A Family's Story of Overcoming Their Homelessness

“Have you seen my mom?”
by Rev. Andy Bales

If you could walk through Los Angeles' Skid Row

district and see beyond the broken glass . . . past the desperate eyes of people addicted to drugs . . . between the crumbling buildings and rusting dumpsters, you might notice some of my little buddies. Like 7-year-old Rudy. Even though he's still shorter than a parking meter, this steadfast soldier would stand alert ― watching out for his mom's and sister’s safety, even as he gripped their hands in fear for his own life.

Fear can ruin a precious young life.

Rudy's mom, Shannon, tried as hard as she could to provide a home for her two children. They moved from one shelter to another . . . the kind where desperate women and children are evicted each morning — put out to survive alone on the streets.

Though Shannon tried to put on a brave face, little Rudy and sister Ashley saw through her pretense. They began to develop intense fears of gang members, drug dealers and other strangers. Rudy wouldn't let his mom out of his sight even for a moment.

Transform a Mom — heal a broken family.

A friend told Shannon about our Hope Gardens Family Center out in the rolling, oak-shaded hills of Sylmar. Hope Gardens is Union Rescue Mission's secure, transitional home for homeless women and children. Grass, trees, a playground — it's a far cry from the cracked asphalt, filthy sidewalks and warped chain link fences of Skid Row.

Safe and Happy — learning to be a kid again.

For the first few weeks after coming to Hope Gardens, Rudy had a hard time adjusting. When mom got out of sight, even for a moment, Rudy began to panic. "Have you seen my mom?" he cried out.

Hope Gardens has been a step toward new independence for Shannon. She's learning new life skills. Getting an education and job training.

Thanks to gifts from our caring partners, children like Rudy and Ashley will discover that they're safe. Mom's not going anywhere. And it's okay to be kids again.

Please consider giving today to help restore life and hope for a homeless family.


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