Homeless Teenagers Living On LA's Skid Row | Union Rescue Mission

We hope you will take a moment to watch the story of Michelle - the eldest of 5 children who lives with her mom and siblings at Union Rescue Mission.
Skid Row is no place for women and children. While it's safe inside the walls of the Mission, it's dangerous outside. That is why we work so hard to get them out as quickly as possible to safe places like Hope Gardens or our Project Restart locations.
As we near the end of our fiscal year, we hope you will consider giving a gift to help children like Michelle.
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For more Stories From Skid Row from Union Rescue Mission (URM), please subscribe to our KZbin Channel: / unionrescuemission
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[@estherfaruk1224]

She is so right. You really can't stereotype homelessness.

[@Mr_X444]

Or mental illness

[@nsr5961]

Esther Faruk yes I agree. Many people think that being homeless is for those who do drugs or chose a bad course in life. It can happen to anyone.

[@LuisRojas-fe1oq]

Having 5 kids with no means of supporting them is one quick ticket to vagrancy.

[@deerheart87]

True

[@landrypreston284]

i know Im randomly asking but does someone know a method to log back into an instagram account? I was stupid forgot my account password. I appreciate any help you can give me!

[@medic173]

I used to be homeless. I slept in the park in a sleeping bag. Then i started going to school and i got a job, car and found a small place to live. God has been good to me.

[@downloadexists7292]

you are this god you're referring to.

[@hassanhamilton1363]

God bless you, and I wish you nothing but more abundance on your journey ❤🙏🏾

[@shellyg5880]

Id love to know how Michelle and her family are. It's been 9 years and I hope they have been happy years for them.

[@pspence1963]

Me too.

[@jenniferhalf1650]

Same

[@airimcahuana6512]

Me three

[@Shenaniganz_z]

Probably married and mother of at least 3, and 4th on its way. 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@kekkaisenn6497]

😂

[@rachaeljohnson7516]

You can tell she's a smart girl she will go places

[@thatrandomnomby366]

smart girls would save money instead of buying all of that makeup

[@zacharyreed2347]

@@thatrandomnomby366 I worked at that mission. A lot of makeup gets donated

[@JasonSmith-wp9jm]

@@thatrandomnomby366 your a jerk she is a teenager

[@Karbfd583]

I hope she can get a diploma or GED and into a college full scholarship. Those streets are way too rough for a girl like her.

[@gregseewald2161]

God help her and hers.

[@MrPimpmf]

Tbh.....very few of us stop to think about the homeless. Everyone is too busy trying not to be homeless.

[@parkinglotnomad5144]

fredie rusica I feel you. Especially when you’ve been able to get yourself out of homelessness less than a year ago and people look at you like you’re privileged even though you used to live at a train station and it could happen again any day lol. Life is weird

[@ridered7262]

True, But that is the thing I'm busy going to work or a sidejob to make extra money to not be homeless. If I stopped and worried about everyone else's problems and didn't take care of my own first then I wouldn't be able to try and maybe help someone else a little bit.

[@paulsuprono7225]

When you've worn 'their shoes' . . . you know exactly what is being talked about. Homelessness is no fun, no joy, NO JOKE ! 'Been there, done that !' 😱

[@youaregoingtolovethis]

Ever more the reason to think about the homeless because you know how easily you can end up being one. It's not people don't think it's they don't want to even entertain that thought as it then makes it too real a possibility. So instead they would rather be in denial then face the harsh reality.

[@mrcassonova1]

@@parkinglotnomad5144 when you are white folks think you are privileged that's why

[@kipwheeler7188]

We called it the mission when I volunteered there and she is right it is horrifying, sad, and a disappointment that we have this in the greatest country in the world. I served 2 tours of combat ( Iraq, Afghanistan) and at no time there did I feel this level of sorrow. God bless you and I wish you well. Just as a note I was homeless for 3 years and only God brought me out of it.

