When asking yourself about something to do near me in Los Angeles with a group of friends or family, consider
Union Rescue Mission
Why Union Rescue Mission is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Union Rescue Mission (URM) stands as a pillar of hope and restoration in Downtown Los Angeles, having served the community for over 130 years since its founding in 1891. This mission uniquely provides comprehensive support to men, women, and children experiencing homelessness, distinguishing itself by keeping families together during their path to recovery. With a holistic approach grounded in compassion inspired by Christian values, URM offers safe shelter, nutritious meals, job assistance, and spiritual care to empower guests towards self-sufficiency. The mission’s facilities, including its Downtown Ministry on Skid Row, Hope Gardens Family Center, and Angeles House Family Center, create welcoming environments where individuals can begin rebuilding their lives with dignity and respect. A notable highlight is URM’s unwavering commitment to never turn away any family, woman, or child seeking help, addressing the increasing number of homeless families in Los Angeles. Beyond immediate relief, URM focuses on long-term transformation by addressing mind, body, and spirit, encouraging community involvement to make a collective impact. The mission’s historic presence and ongoing expansion efforts, such as the Angeles House family bridge housing center, solidify its role as a vital community resource fostering healing, hope, and restoration.
Here's what people think of Union Rescue Mission
As of recent, Union Rescue Mission holds a 3.8-star rating based on 834 reviews.
Reviews from various sources reflect mixed yet generally positive community sentiment towards Union Rescue Mission. Many users express profound appreciation for the mission’s role in providing safety, nourishment, and spiritual support, especially noting the church services and the compassionate environment cultivated by staff and volunteers. Positive reviews emphasize URM's dedication to keeping families together and the personal transformation experienced by guests. Reviewers on Facebook, constituting 88% approval among 457 reviewers, often highlight the mission’s effectiveness and the heartfelt inspiration drawn from its outreach programs. Conversely, some negative feedback points to concerns about operational challenges typical of large shelters, such as crowding or resource limitations, which can affect visitor experience. Financial transparency and administrative costs, including executive salaries and fundraising expenses, have been noted, suggesting areas for potential donor scrutiny. Overall, despite some critiques, the mission's impact on vulnerable populations and strong community presence remains widely recognized and valued, underscoring its legitimacy as a nonprofit organization committed to alleviating homelessness in Los Angeles.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
777Youchi
I’m about to destroy every misconception or fake review made about this place. There isn’t a homeless problem in LA there is a Drug addiction problem in LA. If you want help you can find it easily if you truly try. I was only on the streets for 3 day’s from being homeless until I was brought in and Thank God for Mike and Krystal btw. THE PEOPLE ON THE STREETS ARE THERE BECAUSE THEY WANT TO BE. They don’t want to put down the vices and enter into a new life. Also there is a big difference between the people outside the facility and inside It’s obvious these people actually want to change their lives. I just arrived here but I have zero complaints Bathrooms clean, Shower is good, food is good, STAFF IS GOOD. I will forever be grateful and when I finish here I will edit this post. If your reading… put the pipe down put everything down enter and change your life. TAKE THE STEP. 🙂↔️❤️ W Union Rescue. 🛟 UPDATE: I was only here for a month and a half and got an apartment I’m already moved in I just want to say thank you to Crystal,Brandy, Mike who brought me in !!! Also all the security and staff I love you all thanks for everything while I was there and dealing with my mischievous self 😂😂😂 If your reading this my review didn’t change the only thing that changed was my living situation 🥳🚀 YOUR TURN.
James Nichols
The best place of refuge in Los Angeles! This places strives to make people better and give them another chance at life! Most of the staff has been through the program themselves and know what it feels like to make that change. I spent many days here volunteering in the kitchen with my church.
Steven Caldwell
The whole area is alot of HURTING PEEP. DANGEROUS, ONLY IF U DONT GO WITH JESUS. The VA WAS SUPPOSE TO HELP.BY THIS SAT IM ON THE STREETS.disabled veteran 351 temple st. Im in greatest need on DRs meds all VA and have severe physical/MENTAL PROBLEMS.HON US VETERAN BALLINGTON PLAZA, LORD JESUS I CRY OUT TO MY KING. AND TBN 41 42 43 DR. PHIL 42 I PRAY HIS HOLY SPIRIT IN YOUR HEART, HELP THIS GOD LOVING MAN ALONE.
Brooke White
I love the Union Rescue Mission.I have stayed there for a year and I have met a lot of really nice people who like myself needed to go there for a new direction in their life.The staff are all nice and supportive too.They have a Thursday night worship where you win prizes and make new friends.
Nena Hampton
The Union Mission is such a helpful establishment. Looking back through it all, they are a help in any circumstance and weather. I withdraw any complaint (there may have been only one) that I may have made during a severely rainy day in any looming crisis which was a misunderstanding due to dire circumstances. I wasn’t sure I could find sunshine. Ha! During a National crisis they were really a stalwart establishment. I’ve thanked Jehovah God for the help that assisted me in being able to have positive changes in my life.
How to reach Union Rescue Mission
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Why Union Rescue Mission may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at this place with your friends?
Gathering with your friends at Union Rescue Mission offers a meaningful and unique experience beyond the usual social meetups. Rather than just sharing time and conversation, you contribute to a cause that impacts hundreds of lives in downtown Los Angeles every day. Union Rescue Mission, with its long-standing commitment to helping homeless individuals and families, serves meals, provides shelter, and offers support services 24/7. Meeting there means witnessing the heart of the community’s efforts to fight homelessness and poverty while providing a place of hope and recovery. This shared experience can be deeply bonding for a group, turning a meetup into an act of kindness and social awareness. Beyond socializing, your group will engage with a community focused on compassion and tangible change, fostering conversations about social impact and collective responsibility. Union Rescue Mission’s openness every day of the week ensures your group can find a time that works for everyone, making it flexible and convenient for gathering. Hosting your meetup here is not only about friendship but about embracing the rhythm of giving back together.
