all of the components of this philosophy as of yet.  I was reminded of George Holloway’s teachings the other day, when a front line staff mention that some guests residing free at Union Rescue Mission have an income of $1,000 and some an income of $2,000 and that it is difficult to watch someone stay free, eat free, and irresponsibly fritter away huge sums of money in the first few days only to be completely broke the rest of the month, while our worker has suffered 2 pay decreases and responsibly struggles to make ends meet.

I’d like to start a dialogue and get your thoughts on this dilemma.  What do you think?  Should Mission guests pay a fee to learn responsibility, prepare for paying rent, and help sustain the Mission’s operating costs during such a challenging time?  Thanks for weighing in!

 

 

 

19 Responses to “Resources, Responsibilities and Rescue Missions”

  1. Myles Rose says:

April 29, 2010 at 6:09 pm

When this is shared via the facebook button the link does not direct to this page, something breaks. Perhaps it is just a timing issue?

  1. Robin Vestal says:

April 29, 2010 at 6:18 pm

It’s tricky; If you decide to charge rent you might have a system where a portion is set aside to help people save to get into housing.
Obviously you don’t want to charge someone who has no source of income but everyone should contribute to their own well being so I dont’ think it’s completely unreasonable for the working homeless.

  1. Andy Bales says:

April 29, 2010 at 6:25 pm

Thank you, Myles. I have forwarded your alert! I appreciate the help. Robin, thank you for sharing your perspective. I also believe a savings plan is important. I really appreciate you weighing in!

  1. Tweets that mention Resources, Responsibilities and Rescue Mission’s | Union Rescue Mission — Topsy.com says:

April 29, 2010 at 6:27 pm

[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Rev. Andy Bales, Dave Mahanes and Union Rescue Mission, Myles Rose. Myles Rose said: RT @abales: RT @urm Resources, Responsibilities and Rescue Mission’s http://bit.ly/cOPgDk […]

  1. Kristin says:

April 29, 2010 at 6:49 pm

I appreciate the opportunity to weigh in on the question of whether or not to charge a fee for mission guests. I am in full disagreement with the idea that mission guests pay a fee for their stay. That defeats the purpose of the many hardworking families and adults who stay at the mission in hopes of saving enough money to one day leave and live independently. What about the homeless who do not have jobs? They will have to continue to sleep on the cold cement because they don’t have the means to stay in a shelter that was originally built to support them? I have been donating to the mission for years and will no longer support the mission both financially and with hard goods if the mission decides to switch over to the philosophy of “paying rent.”

  1. Andy Bales says:

April 29, 2010 at 7:07 pm

Thank you, Kristin. I really appreciate you speaking up! Thanks for taking the time and for sharing your passionate response!

  1. Kristin says:

April 29, 2010 at 9:44 pm

You’re so welcome Andy. I truly appreciate what you are doing for our community. You are making such a difference in so many peoples lives.

  1. Roddy Rose says:

April 30, 2010 at 10:25 am

Speaking as someone who has benefited the from the Rescue Mission, I believe that there must be some accountability on the part of those who have an income of 1000. As an apprentice in the internet cafe I see the same faces day after day and month after month. It becomes grievous seeing people get a check on the first of the month, then they are broke after a week or so. Some of the men were at one time in the program but left on their own, only to come back busted and disgusted. Right in front of them is an opportunity to get help(including managing their money. The whole point is that unless one surrenders they will continue on the same cycle and get the same results which unfortunately will be negative results..
I know because that used to be me until I surrendered.
TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!

  1. Andy Bales says:

April 30, 2010 at 10:34 am

Thank you, Rod and all. This dialogue is very helpful. Wow!

  1. Michael Bond says:

April 30, 2010 at 9:09 pm

When I heard about the organization charging $125/month, I was told the price included only a cot with a dirty blanket at night and no bathroom facilities of any kind. People were being told to go across the street to the Midnight if they felt the urge at night. What I was told sounded like a total ripoff of relatively defenseless people; it also sounded illegal to me. Of course, if the URM charged people, facilities would be provided and I assume meals as well, so the URM charging doesn’t bother me. Instead, it seems more like a tactical decision: will it help or hurt in the struggle to get people off the streets permanently? And it sounds like it may deserve a trial to see whether it works.

  1. Andy Bales says:

May 1, 2010 at 8:33 am

Thank you for sharing Michael. This input is all very helpful. I hope more people weigh in with diverse views. Blessings

  1. Mary Setterholm says:

May 2, 2010 at 1:31 pm

Hi Rev Andy. Perhaps the naming of the program is critical as it should reflect a covenant perspective rather than ‘taking from’? ‘Free rent’ should not be interpreted as a program of entitlement if, for a season, the service of ‘free rent’ saved a life. That said, at some point, dignity is not realized if one side does all the work: the binary system of elitism/impoverished would seem to be re-inscribed or replicated in an act of well meaning charity. it seems the plan of savings and money management, similar to debtors anonymous might work well.
been there, on the underside, so i speak from continued recovery. blessings!

