HUNDREDS GATHER ON DOWNTOWN STREETS FOR 6TH ANNUAL MARCH FOR HUMAN DIGNITY

Mission Supporters March in Underwear Drive to Spotlight the Importance of Dignity for the Homeless of Los Angeles.

February 20, 2006 --- President's Day took on new meaning today as the streets of downtown Los Angeles were filled with several hundred people from all over the area - all in support of the Los Angeles Mission's 6th annual March for Human Dignity. The march was the culmination of a month-long underwear drive, and it highlighted the issues that diminish the dignity of homeless men, women and children.

In light of recent attacks against the homeless here in Los Angeles and across the country, Monday's march was rooted in the idea that dignity rebuilds people, and is one of the ways the Los Angeles Mission translates love into action. Everyday of the year, the Mission provides the hungry and homeless of downtown Los Angeles free food, clothing, safe lodging, and rehabilitation programs.

The Mission received thousands of articles of new underwear, socks, and T-shirts donated by churches, civic clubs, businesses and individuals. Annually, this march provides a large part of the 40,000 pairs of underwear needed for the residents of Skid Row, an area the Los Angeles Mission refers to as Hope Central.

"Many ask us why we have an underwear drive," said Los Angeles Mission President Marshall McNott. "Try to imagine how you'd feel if all you had for underwear was something someone else had already worn and discarded. That's the feeling we want to eradicate for the people we serve."

Underwear drives have been underway for the entire month of January. Among participating organizations were Judson Baptist Church pastored by Dr. Johnny V. Baylor in the city of Carson, Nana's Bakery in Los Angeles, the United Armenia Congregational Church in North Hollywood, and the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove.

"We're very excited to be apart of this wonderful march," said Dr. Beverly Muffin from the Crystal Cathedral. "We feel blessed to be able to help restore dignity to the hurting and broken of Hope Central, and want our brothers and sisters to experience God's love for them through us."

In the shadow of recent attacks on homeless people, this year's march was especially meaningful. "The only word I can use is tragic to describe attacks on the less fortunate," said McNott. "It is the ultimate lack of respect, an effort to dehumanize people who often cannot defend themselves. The Los Angeles Mission exists to rebuild a person's hope, so they can rebuild their lives."

The march began at the Richard J. Riordan Central Library at the corner of Flower and 5th Streets. A military color guard, which fell behind a fire engine and a fire truck from Fire Station 9, led the marchers down 5th Street, which was closed to traffic, to the Mission at 5th and Wall. Waving banners and signs - and shouting cheers for support, the marchers completed the march by placing their donations of new underwear in several plastic bins.

"We are thankful to receive every donation we are given. Many don't know that we are entirely privately funded--we don't accept any government money," said McNott. Like many charities after Hurricane Katrina, the Mission has experienced a decline in donations. "We were hit hard, but we trust in God to provide what we need that we can continue serving the individuals and families of Hope Central that need our help."

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.