LOS ANGELES MISSION THANKSGIVING MEAL DEMONSTRATES HOPE ON SKID ROW

"Not All is Bad News" in the Area Known as "Hope Central"

Los Angeles ---November 23, 2005 --- Skid Row in Los Angeles has had a lot of attention this year. Recent accusations that law enforcement agencies from cities outside Los Angeles were "dumping" people on Skid Row, followed by a series of reports on degrading conditions there have heightened awareness of the area. Government estimates have more than 90,000 men, women and children homeless in Los Angeles County.

  Despite all the seemingly bad news - hope blossomed in front of the Los Angeles Mission Wednesday. The Mission closed the street to serve more than 3,000 men, women and children a traditional Thanksgiving meal, in an atmosphere of love and respect. It clearly demonstrated why the Mission prefers to call the area Hope Central.

  It was the traditional Thanksgiving favorites: piping hot turkey, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, mashed potatoes and gravy and pumpkin pie served by celebrity volunteers.

  Actor Kirk Douglas and his wife Anne were the hosts of the event. "Anne and I believe that caring is sharing," Douglas said. "To be among people who care about you is a part of Thanksgiving. The Los Angeles Mission and the Anne Douglas Center do a wonderful job of showing care and concern, and practical help, for those in need. We are honored to be the hosts of this wonderful event."

  The Anne Douglas Center for women, named for Mrs. Douglas, has been a special project of the Douglas family for several years.

  The Los Angeles Mission closed 5th Street to traffic early Wednesday morning, and in just a few hours staff and volunteers transformed it into a giant outside dining room, with holiday decorations and flowers. Guests starting lining up early for the meal, enjoying entertainment as tables and servings were prepared.

  "From a simple meal, we have seen people introduced to life changing programs here" says Marshall McNott, president of the Los Angeles Mission. "A meal is the point of connection; it can be where the relationship between a Mission staff member and a homeless person starts. And that relationship can lead to a future restored to dignity, self-respect and normalcy." The Mission served 401,773 hot meals, provided 120,784 nights of warm, clean and safe lodging and 109,186 articles of clean clothing to the homeless and hurting of Los Angeles in the past year.

  Celebrities served up the heaping plates along with political leaders and other volunteers. To feed the crowd, Los Angeles Mission's cooking staff prepared nearly: 2500 pounds of roast turkey, 250 gallons of mashed potatoes, 250 cases of dinner rolls, 250 gallons of mixed vegetables and 675 pies. The ingredients were of the highest quality, cooked to perfection, and served to each guest as they sat down - hot and fresh.

  The Mission operates exclusively on funds donated by the public. No government funding is sought. Much of that income is generously donated in the fourth quarter of the year. "It is sometimes difficult to express how much each donation is appreciated," says McNott. "But ask any of our graduates and they understand how much the support of the public has meant to their families and their future."

  McNott welcomed the celebrities early Wednesday as they prepared to go out and serve up the Thanksgiving meals. He explained the variety of services the Los Angeles Mission provides, including emergency overnight shelter, showers, clothing, education and job training.

  "The Urban Training Institute (UTI) helps men at the Los Angeles Mission, and women at the Anne Douglas Center, learn how to live free from drugs and alcohol - and off the streets. UTI provides opportunities for Christian education, academic studies and vocational training. With these tools, we see lives restored and rebuilt," McNott said.

  In addition to a meal, guests were offered an opportunity to have their feet washed and cared for by the staff of the Los Angeles Mission Community Clinic (LAMCC) and dozens of volunteers. "We began offering foot washing several years ago to provide both a loving act of service to our guests, as well as a chance to assist them with foot problems," said Dr. Lisa Levsen-Abdishoo, Clinical Director of the LAMCC. The LAMCC is available free to residents of the area. "Each year several hundred people line up to have their feet washed. We see foot issues such as infections and painful callouses which we can treat, and we can take a moment to touch someone who may not have a lot of human contact."

  For over 50 years, the Los Angeles Mission has served the people of Hope Central (known as 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.