[@naomiperez6137]

Her education, natural intelligence and her ability to attribute meaning to her circumstances will get her far, I see a lot of potential in this young girl. God bless her

[@JTKAMI]

" natural intelligence", I would say ethnicity "white skin" in America will give her a HUGE chance IF she makes correct decisions. Black and brown skinned, people especially those whose first language is not english have much less of an opportunity to improve on quality of life. If people keep voting Republican and corporate Democrat life will get much worse, but I digress. Maybe one day Americans will wake up and realize it's the rich against the poor. Corporations do not love Humanity. tRump was born rich and hates the poor, Joe Biden is a puppet bought and paid for. also hates the poor. Oh there I go again...shutting down...5, 4, 3, 2, 1... .

[@J.Mulleno]

Ditto.

[@jeremyrobilotta5019]

Breaks my heart. She seems like such an intelligent, sweet kid. Hope she and her family are in a better situation now.

[@lauralopez-toro3582]

this girl is a sweetheart

[@musiclovers6630]

Laura Lopez - Toro

[@TheNerdyVirgo]

Most of us are just a paycheck away from being homeless ourselves

[@devinpeirce7152]

Taylor T yes

[@darthvader5300]

In the 1970s , a wave of young liberals. Bill Clinton, a DEMOCRAT, among them, destroyed the populist Democratic Party they had inherited from the New Dealers of the 1930s. The contours of this ideological fight were complex, but the gist was: Before the 70s, the Democrats were suspicious of big business. They used anti-monopoly policies to fight oligarchy and financial manipulation. Creating competition in open markets, breaking up concentrations of private power, and protecting labor and farmer rights were understood as the essence of ensuring that our commercial society was democratic and protected from big money. The American Dream was destroyed gradually by the Democrats who also destroyed American Education by the creation of a leftist-liberal Federal Department Of Education.

[@jaydennispark]

darthvader5300 k

[@Mr2001rm250]

Just listen to Dave Ramsey

[@mdabdullah4379]

Taylor T, so true man. I been grinding so hard. But I gotta get my big break. It sucks so bad to be consistently worried about monthly pay.

[@CrocJustice]

As someone who has been homeless briefly, it is a very humbling experience!

[@andreaturnquist4855]

I agree. I have been there too!

[@micholakinola1053]

Yes it is I'm homeless right now

[@susanrachel5583]

No child should ever have to go through this ....appalling world we I’ve in 😢

[@filmmoment5976]

I met Michelle when I was around 13 or 14 volunteering at a shelter downtown. She struck me as one of the most incredible teenagers I've ever met. Was extremely articulate. I lost contact with her after that period. I'd thought about her over the years and wondered how she was. I graduated HS in 2011. This is what her life was like then. I hope to get in contact her again someday and hope she is well.

[@karibenitez9336]

Ean Cinelli how is that a fact?

[@jackiemarini3203]

Bless you 💜☮✝

[@utkarshmehta208]

Did you get in touch with her? How is she doing?

[@susanwedell7627]

May God bless this wonderful child and her family. And all the familys out on the streets.

[@fredirosas795]

It's been years since this was uploaded and like many, I too wonder how she's doing, but the determination in her voice and her eyes when saying someday she will help others leads me to believe she's well, and that gives me some peace.

[@janettedewar6617]

Her faith in God is wonderful, and Gods faith in her is enormous.

