My Thanksgiving Experience on Skid Row

For seven decades, Fred Jordan Mission has been helping street families in Los Angeles and other parts of the world by providing them with vital services. In particular, the organization provides food, blankets, clothes, and other essentials. Fred Jordan Mission is also keen on spreading the Gospel among people living in poverty in Skid Row as well as hosting an annual Thanksgiving Feast. For the past 2 years, I have had the pleasure and honor to share in this gift-giving experience with the residents of Skid Row. During this meal, we share stories of hope and recovery with the community of Skid Row, while local priests spread the word of God.

However, during this time of giving-volunteers and residents are constantly reminded of the conditions of the area. Streets are filled with people struggling to survive, most of them sleep on wooden planks or cold, hard floor while their only possessions are stuffed shopping bags or old suitcases. Residents suffer due to illnesses, alcohol, sexual or physical abuse, and abandonment by family members.  Several are Veterans or ex-convicts that sought refuge in the streets of Skid Row as a result of rejection and stigmatization.

The impact of the volunteer programs is not only limited to the homeless community, but also residents of the downtown Los Angeles participate in the Thanksgiving Holiday Feast.  The most notably impact of the program is it inspires hope among the destitute of Skid Row. The mission reinforces the importance of humanity, prayers, and hope for society. And my Thanksgiving experience is this; reach out and give to someone, anyone, not just one day of the year, but whenever you can because it makes a difference.