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UNITING
IN FAITH -
Union Rescue Mission
Permission requested to showcase the excellent work done at Union
Rescue Mission.
Union Rescue Mission (URM) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated
to serving the poor and homeless. Established in 1891, URM is the largest
rescue mission of its kind in the United States and the oldest in Los
Angeles. We provide a comprehensive array of emergency and long-term services
at no cost to guests, including: food, shelter, clothing, medical and
dental care, recovery programs, transitional housing, legal assistance,
education, counseling, and job training to needy men, women, children,
and families.
History
The Union Rescue Mission (URM) is the largest mission of its kind in
America--bringing help and hope to homeless and desperately poor men,
women, and children of downtown Los Angeles.
URM was founded in 1891 by Lyman Stewart, president and founder of
Union Oil Company. George A. Hilton served as the first superintendent
of the Mission, originally known as the Pacific Gospel Union. During
those early days, URM took to the streets in gospel wagons to offer
food, clothing, and salvation to the less fortunate.
Over the years URM has continued and expanded its efforts to feed both
the body and the soul, helping individuals and families break the cycle
of poverty and achieve self-sufficiency.
1893
The Mission serves over 500 people a day from temporary sites where
tents were rigged for nightly revivals.
1907
URM purchases its first permanent home at 145 North Main Street - a
haven of hope where the poor find three meals a day, clothing, and shelter,
as well as employment assistance and free medical aid.
1926
After city officials purchase the North Main Street property to build
the Los Angeles City Hall, URM purchases a building at 226 South Main
Street - fondly referred to as "The Mission on Main Street."
1934
During the Depression, the Mission supplies 42 percent of all free meals
provided by private charities in Los Angeles.
1942
URM establishes the Victory Service Club - a spiritual haven and gathering
place for nearly two million servicemen during the war years.
1980
Responding to the tragic appearance of women and children among the
homeless, URM establishes the Bethel Haven Women and Family Shelter.
1994
Demonstrating vision and commitment, URM opens its $29 million, 225,000-square-foot
facility at 545 South San Pedro Street specifically designed to meet
the needs of today's homeless population, especially women and children.
The building can shelter a thousand people per night and includes a
computer-based learning center, library, children's play and study areas,
gymnasium.
Community Partnerships One of the most outstanding ways URM reaches
out to the community is in partnership with caring local universities.
Free clinics based at the Mission include:
UCLA Primary Health Clinic
Pepperdine University Legal Aid Clinic
Pepperdine University Mental Health Clinic
USC Dental Clinic
An interdenominational Christian ministry to the poor, Union Rescue
Mission is independently operated and supported by private contributions
from individuals, churches, corporations, foundations and those interested
in working to help us break the cycle of homelessness
2004
Beginning plans are made to build a playground. A recently purchased
property, which is adjacent to the Mission on San Julian Street, may
be the site of this playground.
