WHY
Over the last 5 years the Union Rescue Mission has seen an increase in families experiencing homelessness. They currently have about 295 residents in their families program and another 235 residents at their Hope Gardens location . This number is so big because the Union Rescue Mission is the only Mission on Skid Row that will accept families. When the kids are out of school, the Mission tries to offer programming for the kids. This way the parents can continue to work and focus on securing permanent housing. With such large numbers, it can be difficult to have enough programming for all the kids at both locations. This is where the Mission relies heavily on volunteers.

This is where Next Step has the amazing opportunity to step in. As a ministry our main focus is to always work alongside the communities we are a part of, and join in what they are already doing with the resources we have. For Next Step: Los Angeles, we want to come alongside Hope Gardens by helping with children’s programming twice a week. This means twice a week for about 6 hours each day, Hope Gardens staff and parents will not have to be concerned with what they will do for their children. Next Step students will be able to work alongside Hope Gardens to create faith-based summer programming for those who wouldn’t normally experience anything like this!

WHAT
With the funding Next Step receives, Next Step will run programming each week for a different age group residing at Hope Gardens. This programming will include a biblical theme and lesson, snacks, games, crafts, and most importantly- a space where kids experiencing homelessness can just be kids. The funding received for this project will go towards getting enough supplies so that every kid has an equal opportunity to experience God in new ways. The total amount we are trying to raise is $5,000.00 for 9 weeks of programming.

 

HOW
If you are feeling called to give, you can do this easily by donating on the link below.  Thank you for being a part of the reason why a child experiencing homelessness also experiences God in a whole new way.

 

Please donate through the following link: nextstepministries.com/donate