Union Rescue Mission, The Way Home

A Human Tsunami — Thank You for Giving Hurting People a Second Chance

by monica on Wednesday, April 29th, 2009, Filed Under General | View Comments

No one deserves to be “thrown away.” Here are a few of the people seeking help at Union Rescue Mission in these dark, economic times.

“I Can’t Do This On My Own”
Victoria, Nathaniel, and their five children — Ameena, Idris, Esah, Eshaizaire, Ariyona — are one of 57 families living on Skid Row at Union Rescue Mission.
Victoria is a former administrative assistant and military veteran, with a two-year college degree and plans to further her education towards a nursing career. But when she and her husband both lost their jobs, they moved with their five children to Union Rescue Mission. Today, Victoria’s family is one of 57 families living on Skid Row at Union Rescue Mission. >

“What’s happened to us is serious. It seems like we’ve travelled on a rough road, with a lot of ups and downs. But I still have hope and ambition. I am a very determined person. I want to do more with my life so I can be an example for my children. In some ways, I think everything that’s happened to us is good for them. Maybe they’ll appreciate life a little better. When they reach the top they’ll always remember what life is like on the bottom. They’ll have that balance. ”

“I’ve learned that you have to go with the current and not let it drown you. Just flow with it. Don’t give up. I can’t do this on my own, so I let God guide us and I ask him to protect us.”

“I Have A Different Purpose Now”
George was a highly successful photographer who is now seeking a new direction for his life.
George was one of the most successful commercial photographers in Los Angeles. His clients included Atlantic Records, Capitol Records, Essence magazine, New Beauty magazine, FM Entertainment, and Touchstone Home Video — even the Union Rescue Mission. But in 2008, George’s career ground to a halt, his finances dried up, and he found himself seeking help at Union Rescue Mission.

“I loved photography. It was my life, I got to travel all over the world, and I experienced the best of what life has to offer — and I loved it. So when I first walked through the doors of Union Rescue Mission, I got angry and I started asking God, “Why?” I never had a drug or alcohol problem. But since I’ve come here, God has helped me understand that life is really about helping somebody else rather than yourself.

“Union Rescue Mission is one of the best things that ever happened to me. I have a different purpose now. I want to reach out and touch people’s lives. I want to help people who are less fortunate than myself. I want to give hope to people and help them become who God created them to be.”

“I’m Not Ready to Give Up Yet”

Even with a master’s degree in criminal justice, Clara is unable to find employment.

After earning a master’s degree in criminal justice and raising her three children, Clara escaped the cold weather of Indiana and moved to California in 2007. She planned to live with a cousin and search for a job in social work or law enforcement. But when her housing arrangement fell through, Clara found herself broke and homeless. She has lived at Union Rescue Mission since November 2007 and is unable to find work.

“When I first came to Skid Row, it was a shock. I’ve never been homeless before and I never imagined I’d end up in a shelter. I’m not a weak person, but I cry a lot now. I’m not ready to give up yet, and I’m going to keep fighting, but with the economy the way it is, it’s really hard.

“The Union Rescue Mission gives me hope. I’m learning that if you really want something, you can get it. It’s just a matter of having a plan. Sometimes I lose faith, but I feel in my heart I’ll eventually get where I need to. I believe that I’m actually going to win. I may not get a great big job and a corporate office, but I know I’m going to get something. And I’m satisfied with that.”

“I Ain’t Nobody’s Throwaway”

William, a former preacher, is 80 years old and homeless for the first time in his life.
At 80 years of age, William is the oldest person ever to enter the Christian Life Discipleship program at Union Rescue Mission. William worked his whole life, including 47 years as a preacher in the Church of God in Christ, until age made it difficult to find employment. Last December, William ran out of money and ended up sleeping in a downtown bus station before coming to Union Rescue Mission.

“God always blessed me real good. That’s why I look like I do. So I’m not used to being homeless. That was a shocker! It’s a bad feeling being homeless.”

“Basically I’m an independent type of fellow. My folks taught me to work and to take care of myself. I don’t believe in handouts. It grieves my spirit to have handouts.
“I can still work, and I’d like to work, but I don’t think anyone will hire me at 80 years old! I was a preacher for 47 years. I ain’t nobody’s throwaway.”