Union Rescue Mission's First 5k Walk To Fight Homelessness; WATCH Heartbreaking Skid Row Video

Homelessness is devastating communities nationwide, but nowhere more than in Los Angeles, said organizers of the Union Rescue Mission's inaugural 5k Walk to Fight Homelessness planned for Saturday, June 2."We now have more than 58,000 men, women and children living on Skid Row and throughout Los Angeles County each day," URM said. "For more than 126 years, Union Rescue Mission has provided safe shelter, meals, long-term rehabilitation programs, education, counseling, medical services and encouragement to help our neighbors escape homelessness forever. But with the skyrocketing increase in women and children on the streets, we need your help!"Organizers said, "This is your opportunity to turn your compassion into action. We would like to invite you to join us for our inaugural 5k Walk to Fight Homelessness. Proceeds from the walk will go toward the continuation of our life-saving programs and services to help those experiencing homelessness find their way home."Union Rescue Mission (URM) is one of the largest missions of its kind in America — bringing help and hope to men, women, and children experiencing homelessness in Downtown Los Angeles, the organization states on its website. 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.URM states that its mission is to embrace people with the compassion of Christ. The organization's Guiding Principles are to serve God, under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and:

• We will serve the whole person in mind, body, and spirit
• We will always serve others with humility
• We will treat all people, who are created in the image of God, with dignity and respect
• We will meet, or exceed, the expectations of those we serve
• We will actively find new ways to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to us
• We will be truthful and accountable in our work together
• We will do what we say we will do
• We will intentionally look at new and innovative ways to do our work
• We will share our expertise with others

The walk begins at LA Live and travels through the streets of Downtown Los Angeles.Date: Saturday, June 2nd, 2018Location: LA Live / Staples Arena, Los Angeles, CARegistration Fee: Free!On-Site Walk Registration: 8:00 am PSTWalk Start Time: 9:30 am PSTParking: Structure parking is available in the West Garage(Lot W - Enter on Chick Hearn Ct.) for $15 a carPublic transportation is strongly encouraged.Event Website: https://urmwalk.rallybound.org/For public transportation information, please visit LA Live's Visitor Center:www.lalive.com/visitor-center/public-transportation