[@jeremiahtalkssports1832]

She was incredibly mature at 17. I hope that she and her family are doing better now. By now all of the kids are adults. I hope there is some type of update given

[@debbiemaccabe1929]

This country needs a miracle

[@zitawillingham4391]

What a beautiful young lady God bless her and her family

[@silveriocastillo9551]

I was homeless in Los Angeles when I came from Mexico I slept in the street many times In people helped me been homeless it's hard God bless these people

[@albertlopez5017]

I PRAY TOO OUR GOD ALMIGHTY that these people all get the help they deserve

[@ClaudeMagicbox]

albert lopez Instead of praying to nonexistent invisible people why don’t you support a political change in your country in which many people suffer these conditions while others have colossal amounts of money that they will never be able to spend not only in their life but for generations? Jamie Dimon for example own mansions for a total of 237 rooms and 183 toilets FFS and probably has shitted in 8 or 9 of them at most. Tax those people say 2 or 5% they wont even notice, not a dent will be made in their luxurious lifestyle, and help these people (an estimation of 80 billion USD could easily be collected this way, again without the super-rich even feeling it slightly...most probably feeling even better too).

[@MugenFan04]

Michelle is wise beyond her years .

[@Idah.Waringa]

You sure she's only 17? Coz her outlook is mind-blowing 🤯 wow! So mature.

[@esethuntloko3288]

Giirrll, life does that to you💔

[@gr33n3ggs4]

Such a pure soul. Would help sooo many families if I was wealthy.

[@teresaanne7527]

Omg. 😔 My heart is broken for them. I, was homeless for 3 years. They are in my prayers. That girl is going to make it thru. What an AWESOME kid!!!

[@PheneticsCo]

What a beautiful young woman.

[@wb7370]

This woman.."yes woman" has a good heart,saying that she wants to come back to help...bless her...mr bails is one man who really really seems like he cares about all humans..good decent man.bless him also

[@hatakekakashi670]

I hope these kids grow up and change the world

[@danielleevans3323]

I would love to see an update on her and her family.

[@black1582]

What a gal. I pray the best for them all.

[@Themidnightegardener]

"...you realize your life isn't in your own hands." You're a smart girl Michelle! This may turn into something beautiful one day for you. You're already wiser than most 17 year olds.

[@coachcarmencadena]

I think prayer is the most powerful force in the planet. It saved me!! People praying for me got me clean. But yes, donating one's time and money also helps. This is what I am going to school for, to be involved in rescues like this one.

[@olivierdamours8642]

Prayers didn't make you clean .. You did !

[@betheshift3530]

What a blessing this young lady is. You can find the light of The Divine in the most unsuspecting places.

[@2011blueman]

Michelle is an inspiration. Most of these comments should be deleted by the authors after they realize how cold hearted they are.

[@greeneyedkat3834]

God Bless this baby girl and her family, God Bless all of the homeless!! My children and I was once in those shoes, and God got us out. I pray that she and her family get the help they need and deserve.

[@elijahharper5447]

when my house burned down we were homeless for one year , we were living in a hotel for that time and free breakfast every morning but the thing it wasnt stability i couldnt call it home, i didnt have my own bed , it was horrible but when we got our own apartment it was home such a good feeling

[@jkdunk20001988]

Man that's not homeless please living on the streets is homeless let anyone of these people have a hotel for a yr I'd hate to see what you would be crying about if you was on the streets

[@4226able]

@@jkdunk20001988 OH SHUT UP STUPID!!!!!!!! SUCK IT "DONNIE".

[@nikkiemerson1145]

@@4226able he's right that's not homeless when u see people out on the street with a blanket and a sleeping bag begging for food a hotel is a pleasure to have over the streets it can't be compared.

[@jessimarie4413]

same thing happened to me!

[@hiramgonzalez485]

I can't wait to start helping. My sister and I passed through skid row today and I can't even describe the horror

[@summerbalmora8969]

I am Jack's complete lack of surprise. I am Jack's Broken Heart.

[@Lightforeverandever]

I root for these people. All of these people.

[@christinamoynagh3124]

Beautiful young lady, I hope the best for you and your family. Stay together, stay strong, God has got you girl!

[@sharonharris9782]

What an amazing and well spoken young lady!

[@NonPremiumID]

It's 2019, I hope she's off the streets now.

