For most of us, homelessness is difficult to understand. To be without a job, without resources, without life's basic necessities, without family and friends, is beyond our comprehension. But understanding the problem of homelessness is a critical first step to providing lasting solutions. That's why we've provided answers to some of the basic questions many of us share.
Facts about Union Rescue Mission
About the homeless
How many people are homeless in L.A.?
Who are the homeless?
Why does a person become homeless?
Why can't the homeless just get jobs?
How is welfare reform affecting the homeless and the Mission?
About helping the homeless
What should I do when someone who appears to be hungry and homeless asks for money?
What services are available for the homeless in downtown Los Angeles?
How are Union Rescue Mission's services unique?
Do you ever turn anyone away?
What are the advantages of faith-based services?
Is exposure to the Gospel mandatory or optional?
How can I know if an organization asking for money to help the homeless is legitimate?
How can I really help the homeless?
About getting help for a loved one or myself
How does someone enter the programs at Union Rescue Mission?
Why are men and women separated at URM?
What are the operational details for guest services?
About Skid Row, Los Angeles
What is the history of Skid Row?
Why isn't it easy to move services for homeless people out of Skid Row?
What are the physical boundaries of Skid Row, Los Angeles?
Why does Skid Row exist in Los Angeles?
How many people are homeless in L.A.?
Up to 236,400 men, women and children are homeless over the course of a year and up to 84,000 people are homeless each night in Los Angeles County.
Source: Shelter Partnership, Inc. and cited by the City and County of Los Angeles. Based on 1995 mixed methodology analysis.
Who are the homeless in Los Angeles?
- 29% are families with children
- 56% are single men
- 23% are single women
- 2% are unaccompanied youth
- 36% are mentally ill
- 18% are veterans
Source: U.S. Conference of Mayors. A Status Report on Hunger and Homelessness in America's Cities. 2006, 79.
Why does a person become homeless?
People become homeless for a variety of reasons:
- Poverty
- Lack of affordable housing
- Physical/mental illness or disability
- Substance abuse
- Job loss or decline in income
- Domestic violence and abuse
- Unemployment
- Prison release
- Downturn in the economy
- Changes and cuts in public assistance programs
- Family deterioration/abandonment
- Years of institutional living (mental health, drug treatment, prison, foster care, etc.)
Childhood Roots
For many, the roots of homelessness begin in childhood. Some have grown up never seeing someone get up and go to work every day. The only way they ever saw money come into the house was through a check from the government or through some kind of illegal activity. Many become addicted before they can even drive a car. They may have very limited skills, education, family support and understanding of what it means to be independent.
Successful Lives Derailed
There are others who have lived very successful lives-individuals with graduate degrees, impressive careers, families, and property. Somewhere along the line, their lives have been derailed by some unexpected or traumatic loss, discouragement, or hardship. They are overwhelmed by a sense of failure, guilt, or grief. Many begin to depend on alcohol and drugs to numb the pain, which can easily lead to addiction. Eventually, they become so full of shame, they would rather hide on the streets than reach out for help.
Vulnerable Women and Children
The saddest are the women and children. The numbers of women and children turning to us for help have increased over the past five years. Lack of low-income housing options coupled with disintegrating family relationships has traumatic effects. The average woman suffers a dramatic drop in income when a relationship ends, with many fathers failing to pay child support.
Why can't the homeless just get jobs?
The top 5 reasons a homeless person can't get a job and how Union Rescue Mission is working to help:
PROBLEM #1: He can't read.
Many homeless people are illiterate. They are unable to read "help wanted" ads or fill out a job application.
SOLUTION: Through our Bank of America Learning Center, we help homeless people improve their reading and other academic skills. Many of our students make great progress very quickly!
PROBLEM #2: She has no phone number or address.
Job applicants need a way for potential employers to contact them. But that's only the beginning. Enrolling a child in school, applying for appropriate aid, even filling out a rental application all require an address.
SOLUTION: The Mission provides an address and contact phone number for men and women in our emergency shelter and recovery programs.
PROBLEM #3: He has no job or life skills.
Employees need job skills as well as relational skills to get along with bosses, coworkers, and customers. Homeless people from dysfunctional backgrounds often have neither.
SOLUTION: Through hands-on work experience, Bible studies, and classes, we help homeless people develop the skills they desperately need to succeed. The Men's Christian Life Discipleship Program (CLDP) and the Second Step Program for women offered at URM are comprehensive programs with the goal of empowering people to live fulfilling, independent lives.
PROBLEM #4: She has mental health or addiction issues.
Severe depression; crippling addiction; problems like these often prevent homeless people from being successfully employed.
SOLUTION: Through our biblically based 12-step program, long-term residential Recovery Programs, and our Mental Health Clinic, we can help men and women make significant progress.
