Union Rescue Mission - Los Angeles

February was full of excitement at Union Rescue Mission! We kicked off our Just Help 1 radio show and podcast on KABC—tune in on Thursdays at 6 PM for inspiring stories and expert insights. ??? Our third thrift store opened in Torrance, packed with amazing deals that give back! ?? Valentine’s Day at Hope Gardens was pure joy, with a fun-filled carnival for the kids and sweet treats for all. Even more special, five moms took a beautiful step of faith through baptism. Plus, our wildfire relief efforts continue, offering free clothing and essentials to those impacted. Thank you for being part of this mission—when we Just Help 1, we change lives! ?? #unionerescuemission #februaryrecap #justhelp1

?? A Procession of Strength, Faith & Victory! ?? Today, we witnessed a powerful moment as our graduating women walked proudly in their procession of hope—a symbol of the faith, resilience, and transformation that has carried them through their journey. ??? Each step they take represents a fresh start—from overcoming homelessness, addiction, domestic violence, and trauma to reclaiming their lives with strength, dignity, and purpose. Many are mothers, daughters, and survivors, proving that with faith and support, true healing is possible. ?? As they step into this new chapter, we celebrate their courage and the unwavering love of God that has guided them. Join us in cheering them on and lifting them up in prayer as they move forward into a brighter future! ???? #FaithInAction #StrongerThanEver #GraduationDay #UnionRescueMission #ANewChapter

?? Celebrating Strength, Courage & New Beginnings! ?? Today, we honor and congratulate an incredible group of women who have completed their journey through our year-long Damascus Road to Recovery Program! These remarkable women—many of whom have faced homelessness, addiction, domestic violence, and other traumas—have shown unwavering strength, faith, and determination to overcome the odds and rebuild their lives. Many are mothers, fighting for a brighter future for their children, and today, they stand as graduates, overcomers, and inspirations to us all. ???? Join us in celebrating their resilience and transformation—a testament that with faith in a loving God, support, and perseverance, new beginnings are always possible! Congratulations, graduates! ???? #FaithInAction #StrongerThanEver #GraduationDay #HopeGardens #UnionRescueMission

Next on the Just Help 1 Radio Show & Podcast! The Honorable Jackie Lacey, former County District Attorney and current URM Board Member, shares her heartfelt support for the URM Mission! She reflects on her powerful experience volunteering at Hope Gardens, serving meals to women, children, and seniors before joining the board. Crystal Hernandez, who once experienced homelessness, now dedicates her life to helping women and children at Hope Gardens. Richard Newcomb, URM’s VP of Philanthropy & Social Enterprise, dives into the Just Help 1 campaign—because one act of kindness can change a life. Tune in from 6PM-7PM Thursdays on KABC with hosts Frank Mottek & Union Rescue Mission CEO, Mark Hood, and learn how you can make a difference for homeless individuals and families in LA. Visit JustHelp1.org to volunteer or donate today! #JustHelp1 #EndHomelessness #UnionRescueMission

Scott Turner, United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, visited Union Rescue Mission Wednesday afternoon, meeting with senior leadership and touring our downtown mission on Skid Row. Secretary Turner listened to powerful guest testimonies, connected with our medical and dental teams, explored our new secure sleeping pods designed to provide privacy and dignity, and applauded the incredible work being done to give homeless men, women, and families a renewed hope for a second chance at a better future. We are truly grateful for his genuine support, thoughtful insights into the challenges facing LA’s unhoused community, and his dedication to creating lasting solutions that break the cycle of homelessness. We’re honored that he chose to make Union Rescue Mission a key stop on his busy tour of the LA area. #EndHomelessness #JustHelp1 #HopeForAll #HousingForAll #unionrescuemission

?? Episode 2 of the Union Rescue Mission Just Help 1 Radio Show & Podcast Airs Tonight! ?? ?? Tune in every Thursday at 6 PM on KABC 790 Los Angeles! ???? ? Tonight: A Life Transformed. Hear Alex Cornejo’s powerful story of redemption—how URM saved and transformed his life, and how he’s now on the frontlines of Skid Row, helping others find hope. ?? LA Fire Disaster & Homelessness – URM CEO Mark Hood & Frank Mottek speak with Brandie McFarland, URM’s Director of Emergency Services, about how the fires are impacting LA’s unhoused community. ?? How You Can Help – Richard Newcomb, URM’s VP of Philanthropy & Social Enterprise, shares how you can support Just Help 1 and make a difference. ?? Don’t miss it! Listen live at 6 PM on KABC 790 or visit JustHelp1.org. #JustHelp1podcast #radioshow #unionrescuemission #hopeliveshere

Just Help 1: Meet Becky as She Navigates Her Life Away from Addiction After her divorce, Becky struggled to adjust to life on her own. Now homeless, Becky turned to her son for shelter. While living with her son’s family, Becky succumbed to addiction, and after multiple relapses under her son’s roof, she was asked to find shelter elsewhere. At 64 and with nowhere to go, Becky knew she needed to stop drinking. She found hope at Union Rescue Mission, where she began her road to recovery. She attended classes that taught her how to love and respect herself and that she was worthy of love. After graduating, Becky moved into Hope Gardens Sequoia, where she has a place to call her own. When Becky first arrived at URM, she was broken, alone, and hurt. Now, she has renewed hope and a fresh outlook on life. By helping just 1 person like Becky get the tools they need to overcome addiction, we can break the cycle of homelessness and give someone desperate for change a second chance. #UnionRescueMission #JustHelp1 #Addiction #Recovery #Hope

?? Exciting News! ?? Join us for the first Just Help 1 radio show and podcast featuring powerful stories and conversations on homelessness in LA—and how we can all be a part of the solution! ???? ?? Hear CEO, Mark Hood, share his journey to leading Union Rescue Mission. ?? Donor Patti Phillips' harrowing story of survival after the Malibu wildfires. ?? The inside scoop from Ella Van Nort, our Director of Retail Operations, on thrift stores and our new Torrance location! ?? Learn how YOU can make a difference by helping just 1 person in need — because together, we can change lives. Tune in every Thursday at 6 PM starting tomorrow, Feb. 20 on KABC 790 Los Angeles! ???? #JustHelp1podcast #UnionRescueMission #HomelessnessSolutions #MakeADifference

2025 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count | Feb 18-20 The annual homeless count is a vital effort to understand the scope of homelessness in our city and advocate for real solutions. From February 18-20, volunteers across LA will come together to collect critical data that helps shape policies and programs for those in need. Union Rescue Mission CEO, Mark Hood, will be joining KCAL9 and CBS News to discuss the state of homelessness in LA, why this count matters, and how we can all be part of the solution. Catch the full interview on KCAL9 at 9PM & 10PM and CBS2 at 11PM! Join us in making a difference. #HomelessCount2025 #EndHomelessness #JustHelp1 #UnionRescueMission

Happy Presidents Day! ???? Today, we honor the leadership, service, and vision that have shaped our nation. Let’s also take this day to reflect on how we can serve others in our own communities who are most in need. Whether it’s lending a hand, sharing kindness, or supporting a struggling neighbor — every act of service can make a difference —1 life at a time. #PresidentsDay #ServeWithLove #JustHelp1 #UnionRescueMission