[@noereyes82]

I was homeless before. Fortunately California has great programs that help families. I forgot the name of the shelter place in Norwalk Ca, located inside the premises of a mental hospital. It was a great experience and really enjoyed the staff. I was there back in 1996 to 1997. I thank God that I haven't gone through that situation as an adult and I am able to provide for my family. I hope Michelle and her siblings are doing well.

[@jesseyoung3155]

I ended up homeless a little over a month ago, it didn't take me long to come to LA after reading how much help there is for the homeless there.

[@keewinter5752]

@@jesseyoung3155 Not true LA has the most homeless in all of the United states these programs mainly focus on families or mothers with children if your a man or woman without kids then you have to tough it out on the streets

[@harmonymomentofbeing5753]

Not anymore

[@vis9340]

harmony momentofbeing ...wow, is it the Trump effect ⁉️

[@lisagreene6155]

]

[@Booze129]

Well It's been a few years and I hope Michelle found her way

[@sainidaljit2]

She is brave enough and positive girl.

[@britusman]

Oh what a beautiful young lady and so intelligent. Broke my heart.

[@kevinbraden9445]

It could happen to anyone of us be thankful of what you have GOD is GREAT

[@NewDaniela]

brave young lady

[@troygurango8237]

truly is happiness if there is still hope for goodness in the world ... and all share with each other ... without expecting anything other than happiness itself ...

[@parvanehshowrai7376]

Their are people working full time job in this city and cannot afford the rent. and they are as good as anyone else and sometimes even better. stand up and help them. before it is too late. the next one might be you.

[@teza5876]

Whereas i get completely that basic math dictates a person earning $15×50 hours a week cant afford a $500-600per week rent and live in the teeny amount left over. Why don't they move!? Or share? Or find a sublet? I live and hour from where I'd like and where the jobs are because i don't have $800 a week for rent. I may have to travel but i have a roof.

[@parvanehshowrai7376]

@@teza5876 you did not you are a jew who does not have a basic education and is teaching and gwtting better salary.

[@teza5876]

@@parvanehshowrai7376 aethiest actually.

[@beantownie6177]

She's a very strong and stoic young woman. I know she'll come away from this even stronger

[@carolLDickinson]

Wow... I am speechless. How precious is this young lady. How WONDERFUL that Union Rescue Mission is helping out. I love this young ladies outlook. SHE IS SOOOO PRECIOUS... not spoiled like many young ladies who have everything. Our attitute REALLY IS IMPORTANT. SHE HAS A BEAUUUUTIFULL Atitude. I DO BELIEVE one day she will help out the mission one day. I can see her working there and being such a BLESSING TO OTHERS as she was blessed by them. AND SHE IS A BELIEVER! HALLELUIA!

[@charmagneq]

Damn, the effects of this type of experience stays with children forever. She’ll get past it, but never over it. Hopefully she will use this situation to help others, once she grows up. Blessings to her 💙

[@taniamarie7594]

I love her and I wish her and her family all of God’s blessings 🌷

[@constantdarkfog49]

I'm sure Michelle has helped her family over come their situation, what a strong women. Bless Ya's

[@dexterjones4627]

I listen to amazing stories from sid row on the way to work and I love the program because it is filled with hope. I am going to become a part of this work by supporting the mission's work. Thanks URM

[@debroahisaacs2452]

What a beautiful young woman, she is grounded in love and common sense, and is wise beyond her young years.

[@BacklotD]

inspiring. good luck girl.

[@memyselfimemyselfi4788]

This made me tear up......I wish all of youh who are homeless find your way to a safe, secure and most peaceful home in Jesus name ...

[@kdbrown63ify]

Homelessness is no joke....As she mentioned, it can happen so fast it'll make your head spin...one minute your on top of the world...next moment your homeless with no help & no friends.

