By Mike Teague

Traditionally, rescue missions have served men who were labeled derelicts, hobos or bums. They were middle-aged Caucasian males who were alcoholics or just "down on their luck."

Today, less than five percent of the rescue mission population fit this stereotype--middle-aged, Caucasian and alcoholic. Instead, the fastest-growing population served by rescue missions are women and children, who comprise one- third of all homeless people in shelters today. Minority men between 30 and 35 years of age make up another one-third of this population with over 80 percent of them addicted to chemicals.

The Union Rescue Mission of Los Angeles has specifically designed programs for each group of people who come its way. Programs for women and children are designed to break the cycle of homelessness. Classes are offered in parenting, budgeting and anger management in addition to Bible studies and off-site support groups to aid in living independent of the mission and dependent on the person of Jesus Christ. Our men's programs are designed to meet academic, physical, emotional and spiritual needs of each resident. Our mission's "learning center" equips illiterate people to read at an eighth-grade level within six months. The academic package allows people to advance their pursuits to meet college entrance exams, using vocational and software training tools.

The essence of rescue ministry is rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel story does not stand alone in words. It is integrated into human lives, meeting the physical and spiritual needs of all who enter our doors. Today's rescue missions are as integral to cities throughout the United States as were "good Samaritans" on the road to Jericho some 2,000 years ago. The pioneers of this great ministry would believe they were on another planet if they were able to see the direction of rescue today. As long as there are people who do not have a home to go to, nor food to eat, nor a family to call upon, rescue missions will always be ready for everyone who enters their doors.

From the Summer 1995 issue of City Voices. Used by permission of International Urban Associates

(Editor's Note: The family of RESCUE was shocked and saddened on November 1, 2000 to learn of the death of Michael Teague, President/CEO of the Union Rescue Mission of Los Angeles.  He was 41 years old.)