Union Rescue Mission End of Month March 2025 Update
Hi, I’m Mark Hood, CEO of Union Rescue Mission with my End-of-the-Month Update for March. As we wrap up this month, I’m excited to share some amazing highlights—heartfelt celebrations, incredible new supporters, and exciting events on the horizon.
On March 5, we had the honor of welcoming Scott Turner, United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, to Union Rescue Mission. He met with our senior leadership team and toured our downtown mission on Skid Row, gaining firsthand insight into our work and impact.
Secretary Turner heard powerful guest testimonies, met with our medical and dental teams, and checked out our new secure sleeping pods designed to provide privacy and dignity for our guests.
He applauded the incredible work being done at URM. We’re grateful for his support and honored that he made URM a key stop on his LA tour.
This month on the Just Help 1 Radio Show and Podcast, we welcomed an incredible lineup of guests, including:
• Honorable Jackie Lacey, former County District Attorney and URM Board Member, who shared her experience volunteering at Hope Gardens.
• Business leader Rick Caruso discussed homelessness, LA wildfires, and his SteadfastLA initiative.
• And Honorable Kathryn Barger, Chair of the LA County Board of Supervisors, who highlighted the need for accountability in homeless programs.
If you missed any of these episodes, you can catch up by watching our podcast on KABC.com or Apple Podcasts anytime — and don’t forget to tune in to the Just Help 1 Radio Show Thursdays at 6PM on KABC 790 AM.
On Saturday, March 8, we proudly celebrated an incredible group of women graduating from our year-long Damascus Road to Recovery Program at Hope Gardens Family Center in Sylmar!
These remarkable women— many overcoming homelessness, addiction, domestic violence, and other traumas—have shown unwavering strength, faith, and determination to rebuild their lives.
As they step into this new chapter, we celebrate their courage and God’s guiding love. Thank you for lifting them up in your prayers and for helping them find the way home.
Now on to some exciting events that you won’t want to miss!
Get ready to turn up the volume on homelessness! The Just Help 1 Concert is coming to The Peacock Theater on May 14!
Don’t miss out on this powerful night of music and giving back. Visit JustHelp1.org for details!
It’s also time to lace up your shoes and race for a cause! Join us for the Just Help 1 5K Run/Walk to Fight Homelessness on June 21st at Griffith Park!
Every step you take helps provide shelter, meals, and support to families rebuilding their lives. One step, one person, one act of kindness at a time.
The 5K kicks off at 8:30 AM. Sign up today at JustHelp1.org/5K!
Last, but definitely not least, we need volunteer tutors at our Learning Centers at Angeles House, Hope Gardens and at our Downtown Mission.
Sadly, life on the streets and ongoing trauma erodes the ability to learn and can steal the chance for a better future. But together, we can set things right and give someone desperate for change, a second chance.
We need your help in the following areas:
• Computer Literacy tutors to help guests learn computer basics like opening apps and sending emails.
• Literacy tutors to help adults 18 and over with basic English language and reading practice
• Homework tutors for students in grades K-8
• GED & HiSET Tutors for math, science, language arts and social studies.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer tutor, please visit urm.org/volunteer.
It’s true, we really could not do this life-changing work without our amazing and dedicated volunteers—and we are so very grateful for your ongoing and generous support—not only your financial support, but the time and resources that you so willingly share with us. As Hebrews 13:16 tells us:
"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
Thank you for sharing Christ’s love with the people who need it most.
May God bless and keep you.