Stories From Skid Row

Hope Gardens Family Center guest and recent graduate Margaret tells the story of how she came to Hope Gardens. In 2013 she lost her job and became homeless. After living in her car with her two children for a month, she went to a shelter.

Jada is one of our guests at Union Rescue Mission's Hope Gardens Family Center. She discusses her long journey with addiction stemming from abuse, her struggle to keep her family together, and her relationship with God.

Sharron came to Skid Row with her 3 year old son who has autism to find Union Rescue Mission. Hear how she found the strength to find her way home.

Christine had a job, was a mother, and was going to school when she was introduced to methamphetamine in the early 90s. After losing her children, Christine gave in to her addiction and became homeless. She decided she needed to change her life. Hear how her life transformed through the programs at Union Rescue Mission.

Mara recently graduated from our program at Hope Gardens Family Center. Mara walked with her kids from the train station to Union Rescue Mission to get help. A year later, she has overcome her addictions and her life is transformed.

Historian Liz Looks Back on her 24 years at URM

Jeremy is a former sailor who just completed Union Rescue Mission's year-long CLDP program. 

Tiffany is a guest of Union Rescue Mission's Hope Gardens Family Center and graduate of the program. Tiffani shares her perspective on the program and what this transformation means for her future.

Myra is a resident of Hope Gardens Family Center and is a recent program graduate. Myra and her son experienced homelessness periodically for many years before finding herself at Hope Gardens Family Center. Listen to her remarkable story.

Mark is a CLDP Graduate and is now attending school with a 4.0. He shares his story and hopes for the future. Part 2 of 2.

Mark is a CLDP Graduate and is now attending school with a 4.0. He shares his story and hopes for the future. Part 1 of 2.

Guest Holly Golob Stein from Lost Angels Children's Project

Enrique has been a vital part of the Mission since he graduated from our CLDP Program. Hear his story on what his past was like and what the future holds!

Kristy has been a vital part of what the Mission is doing at our Hope Gardens Family Center. Listen to hear her heart on what makes her want to get up and serve those who need it the most! 

Dalone, an apprentice at Union Rescue Mission, revisits his past with Reverend Andy Bales - and talks to us how he ended up spiraling into alcohol addiction. 

Glynn Coleman has been busy at the Mission to help our guests get out of a cycle of homelessness - by getting them job opportunities! 

Chaplain Jonathan Russell speaks with the Reverand Andy Bales about his experience at Union Rescue Mission!

Jenny Kerhsner, director of our brand new Maggie and Andre Ethier Learning Center shares with us how important this new addition to the Mission is to the men and women here at the Mission!

Hector grew up in East Los Angeles, surrounded by gangs, violence, and alcohol. His addiction to alcohol derailed his entire life, and eventually found his way to Union Rescue Mission...

Melinda hit rock bottom and had her children taken away due to her drug addiction. She decided to get clean and found her way to Hope Gardens, and that's where her journey to recovery began! 

On this week's podcast, Reverend Andy Bales chats with Frank Sontag, host of the Frank Sontag Show on KKLA!

A few years ago, Ruben lost his job and he fell deep into meth addiction. He ended up on the streets with his girlfriend, and their drug addiction got worse and worse. One day, they realized they needed to do something about their lives and they both entered rehab programs - and that's when Ruben came to Union Rescue Mission.

George was at the top of the world, he was a rising photographer in the LA area and strayed from the faith. Due to a series of events, he ended up at the Mission where he would find his true calling!