{ Services }

Homeless people today struggle with more debilitating habits than just alcoholism. Drugs play a large part in street homelessness. Crack cocaine is the preferred drug for most homeless drug addicts, but there is no shortage of choices. Other drugs also devastate and kill. Physical and emotional abuse produces climate of fear while many fall prey to their own imprudent sexual practices and still others – especially women – are victims of sexual, physical and emotional abuse or abandonment. Issues surrounding education, employment, healthcare and affordable housing continue to plague those in our community. The Los Angeles Mission strives to reach out to every individual and offering help & hope as they face their unique needs.

The typical homeless person in Skid Row is no longer a white, male alcoholic. Turns in the economy, unemployment, housing prices, the pervasiveness and easy accessibility of street drugs and other factors have changed that.

Today, the Los Angeles Mission serves a diverse population. On any given day, a drive through this area would reflect a population of 55% African-Americans, 28% Hispanic Americans, 14% Caucasians, 3% Asian Americans/others.

In 2005, 87% of the Missions' outreach population was male, with an average age of 35-44. The numbers of homeless women and children are growing rapidly. Today, 13% of the population we currently serve is women.