[@franciscogonzales2123]

I was 29 years old the first time I stayed in a shelter and it was the worst experience I can possibly imagine. I cant imagine how crushing it would be if it had happened when I was a teenager

[@terywetherlow7970]

I was out on my own by 17.....i loved every minute learning the ropes of my life.....in my 60's now. It has been an adventure!!🕊

[@Debratsartnsoul]

Please give an up date on this. God bless all of them. I so wish I was rich so I could help some or as many of these people as I could.

[@jocelynvaldez4641]

same here

[@gregorioimparato]

Debra Tyson che topino❤

[@geezuguys2424]

BOT Shark Yeah, you're right. I know that now. It's still sad though.

[@darkblade8164]

+Debra Tyson My ancestors were rich and live here peaceful in americas, with Europeans (Your ancestors) arrive here...everything change, they made our homeland a *corporation* made their own laws and one religion we all have do live by. You want to talk about "rich" and "helping people" Your people didn't help anybody, how many people did you help here and national globe? (us) army company has taken resources from other countries for years, celebrities and U.S. Red cross has been scamming all nations, they didn't build a damn thing, but only six houses...people here are afraid because they are gonna loose their homes and end up in thoroughfare or get incarcerated for nothing because they didn't paid taxes, some rich people today are unable just like everybody else in this soceity these houses is not even thiers...they don't own it smh, really...you like to help others...Maybe system itself or police will ask you a permit for that, we are living in life and death by your OWN government.People always said this is "America dream" but reality is nothing but *American Nightmare*

[@esanchez3232]

Debra Tyson well if u cant help all of them then help make a difference in at least 1 persons life.

[@markpalmer1112]

I hope you get everything you ever wished for you are a gift from God

[@stevenstiles4903]

God bless all of you. God love you all.

[@roberthorwood4276]

WoW ! what a brave and positive Girl.

[@SolidGoldShows]

It's sad. I'm hoping the government will do more to help the Homeless

[@terywetherlow7970]

Solid Gold Shows......2 years later and homelessness is becoming a crime again. God is watching.....

[@maskedvendetta3943]

I feel so sorry for each one of these children society is so unfair so many nice people in this world who are treated so badly

[@andybales7764]

Thank you, Carrie Lynn. Bless you!

[@lorettaramirez4057]

I remember this anyone with when our family was there they're so humble I hope they found a place safe God bless.

[@Amber-ou9vz]

He will take care of you . ❤️

[@DontBeAlarmedItsJustMe]

Great now I'm laying in bed crying. This poor family I will keep in my prayers

[@JC_06]

Beautiful homeless girl.

[@lifeunderthesun3395]

What an impressive young girl, God bless her and her family, Amen.

[@44.caliberbrainsurgery63]

I'm so happy to have moved out of California. Even with roomates, we struggled financially to keep a roof over our heads. Worked many hours and for what? For a trailer that cost nearly 3k a month. Fuck that shitty state.

[@lynnshewmaker2966]

God bless her heart. She will be a very strong woman.

[@richardrichardson5570]

Free shelter, food, clothing, education, public assistance & companionship/family. It's not as bad as you think

[@AMYV3]

Richard Richardson 😒😒😒. What an ignorant thing to say. YES IT IS !!! After leaving my husband when my daughter first witnessed his abuse we went to places like these around Toronto (I had always owned a home and had great jobs but that all stops when u r in these situations) and 4 years later my daughter still suffers with horrible nightmares and can’t be left at home for any amount of time she’s 14 (you are surrounded by people with bad mental illness etc) So until u walk in others shoes. U don’t have a clue.

[@sexyscorpio8087]

I'm Sure It Is. Just Not Outside.

[@tracyparrish2553]

what a precious young lady

[@angielagou]

This young lady is so bright, she could be president one day!

[@crissysinopole5703]

Your positivity and FAITH is the key to having your vision unfold. SO PROUD OF YOU!! 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@4226able]

THESE PEOPLE FAIL BECAUSE THEY TRUST RELIGION.......THEY DO NOT TRUST GOD AND JESUS CHRIST.....PROOF??????, ALL THE RELIGIONS ARE NOT OUT THERE HELPING THEM, SURE A CAN OF FOOD AND SOME TURKEY AT CHRISTMAS?????, THATS JUST FOR THE NEWS MEDIA.

