Andy Bales' End of Month Update - May 2023

I want to give you and End-of-May Update, from the rooftop of our mission.
This has been a month filled with heartwarming moments and incredible progress thanks to your unwavering support.

One of the highlights of this month was our Mother's Day event, where all the moms at Union Rescue Mission, Hope Garden's Family Center, and Angeles House gathered for a special Mothers day lunch. Following the celebration, we held a baptismal service, witnessing several women from our Damascus recovery program accepting Christ and connecting with a local church. We believe that fostering community and providing spiritual guidance is just as essential as overcoming addiction in our recovery programs.

The significance of mothers cannot be overstated, and we made sure to honor them accordingly. We organized Mother's Day events not only on the rooftop but also at Angeles House and Hope Garden's Family Center. It was a joyous occasion to celebrate the invaluable contributions of mothers in our lives and in our mission.

I am thrilled to share that this month we received a generous donation of 3 million from the Ahmanson Foundation. This significant contribution will enable us to install air conditioning throughout our entire building, marking the first time in Union Rescue Mission history that every floor will have this essential amenity. While we will have to endure this summer without it, we anticipate a cool and comfortable environment for all our guests starting from next summer. None of this would have been possible without your consistent support and dedication.

Additionally, I had the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C. multiple times this year, with the latest visit proving to be particularly impactful. Alongside friends and representatives from various organizations, we pleaded with Congress to reconsider the housing first harm reduction model, which we believe has done a disservice to those devastated by homelessness. We advocated for a "housing plus" approach that emphasizes recovery and sobriety within the housing system. The current model often allows the free flow of hard drugs, endangering the well-being of individuals and perpetuating the cycle of homelessness. Let us pray that our efforts bring about positive change throughout the United States, as homelessness remains an ongoing crisis.

Speaking of the dire situation on the streets, it deeply saddens me to report that six people per day are losing their lives on the streets of Los Angeles, mainly due to overdose deaths. It is crucial that we prioritize bringing recovery and rehabilitation to those in need. Shockingly, California alone holds half of the total unsheltered population in the entire country. This alarming statistic underscores the urgency for reform and reinforces my determination to speak out against the housing first harm reduction model.

Furthermore, I have an important announcement to make. While I will be retiring from Union Rescue Mission, I am not retiring entirely. I will be relocating to Des Moines, Iowa, where I will be involved in a before and after-school education program and feeding initiative for children in a vulnerable neighborhood. This decision was heavily influenced by my wife's directive to be closer to our grandkids, especially after our four-year-old granddaughter, Isla, was diagnosed with type one diabetes. The need to support our family during this challenging time became paramount. Therefore, I will be stepping down from my role at Union Rescue Mission, effective December 31st, after ensuring a smooth transition for the organization. Your continued prayers and support are greatly appreciated during this transition period.

As we embark on this new chapter, our board of directors has engaged the Carter Baldwin search firm to conduct a nationwide search for a new leader of Union Rescue Mission. I will be actively involved in welcoming and assisting the incoming leader to ensure a seamless transition. Rest assured, our commitment to the cause has never been stronger, and we are determined to make significant strides forward, thanks to the unwavering support of compassionate individuals like yourself.

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

God Bless You, and Thank You.