PROBLEM #5: He has no clean clothes or place to shower.
Being clean and presentable is a must for job interviews, but difficult to manage when you're living in a cardboard box or under a bridge.
SOLUTION: Union Rescue Mission provides showers and clean clothing for all of our guests. Before a job interview, we make sure a man or woman has appropriate, professional attire from head to toe.
How is welfare reform affecting the homeless and the Mission?
When welfare reform was passed in 1996, it granted state governments the freedom to craft their own welfare systems. More than five years later, local government agencies across the country continue to grapple with the issue of how best to help the poor without creating dependency.
In Los Angeles, we are seeing more men, women, and families come to the Mission due to financial cutbacks in General Relief (L.A. County's cash and food stamp system). With the implementation of a five-year lifetime cap on receiving welfare, we are anticipating an even greater increase in people seeking our services
What should I do when someone who appears to be hungry and homeless asks for money?
Never give money to a person who is begging. Cocaine and other illegal drugs can be purchased on the streets today for less than $5. The money you give to "help" that person could very easily be used to buy drugs or alcohol instead.
"What they need is a hand and encouragement to give life another try," shares President Andy Bales with MSN Money Contributing Editor
If a person is hungry, give food, coupons, or gift certificates to nearby restaurants or grocery stores, or refer him or her to a local agency that can provide food and shelter. The best thing to do is to encourage them to come to a local homeless social service agency, a place like Union Rescue Mission. Not only will we give them a meal and a bed, but an opportunity to get off the streets for good. You may also print, cut, and pass out our "Homeless Currency" cards, showing our meal times and shelter location on a map.
What services are available for the homeless in downtown Los Angeles?
Many services are available through private and public organizations, including long- and short-term shelter, transitional housing, counseling, medical and dental care, vision services, job training and placement, substance abuse programs, mental health, and transportation.
However, getting the right help at the moment help is needed most is extremely difficult. Navigating the maze of services and agencies can be overwhelming. Meanwhile, the needs of the homeless continue to exceed available help year after year.
How are Union Rescue Mission's services unique?
We provide a comprehensive range of programs and services under one roof, whereas many other service providers are able to concentrate on only one type of service. In addition to emergency shelter and food, the Mission provides recovery programs for men, women, and families including Christian-based counseling, education, physical fitness, and job training, and transitional housing.
Union Rescue Mission networks and partners with other area service providers to aid those who seek help. In partnership with caring universities, Union Rescue Mission is home to critically needed services for the homeless and desperately poor:
Union Rescue Mission is:
- The only emergency shelter for women & children in central Los Angeles open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
- The only Mission in L.A. to have been awarded the Certificate of Excellence by the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions in recognition of outstanding commitment to providing quality care for the poor and homeless.
Do you ever turn anyone away?
At one point we were taking in every woman or child that came to our door, but we were violating fire codes and our guests were not comfortable. Therefore, we now limit our intake to only the number for which we can provide beds and appropriate services. Men have other options for shelter in Skid Row and we refer them there when we are full. For women and children, it's more difficult to find emergency shelter, but we have managed to be quite successful in finding referrals to other programs out of the immediate area or providing hotel vouchers until a permanent solution can be found.
When a guest is abusing program rules and boundaries, they will be dismissed. In addition, if they are a danger to anyone else, our security and the police are called to address the situation. For the safety of all guests (particularly the increasing number of children here), individuals with a known history of sexual offense will not receive services at Union Rescue Mission; they may be referred to more appropriate facilities.
What are the advantages of faith-based services?
At Union Rescue Mission, we believe God is our redeemer, the restorer of all who are lost. From our experience, lasting and sustainable change comes from within. That's why we address the whole person-body, mind, and spirit.
When men and women turn their lives over to God, they hand over every moment of shame and tear they've cried, all the broken promises and dashed dreams, all of their yesterdays and painful scars. With God's help, there is healing and hope, and ultimately new life.
Is exposure to the Gospel mandatory or optional?
In the case of Emergency Services (food, shelter, basic needs), worship services are offered every day of the year to both the women and children in one area and the men in another area. Anyone can participate in the worship experiences, but no one is made to get involved. Food, clothing, showers, lodging, and respect are offered to any and all who walk through our doors, whether or not they are responsive to our Gospel preaching. In addition to preaching the Christian faith directly, the staff and volunteers of the Mission seek to exemplify the Christian Life in all that we do. Even if the guests are not interested in actively seeking the Gospel, they are surrounded by it in a loving manner twenty-four hours daily.
Our Men's Christian Life Discipleship Program (CLDP) and Women's Second Step Program rehabilitation programs are intensive Christian recovery programs. All participants are exposed deeply to both Protestant Christian worship and regular biblical study on a weekly basis, and these expectations are clearly presented prior to anyone entering the program. There are regular weekly worship experiences for the men and women in CLDP and Women's Programs and also a weekly service that includes both the program participants and the entire Mission staff.
