Dr. Henry Cloud
Treasurer

Author/Clinical Psychologist
Newport Beach, CA

Nationally syndicated radio host of “New Life Live,” renowned author and clinical psychologist, Dr. Henry Cloud is inspired by the work of the Los Angeles Mission.

In 1988, Dr. Cloud discovered the Los Angeles Mission after watching a television ad for the Mission’s Thanksgiving Meal for the homeless. As a general practice, he decided to check the organization out before donating. He was invited to come down to the Mission for a tour and realized on that day that he wanted to invest more than his monetary resources toward the life-changing services of the Los Angeles Mission.

From a professional perspective he was “blown away” by the services that are provide for the homeless and how lives were turned around through programs built on a dual emphasis. He says, “You can’t hold people responsible without giving them the resources and you can’t give them the resources without holding them responsible.” He felt that the Mission had an accountable program that met the needs of people in a meaningful and balanced way.

Dr. Cloud was inspired and became personally involved by volunteering to provide monthly training sessions in his home for the Chaplains at the Los Angeles Mission. He continues to be touched by the commitment of the Chaplains and the many stories of transformed lives due to their dedication. His perspective of the homeless has been greatly impacted by the extent of the need.

After serving on the Los Angeles Mission Board of Directors for more than 5 years, Dr. Cloud is proud to be connected with this organization. Primarily he is proud of the Mission’s record of responsible and effective work in reaching out to the homeless and addicted. He says that, “ The Los Angeles Mission is a leader in its field and the relationships it enjoys with the entertainment industry, the city of Los Angeles and other credible business are because of the successful track record of service.”

Dr. Cloud believes that society doesn’t fully understand the issue of homelessness. There is a prevailing “us and them” attitude that keeps people from really seeing how alike they are to those battling issues on the street. He applauds the Los Angeles Mission’s Urban Training Institute for its focus on giving name to the reality of restoration that each person embarks on as they discover the image of God within them. “We must understand that God created all of us in His image and that the Gospel teaches us that whatever is lost can be restored,” he emphatically remarks.

His advice to Los Angeles Mission supporters is to take the next step and stretch your involvement by taking a tour of the Mission. Learn more about the Mission and what goes on each day. He concludes by saying, “You will then realize that there are few better places to spend your time and energy.”

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