We Need Housing For Homeless Families!
Many of you heard the heartbreaking story about a family living on the streets in San Bernardino for the last three years.
After fleeing domestic abuse (which is the leading cause of homelessness among women), a single mother, who works 60 hours per week, could not afford rent for her own mother and seven year-old son. The only housing options offered would have separated this multi-generational family.
When Reverend Andy Bales at Union Rescue Mission was contacted about this situation on Twitter, he sprung into action. That family is now living at Angeles House, Union Rescue Mission’s new family-oriented transitional housing facility in South Los Angeles.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_single_image image=”296″ img_size=”full” qode_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_single_image image=”297″ img_size=”full” qode_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]I had the distinct privilege of attending the Angeles House grand opening last week.
Entirely privately funded, this beautiful 75,000 square-foot facility will provide 364 beds for homeless children and their families. For less than half what the City pays for HHH projects, Angeles House offers spacious family suites and comfortably designed community rooms, gardens, playgrounds, day use areas, a library, laundry facility, and communal kitchen with three hot meals per day.
In addition to a daycare and salon, essential services including medical and dental care, education and financial literacy courses, mental and behavioral health counselors, and job training are all available onsite to help families stabilize.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_single_image image=”300″ img_size=”full” qode_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_single_image image=”301″ img_size=”full” qode_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]What moved me most about my visit was seeing the devotion of URM to whole-person care. They built this facility to empower and restore residents, and I am confident that thousands of families will be uplifted by the work, dedication, and love provided to those in their care.
Because URM rejects the “harm reduction” model, which enables people to continue using drugs and alcohol, and despite the fact that URM programs likely have done more to help those living on the streets than virtually any other homeless provider anywhere in California, URM is not eligible for government funding. We need to change this system and invest in facilities like this.
Let’s all do our best to end homelessness for families and children.
-Traci Park