With every dimension of our ministry, we consider our actions, programs and services to be expressions of God's saving grace. Our motivations for feeding, clothing, lodging and healing are directly pointed to the cross and done so in Jesus' name. Additionally, we state in our by-laws under Article II, in part: "A further description of the corporation's purposes are as follows: to conduct an evangelistic work in promulgating the gospel of Jesus Christ, such gospel to be preached as interpreted by the evangelical churches of the United States of America and to be based on the verbal and complete inspiration of the Holy Scriptures, the deity of Jesus Christ and His full and complete vicarious atonement by death for the sins of mankind; to extend financial and physical assistance to those in need; and to maintain headquarters and branchquarters for general missionary training and effort."
The Union Rescue Mission Board of Directors oversee the direction of the ministry and ensures that the Mission follows the intent of the founders and adheres to the Bylaws of the organization.
How can I know if an organization asking for money to help the homeless is legitimate?
Begin by finding out if they are members of ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability) as is Union Rescue Mission. The Better Business Bureau also gives information about charity organizations. Non-profit charity online databases, such as Charity Navigator, can also be good resources for locating the legitimacy of a 501(c)(3).
Then, go visit them. See for yourself what they are doing, who they are helping, how funds are being used, and if they are really making a difference. We encourage everyone to come and visit us here at the Mission. We want you to see the great need here, and the great progress we are making.
How can I help the homeless?
Six Ways You Can Help the Homeless:
1. Give food, coupons, gift certificates or refer to a local social service agency
If a person is hungry, give food, coupons or gift certificates to restaurants or grocery stores, or refer him or her to an agency that can provide food and shelter. Never give cash.
2. Talk to them with respect.
Taking time to talk with a homeless person in a friendly, respectful manner can give them a wonderful sense of dignity. If you can, spend time building a friendship with them, like over a meal. Becoming homeless can be very isolating, discouraging, and embarrassing, but we all need the consistent love and encouragement of friends to help us make healthy choices for our lives.
3. Recognize that homeless people (and their problems) are not all the same.
The person you meet may be a battered woman, an addicted veteran, someone who is lacking job skills, and the list goes on. Encourage the person to get help through a mission, but remember its ultimately their decision. Rescue missions offer immediate food and shelter, and many, like us, offer long-term rehabilitation programs that deal with the root causes of homelessness.
4. Support ministries, like the Union Rescue Mission, through your donations.
Most missions receive little or no government funding. They are supported by caring individuals, churches, businesses, and civic groups who see the value of sharing their resources with those in need.
Donations of food, clothing, personal items (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, combs), diapers, toys, etc. are always appreciated and very needed.
5. Volunteer your time at a mission.
This will not only help support the work of the ministry, but also allow you the opportunity to get to know the people in need, which will impact you as well.
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Find out how to you can volunteer your time and talents at Union Rescue Mission. You can also call our volunteer office at (213) 673-4814.
6. Pray for the poor and homeless in your community, as well as the guests, residents, and staff at Union Rescue Mission.
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Email prayers@urm.org with your prayers or to find out how you can be praying specifically for our ministry, our staff, and the thousands of homeless lives for God to touch in special ways.
How does someone enter the programs at Union Rescue Mission?
To get information about entering a program yourself or for someone you know, phone the Mission at (213) 347-6300 and tell the operator you are looking for information on entering the Men's, Women's, or Family Programs. The operator will direct you to the right person depending on the time of day your call is received.
Another option in crisis situations is to simply come to the Mission, arriving through our San Julian entrance. Report to the contact office (men's or women's) and tell us what the needs are. As our guest, we will do everything we can to help-providing food, shelter, clothing, medical and dental care, recovery programs, and much more.
Why are men and women separated at Union Rescue Mission?
Union Rescue Mission is a safe house. Many women and children become homeless because they are fleeing domestic violence in their home, and may fear pursuit by their abuser. To protect all guests at URM, men and women guests in the building are separate at nearly all times (except supervised classes for men and women in programs.) Male and female children up to age 17 stay with their mothers in the Women's and Children's Dorms (male/female youth arrangements are carefully configured). Unaccompanied youth are referred to other agencies for services.
All Times Effective May 21, 2007
Meal times (not including special events):
- Guest women and children eat at 7 am - 7:30 am, 12 pm - 12:30 pm, and 6 pm - 6:30 pm
- Guest men eat at 8 am - 8:30 am, 2 pm - 2:30 pm, and 7 pm - 7:30 pm
Three meals a day are served every day of the week.
Check-in hours and procedures:
Upon arrival through the San Julian entrance of URM, men and women approach the contact office window (each on separate sides).