  1. Andy Bales says:

May 2, 2010 at 3:02 pm

Mary, your thoughts are powerful and right on. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. Bless you!

  1. steven varga says:

May 4, 2010 at 3:51 pm

i appreciate everything the mission has ever done for me thank you

  1. Terrence says:

May 4, 2010 at 4:37 pm

I feel that guests who can afford to contribute for their Services should do so. It will help them gain self-respect and In turn earn the respect of others.

  1. Jerry Thacker says:

May 7, 2010 at 8:32 pm

Hello Reverend Randy Bales:

First of all, I would like to thank the Union Rescue Mission for letting me welcome Jesus Christ into my life and saving it more than once! The Union Rescue Mission has always been available when I needed help the most! Thank you!

Many homeless people want to work, but the self-image they carry within themselves does not allow them to have the confidence that is required in getting a job these days. If the mission could show proof that they actually found a job and walked the person in need to the job site for his or her first day and then the person said that they would rather not work, then there is a possibility that I could see your point. Three days to get a job? Some people need three days to let their feet heal?

I am just writing you this letter to ad my voice on this matter. I already know how qualified the Union Rescue Mission’s staff (all great people) are. I even know that you have already considered the options that I mentioned, but I need pratice in helping others.

Thank you,

Jerry Thacker
yarnwinters@yahoo.com
Pacific Standard Time

  1. Benjamin says:

May 11, 2010 at 9:57 am

30 percent to the Mission, 30 percent to their savings account and 40 percent in there pocket. Most important, they’re getting three meals, showers, beds, medical, dental and counseling for that 30 percent.

  1. Akiliah Manuel Mills says:

May 11, 2010 at 1:28 pm

I lean towards the percentage system Benjamin suggested. A “Program Fee” implies that case management, housing advocacy and life skills training will be offered. These are great services but require staff. I am curious if the mission will hire ample staff, particularly for the men to ensure case management for guests can be accomplished and effective? If so, I see no hindrance. If not, I think it should be called “rent”.

  1. Brenda Mitchell says:

May 24, 2010 at 11:11 am

I propose that those individuals who do have income contribute (at a small percentage of their income, even if it is 10%) to the mission, as a matter of assisting to keep the resources of the mission available for all who desperately need its services. The small contributions from the many would be a way of acting in solidarity with those who could not contribute and could also work in concert with a savings plan to be fully accessed at the time of an individual’s departure. Those who are experiencing homelessness are often the most “in touch” and compassionate with others in the same difficult circumstances, and often wish to assist, in my experience.

First, let me say a huge “Thank You!” to all who read this blog and had the courage and took the time to weigh in! You really helped us.  Everyone’s opinions helped shape a new policy for us, especially former guests’ opinions.  We met with Myles, General Jeff, and Don Garza as well, and that was an amazing and enlightening meeting. We also spoke to our guests here.

 

I have to admit that one of the comments above that really spoke to my heart was Mary’s, “Hi Rev Andy. Perhaps the naming of the program is critical as it should reflect a covenant perspective rather than ‘taking from’?”

This, as well as the meeting with General Jeff, Don Garza, Myles Rose, and my past experience at the Door of Faith in Des Moines, Iowa, and our staffs and guests’ collective wisdom and experience,  helped us develop a new program, all voluntary rather than mandated, called Gateway Transitional Program.

 

Initially limited to 25 men and 25 women, our Gateway Transitional Program is designed to bridge the gap between our Emergency Guest Program and our 12-18 month Life Transformation Programs.  Features and benefits include:

  • A 6-month covenant relationship with a commitment to sobriety.
  • Attendance of classes in money management, job interviewing and job preparation, conflict resolution, assertiveness and time management.
  • Group activities and motivational rallies specifically for Gateway Program participants.
  • A dedicated bed in our men’s or women’s dorm complete with a footlocker for valuables.
  • Hours/curfew will be tailored to the specific needs of each participant, and their bunk area will be considered their space and they will be allowed to rest or study as they can. 
  • Participants will contribute $210 per month to Union Rescue Mission. $60.00 of this contribution will be placed in their own personal savings account. The remaining $150 fee will be used to offset the cost of the Gateway Transitional Program. 

 

Our guests are excited about this new opportunity to move out of the cycle of homelessness, and we are launching this month!  Thanks for taking time to consider, for weighing in, and for truly helping us shape a program that really is a mutual covenant to help our guests and our Mission.  Bless you!  Andy B.

Critical News: Hope Gardens Update

We want to keep you in the loop on the crisis regarding Hope Gardens, so here is a quick update.

First of all, we are so grateful for everyone’s support – you have been amazing. We certainly could not do this without you. In the past 5 days, we’ve already raised a miraculous $558,150, bringing our amount still needed down to $2.2million.

Keeping the doors open to Hope Gardens Family Center is only possible through the support of generous people like you. You can make a difference by:

1)       Donating at urm.org/keephopegardens

2)       Becoming our fan on Facebook – we will receive $1 for every new fan, up to $25,000!

3)       Share this message on Facebook, Twitter, and in blogs. Tell all your friends and have them do the same!

4)       Text URM to 85944 to donate $10.