Andy Bales' End of Month Update - January 2023

I want to give you an end-of-January update from our Laker Gym in Downtown LA.

As you may know, we are currently facing a family crisis of homelessness at Union Rescue Mission. We have received over 250 families, with over 450 children, at our three satellite locations in downtown Los Angeles, South LA, Hope Gardens in Sylmar. Furthermore, we have also seen an influx of families from five different countries, speaking five different languages. In light of this, we will be having a special phone call with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority and other organizations to discuss how to address this issue.

Additionally, the weather has been extremely harsh with cold and rainy conditions. This has led to an increase in hypothermia-related deaths among the homeless population. We have lost two friends to hypothermia and the situation is dire. We are behind in addressing this issue and are in need of immediate shelter and warming centers in Los Angeles.

We are still grieving the loss of our dear friend Scott Minerd, who passed away before right Christmas. We appreciate your continued support and prayers during this difficult time.

On a positive note, there are signs of progress in addressing homelessness in Los Angeles. Our new mayor Karen Bass has declared a city-wide emergency situation for homeless individuals and the county has declared a state of emergency. The county has also announced plans to add 3,000 mental health beds for the 25,000 people suffering from mental illness on our streets. Furthermore, Saint Joseph's Center's Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kellum has been appointed to lead the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority.

I want to thank you because we couldn't reflect God's love in the way we do without your support.

We could not do this life-saving life-changing work without you.

God Bless You, and Thank You.