July was an event-filled month for us! From Vacation Bible School to Summer Camp to “Christmas in July”, we’re keeping our kids busy. Skid Row is no place for children to live, but while they are here, we try to make it as pleasant as possible.

I hope you will please take a moment to watch this video and catch up on what’s happening here at URM. Thank you so much for your continued support.

God Bless,

Andy Bales, CEO

May was an event-filled month for us! We enjoyed spending time with our volunteers and corporate sponsors whose time and resource helped to provide need to hurting people in Los Angeles. We wouldn’t be able to do all that we do without their help.

To hear about all the happenings this past month, please watch the May update.

God Bless,

Andy Bales, CEO

We have until June 30th to raise $138,587.49.

As of June 20th, we have raised $$2,661,412.51 towards our $2.8 million goal to keep Hope Gardens open.  Time is of the essence and we need everyone’s help to keep women and children from returning to the mean streets of Skid Row.

Here is how you can help:

1)   Donate. Every gift we receive by June 30th will be matched up to $500,000.

2)   Text “URM” at 85944 to donate $10. Please reply “yes” when prompted.

3)   Invite your friends to become our Facebook fan. We will receive $1 for every new fan up to $25,000.

4)   Spread the news. Share our story on your blog, re-post our blog, or re-tweet our Twitter messages.

If everyone does just one thing, it will make the difference.  Thank you for stepping up to meet the need.

Blessings,

Andy Bales, CEO

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A one-time donation of $10 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. Standard messaging rates and additional fees may apply. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. Service is available on most carriers. Donations are collected by the Mobile Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at www.hmgf.org/t. You can unsubscribe at any time by texting STOP to 85944.

Thank you again, Blessings

The first annual Hearts and Souls for Homeless Families was held on Saturday April 4th at Soul Studios in Hollywood. World renown celebrity photographers Jack Guy, Bill Curry, Sheryl Nields, Jason Willheim, Scott Miller, Eric Raptosh, Gregg Segal, Jordan Nuttall, Lee Jeffries and Alfredo Falvo donated their work for a silent auction that raised much needed funds for the Union Rescue Mission.

Hollywood celebrities Sean Brosnan, Christian Gibson, Catherine Mary Stewart and Michele Scarabelli joined URM CEO Andy Bales in honoring Steve Lopez–Los Angeles Times columnist and author of The Soloist. Mr. Lopez was awarded as Union Rescue Mission’s first ever Hero for Hope Honoree for his  long-standing support of URM. Through his influential journalism, Mr. Lopez played a vital role in the success of URM’s battle for Hope Gardens Family Center. His writing continues to significantly impact the community at large, raising awareness, compassion and change toward the homeless cause.

During the event Mr. Lopez shared inspirational words, encouraging the crowd on hand to care for the less fortunate.

A heartfelt thank you to major sponsers for the elegant, art-filled evening – Soul Studios, Chef Claud Beltran, Shell Bilyew, Variety, LA Confidential magazine, Samy’s Camera, Digital Fusion, Celestino Drago and Dolce Forno, Surfas and Miller Sherwood Printing.

All of us at Union Rescue Mission wish you and your families a Happy New Year.

2008 has been a very challenging year for us at Union Rescue Mission. We also know it has been a financially difficult year for many of our friends, staff, supporters and donors. In the midst of this situation, we have still been able to serve the increasing needs of our guests and families who are homeless because of the sacrifice many of you have made.

We are so grateful for everyone who has stepped up to meet the challenge this year. Our prayers are with each and every one of you. May God bless you greatly in 2009.

Over the last year, Union Rescue Mission has produced a series of short documentaries titled Stories from Skid Row.  These short films are a behind the scenes look at the lives of individuals who are being served, as well as the staff and volunteers at URM.  Stories from Skid Row provide a glimpse into the issues surrounding homelessness and the work being done to combat this serious problem in Los Angeles.

We will continue to produce the series throughout 2009.  Please share these with your friends and family. There are several way for people to view the films and keep up with the latest stories.  Click on the logo below for information.

Here is a quick video of a recent bell ringing ceremony. One of our donors made a generous gift to Union Rescue Mission. These gifts make it possible for us to provide love and care to our homeless friends in Los Angeles County.

Click here to check out all of our photos in our NEW Gallery

On Saturday, November 22, the Union Rescue Mission hosted a Whoville Thanksgiving celebration on Skid Row. An estimated 3,000 people came out to enjoy the Thanksgiving feast. Attendants included 2,500 guests from the homeless community, volunteers, URM staff, corporate and celebrity sponsors.

A BIG thanks goes to some of our corporate sponsors: Fox Entertainment, Dodgers, KJLH, Herbal Life, Clippers, City National Bank, HSBC, Nestle, Magic Johnson Foundation, and Disney.

Celebrity Sponsors include: Andre Ethier, Red Cloud, Jaynie Jackson, Jeremiah 22, and World Boxing Hall of Famers – Israel Vasquez, Alfonso Gomez, Bobby Chacon, Danny “Little Red” Lopez, Walter Sarnoi, Paul Banke.

In order to feed the large crowd with a delicious feast of roast/deep fried turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, salad, and apple pie, URM prepared: 100 deep fried turkeys (16lb ea), 90 turkey roasts (8lb-11lb), 75 pans of vegetables, 74 pans of stuffing, 40 pans of cranberry sauce, 64 pans of sweet potatoes, 80 pans of mash potatoes, 4320 dinner rolls, 510 pies (4080 slices), and 65 gallons of gravy.

Check out the joy and excitement of the thousands that participated.