Contact Office Window Hours:
- Men's Side: 8 am - 10:30 am, 1 pm - 9 pm
- Women's Side: 9 am - 12 pm, 1:30pm - 5:30pm
During check-in, staff receives each guest for a bed assignment and/or emergency services. Vital information is given by each guest to be entered into the URM database and a case manager is assigned to each guest who receives a bed. Each guest receives a copy of the Policy and Procedures for URM.
Mandatory for all overnight guests:
Optional for all guests receiving emergency services:
Daily worship services
- Men's Chapel: 12 pm & 6 pm
- Women's Chapel: 11 am & 7 pm
Clothing & Hygiene items
- Men: 9 am - 10 am, 7 pm - 9 pm
- Women & Children: 10 am - 12 pm (also by appointment Wed. through Fri. 9 am - 10 am)
Hair Cuts/Salon Services
- Men: (Mon. - Fri.) 8 am - 10:30 am, 12:30 pm - 6:30 pm
- Women & Children: (Tues.) 10 am - 6 pm, by appointment
Clinics
- Health Clinic: Mon.-Fri., 7:30 am - 4 pm (Closed for lunch 12 - 1 pm)
- Dental Clinic: Mon.-Fri., 8 am - 2 pm (Closed for lunch 11 am -12 pm)
- Legal Aid Clinic: Mon.- Fri. (URM program residents only, by case manager referral)
- Counseling Center: Tues. & Thurs., 7 am - 4 pm (URM program residents only, by case manager referral)
What is the history of Skid Row?
In Los Angeles, this 54-block area in downtown developed into a Skid Row in the late 1800's (the time URM was formed) because this location was the last stop on the train for the whole country. Hobos, aimless rail riders, transient workers, and people running away from past lives ended up here short-term and long-term. Daily rate hotels and various entertainments (mostly bars and brothels) catered to the culture of rail riders who were transient by nature.
As Los Angeles further developed and with growing industrial markets, particularly the flower and fashion districts adjacent to Skid Row, the need to improve the area arose; various groups consistently initiated efforts to improve the community. In 1975, a Redevelopment Plan was adopted, which included a “Policy of Containment,” concentrating social service agencies and homeless people in this section of the city, where many of them naturally congregated. The goal of the policy was to stabilize and centralize the area, not to crowd the area with homeless or fence them in, but make services more accessible.
Since 1975, there has been development in Skid Row in terms of services for the homeless including two parks in the area; rehabilitated, nonprofit owned SROs; and renovated/relocated service facilities. In addition to infrastructure redevelopment, service providers are recognizing a need to rehabilitate people rather than just providing meals and beds. Several shelters (including Union Rescue Mission) provide 24-hour services (rather than overnight only), rehabilitation programs, and a safe place for people during the day.
Why isn't it easy to move services for homeless people out of Skid Row?
The process of relocation is not as simple as buying property in a nicer neighborhood. To buy a property intended for homeless services, even within a few blocks west or north of URM is likely to be met with discord in the new community. NIMBYism (not in my backyard) delays or prevents integrating homeless services in many communities. As URM seeks a site to begin Hope Gardens Family Center, we expect that concerns such as NIMBYism and other deterrents will come up in the community. Community concerns are addressed through community education and communication about how our facility will be an added benefit to all residents in the community.
What are the physical boundaries of Skid Row, Los Angeles?
There may be several definitions of boundaries of Skid Row, but the one we see to be most accurate and widely accepted: 3rd St./Alameda St./7th St./Main St. (This was cited in an L.A. Times article in April 1999 and Donald Spivack's article mentioned above.)
The Census Tract in which URM is located (2063) is contained within these boundaries and when researching data, we find it useful to gather data based on this census tract, (defined as Skid Row to simplify.) Census Tract 2063 is bounded by: 5th St./Alameda St./7th St./Los Angeles St. Union Rescue Mission is specifically located on Block 3000 of Census Tract 2063.
Why does Skid Row exist in Los Angeles?
The reasons for an area like Skid Row to exist in America are many. Cities in every part of the world—developed or developing are always centers for poverty. Cities attract people in need of jobs, housing, supportive services—and the supply for these needs always lacks the demand. America, with its open door to immigrants, and Los Angeles in particular as an entry point for many immigrants, holds true to this reality. Cities in America are places where people can start over with nothing.
Another reason for Skid Row in America is related to the above in that the U.S. government system and American culture promotes opportunity for people to succeed or fail on their own. It also provides a safety net for people who do not succeed on their own. Many of these social services concentrate downtown and when people are down on their luck, they gravitate to where services can be found, which can create a community of people who are service-dependent. To add a spiritual dimension, Jesus tells his disciples (Matthew 26:11) that the poor will always be with them - every culture will have poor people because of the nature of this world.
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