On June 27, 2007, our first group of four families moved to Hope Gardens Family Center!
 Rykia and her two boys, one of the first families to move in, were excited as they walked along the pathway to their new home at Hope Gardens. Rykia became homeless this past May after the Department of Children and Family Services advised the mother of two to flee her violent living situation. She and her two boys, 6 and 10, left what they called home immediately and took shelter in a hotel, then another shelter before finding refuge at Union Rescue Mission. Grateful for the opportunity she now has, Rykia says, “there’s no looking back for me.”
Safely at Hope Gardens, the afternoon was filled with excitement in their new surroundings. Arriving in their new room, Rykia exclaimed with delight: “Our own room!” While the mothers got settled in – far away from the dangers of Skid Row – CEO Andy Bales showed the kids to the playground on a grassy hill. Glad to play and just be kids again, no one had to worry about landing on a needle when they came off the slide. There was great freedom and joy as the families adjusted to their safe and secure surroundings on over 70 acres.
Over the next few months, we look forward to more families moving to the safety of Hope Gardens. In accordance with our permit requirements, families will be gradually phased in to the property, each experiencing a whole new world of safety, security, and opportunity. 
Would you consider making a gift of $30 to help sponsor a family like Rykia's at Hope Gardens today?
Check back here for more updates on this historic victory for the abandoned women and children of Skid Row. Because of your support, they now have greater hope for a better life--their story will have a joyful ending.
Watch this week's Mission Broadcast News for Rev. Andy's comments about our victory!
Related Media
July 11, 2007 Los Angeles Times "A gift of new beginnings for the homeless"
July 7, 2007 LA Daily News "A place called hope"
June 16, 2007 Los Angeles Times "Sylmar shelter to open"
June 16, 2007 Los Angeles Times "After an ambush, a neighborly future?"
May 25, 2007 Los Angeles Times "Officials OK request for homeless facility"
Endorsements
<<Gloria Molina HG letter of support .pdf
<<Imagine LA HG letter of support .pdf
<<League of Women Voters of Los Angeles County HG letter of support .pdf
<<Radio Nueva Video Network HG letter of support .pdf
<<SRO Housing Corporation HG letter of support .pdf
<<Sylmar Neighborhood Council HG letter of support .pdf
<<A Community of Friends HG letter of support .pdf
<<Archdiocese of Los Angeles HG letter of support .pdf
<<CB Richard Ellis HG letter of support .pdf
<<Diane Feinstein HG letter of support .pdf
| 