What activities can groups do at Union Rescue Mission?
Union Rescue Mission offers several activities perfect for a group looking to engage meaningfully with the community. One of the primary activities is volunteering, which can range from serving meals to organizing donation drives. Serving meals alongside people experiencing homelessness gives groups direct exposure to the mission's life-changing work and allows for hands-on involvement. Another powerful activity is volunteering at the thrift stores affiliated with the mission, where your group can assist by sorting donations, stocking apparel, and helping customers. This offers a collaborative environment where group members can work together productively while supporting the mission financially through the thrift sales. Additionally, groups can organize or participate in events such as clothing or food drives, which can be coordinated with the mission staff ahead of time. These drives are especially impactful as they help replenish the mission’s supplies that directly support their guests. Groups can also arrange guided tours or informational sessions to learn more about homelessness in Los Angeles and how Union Rescue Mission addresses these challenges, making it educational and eye-opening for everyone involved.
Why is Union Rescue Mission perfect for a group meetup?
Union Rescue Mission’s location in downtown Los Angeles places it at the heart of a vibrant urban area, making it easily accessible for friends and families across the city. Its 24/7 operation means groups have complete flexibility in planning visits or volunteering times, suiting various schedules and preferences. The mission fosters a welcoming environment focused on compassion, which is ideal for groups wanting a safe, supportive space to connect with each other and meet new people who share similar values. The broad range of volunteer options caters to different interests and energy levels, allowing each friend or family member to find a way to contribute that fits their comfort zone. For groups passionate about social causes, Union Rescue Mission serves as an invaluable resource where they can unite in service while sparking meaningful conversations about community challenges and solutions. Moreover, the mission’s focus on keeping families and individuals together during difficult times inspires groups to reflect on the importance of solidarity and hope, reinforcing bonds between participants. Their work fosters a spirit of togetherness, making group meetups profoundly rewarding on many levels.
How can your group participate in volunteer opportunities?
Volunteering at Union Rescue Mission can be organized in various ways to fit your group’s size and interests. Groups can contact the volunteer coordinator to schedule meal service shifts, where members help prepare and distribute food to guests. These shifts provide an immersive experience and allow the group to see the direct impact of their time and effort. Alternatively, volunteering at one of the mission’s thrift store locations is another excellent option. Here, your group can assist sorting donated items, pricing merchandise, and offering customer service, which simultaneously supports the mission financially and helps build vocational skills. For groups interested in donation drives, Union Rescue Mission staff can assist in setting up collections for clothing, household goods, or food items. This can be a project your group undertakes before coming together at the mission, amplifying your impact. Volunteering offers a way to contribute in multiple forms, from physical labor to event planning, ensuring every group member can participate in a meaningful way. The mission provides clear guidance and training to volunteers, helping your group feel prepared and confident during their service.
What facilities and resources does Union Rescue Mission provide that enhance group visits?
Union Rescue Mission is more than just a shelter; it offers comprehensive services and facilities that enhance group visits and engagement. The mission has dedicated spaces where volunteers and guests interact safely and respectfully, including meal halls and activity areas. These spaces are designed to foster community connection and ensure everyone feels welcome. Groups will appreciate that the mission operates continuously, offering consistent outreach and support, which means your visit can be part of a larger, ongoing effort with visible results. Additionally, the mission’s administration provides support for coordinating group events, making logistics easier and ensuring your visit aligns with their operational needs. Access to educational resources about homelessness, recovery programs, and the mission’s impact enriches group members’ understanding, deepening the value of the visit. Furthermore, the mission’s thrift stores, located nearby, provide an extended venue where groups can shop sustainably or volunteer, with proceeds helping fund these vital community services. These multifaceted resources create an environment where group visits are productive, safe, and inspiring.
How does Union Rescue Mission support families and vulnerable individuals during group activities?
One of Union Rescue Mission’s defining features is its commitment to keeping families together while providing critical services. Unlike many shelters that separate individuals by age or gender, this mission embraces women, children, and entire families as a single unit. This unique approach means that groups meeting at the mission can learn about and witness a more holistic model of community support. When your group volunteers or participates in activities here, you help sustain programs that provide meals, shelter, and healing for people who are often overlooked or fragmented in other service models. The mission offers tailored programs designed to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of vulnerable individuals, giving families critical stability. Your group’s involvement contributes to preserving this vital support system, and visiting together deepens everyone’s appreciation for complex social issues faced by homeless families. Through collective actions and shared commitment, groups can positively impact the mission’s efforts to bring long-term recovery and hope to these vulnerable populations.
What impact can your group make by hosting a meetup at Union Rescue Mission?
Hosting a meetup at Union Rescue Mission gives your group the extraordinary opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of Los Angeles’s homeless population. Every hour volunteered, meal served, or item donated directly supports the mission’s extensive programs aimed at restoring dignity and providing life-changing assistance. The mission serves thousands of meals and offers safe shelter around the clock, and your group’s participation helps sustain these crucial services. Beyond the immediate benefit, your group will become part of a larger community movement focused on overcoming homelessness and poverty through compassionate action. This shared experience can motivate ongoing involvement and inspire your group to champion social responsibility in your own networks. By gathering here, your friends or family don’t just enjoy a unique meetup—they actively contribute to healing and hope, creating ripple effects that extend far beyond the day’s activities. Your group’s time and energy become a catalyst for change, amplifying the mission’s impact and inspiring broader community engagement.