Homeless Christmas Wish: Families and Relationships

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Los Angeles, California, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) December 13, 2011 -- Contact: Steve Ruppe
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HOMELESS CHRISTMAS WISH: FAMILIES AND RELATIONSHIPS

The Los Angeles Mission Survey of Guests Has Poignant Response

Los Angeles, CA --- December 13, 2011 --- Family and relationships are top of mind as Christmas approaches, but a survey done this week at the Los Angeles Mission showed that Homeless men and women feel the pain of lost or estranged family deeply. The top wish for homeless guests at the Mission was more or better family relationships for Christmas.

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Homeless Christmas Wish: Families and Relationships

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Mission workers asked men and women who came Tuesday December 6th for the “City Sound” concert two questions: “What do you want for Christmas?” and “What is your Christmas wish?” The answers surprised the survey takers.

“You might expect a homeless person to first and foremost want a home – a place to live,” said Herb Smith, President of the Los Angeles Mission. “We were a bit taken aback when more than half we talked with said they wanted relationships, restoration of family ties, and opportunities to reunite with family. We know that broken relationships are often a result of homelessness, but this really puts the situation into perspective for those of us who may take stable family relationships for granted.”

“This is a small sampling, only a few dozen were interviewed,” said Smith. “But we are gratified that the responses were from the heart, and told the real stories of the lives of some of our guests.”

The homeless guests also wanted personal change in their lives, countering the stereotype that the homeless are in their situation because they want to be. “To be stable,” “Maintain sanity, intelligence and coherency,” “To think positive instead of negative,” were among the comments.

“We know that many on Skid Row desire change, but don’t know how to make changes in their situation, or don’t believe they deserve anything better,” said Smith. “The Los Angeles Mission’s calling is to treat each person who comes through our doors with dignity and respect, and demonstrate to them their personal worth. We work every day to help our friends and neighbors find stability, health, self-sufficiency, education and the faith we believe is necessary to put a life back together.”

To be sure, some of the guests wanted cash or gifts. There were requests for microwaves, cordless razors, tennis shoes and coats (the Mission was able to provide the coat and shoes), and also a surprise: a port chitterling dinner with eggnog. Only two said they wanted houses.

But many of the requests were touching: “A good relationship with my daughter,” “Restore the relationship with my family,” “Family, friends and good health,” “to spend Christmas with my son,” and “to be with family.”

And the message of Christmas was expressed as well: “For all people to love each other.”

The Los Angeles Mission will celebrate on December 23rd with a giant Christmas party for the homeless. With the help of Toyota, JAKKS Cares, the Festival of Children Foundation and guest Chef Ben Ford, the Mission will provide a gourmet Christmas feast to about 4,000. And in a new feature, thousands of toys will be given to children in a Winter Wonderland and Santa’s workshop under a tent on Fifth Street. Set up and food preparation will start before dawn on Friday December 23rd, with elements of the event continuing throughout the day.

The Mission relies on the help of the community to provide the services available every day to the Skid Row community. Donations from tens of thousands provide the financial support necessary to pay the bills. “We have been hurt by the economy like every organization,” said Smith. “We encourage those who wish to help to go to our website www.losanagelesmission.org and donate.” Volunteers are a vital part of the Mission, as are donations of clothing, food, shoes and hygiene items.

For 75 years, the Los Angeles Mission has served the people of Skid Row, providing emergency services such as shelter, food, clothing, as well as professional medical and dental services. In addition, the Los Angeles Mission also offers long-term residential rehabilitation programs including education, job training/placement, transitional housing and counseling. For additional information about the Los Angeles Mission go to www.losangelesmission.org.
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More information can be found online at http://www.losangelesmission.org

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