[@rafaelvaldez513]

God Bless you!

[@joan7823]

So sad to see so many people living on the streets of America... This is 2021 it shouldn't be happening. Stay safe everyone xxx 🦘🤜🇭🇲🇺🇲🤛🦘

[@engrfka]

Homeslessness, is sadly present in every part of this world 😔

[@bartakin]

Gods got you stand strong and please support this wonderful mission !

[@lennylenn4009]

I for one am going by there and finding out how i can help out!!! Thanks for sharing this.

[@SueMead]

Well, did you go? Please tell me you've done something. We've got a burgeoning homeless problem in New Zealand now, particularly in Christchurch after the 10,000+ quakes and bad government neo liberal bullshit resulted in people having nowhere to go. 7,000 and counting. Five years ago, maybe less than 100 males. Now 7000 living rough. We never had beggars, and now we do. I do what I can, particularly in the winter. School kids living in cars and all that implies. It's seriously fucked up.

[@vls8646]

BOT Shark serious or are you trolling?

[@christinenewhouse1264]

He doesnt have to provide the PROOF..Lenny will do it...It is in his HEART to HELP.God bless.

[@sharoncrawford3042]

This makes me so thankful for all that I have. Its humbling.

[@thezentrader]

this video dates back to 2011. Would love to know how shes doing now!

[@terywetherlow7970]

Cling to God.....he will get you thru this. The experience will serve you well. What is it God wants you to see? Lovely Piano playing from a lovely young woman!!

[@MondoBeno]

She didn't say what's keeping her mother from renting a regular apartment.

[@MCConfuz]

they escaped abusive man

[@nikkiemerson1145]

@@MCConfuz that's not a good excuse

[@MCConfuz]

@@nikkiemerson1145 uh, ok I guess you would know.

[@nikkiemerson1145]

@@MCConfuz sure as Hell do

[@nikkiemerson1145]

As a matter fact I've been in the situation without help from anyone. I've been hospitalized twice and I got myself and my kids out off it I didn't sit around and keep having kids with someone who beat the shit out of me. There are ways out and plenty of help but you can't sit around and make excuses and sit around and expect someone to throw money into your lap. 6 months she has children that are old enough to stay home with the others no reason she shouldn't be working as hard as need be. It might not be ideal but sitting in a homeless shelter for months isn't either. These children are the ones who are paying for her bad decisions.

[@jackiehanley6274]

It's sad to see someone on the streets it's when you cant believe what you said you end up on the street. I pray for the homeless to be saved ☮️☮️☮️☮️☮️

[@genslove74]

if you don't believe in prayer does not mean to discourage others from praying for those in need. Prayer does a lot. if you don't know what to say? just be quite

[@nessa6997]

God bless her and her family

[@andybales7764]

We make a new one every month. Look under Union Rescue Mission Stories From Skid Row. This is our most watched ever so it won’t be taken down. Thanks for watching!

[@terywetherlow7970]

Perhaps a more positive name for this place? "New Normal"? "The great reset"?

[@davienolyn4597]

Please keep these kids safe.... they are our future 😔🌟

[@omgstoptakingnames]

can you give an update on this? what is she up to these days

[@realitynow4342]

Whats the point of the story if you don't identify the circumstance of the family's homelessness? Home do you solve problems when you don't identify how they got there.

[@JayneTenn]

@@realitynow4342 the point of the video was to solicit donations.

[@4226able]

@@JayneTenn YEP, IT IS ALL ABOUT THE MONEY AND PROOF????, THE TENT PEOPLE DONT HAVE ANY MONEY, THAT IS WHY THESE SHELTERS DONT WANT THEM THERE, DAMN THAT FUCKING CATHOLIC CHURCH, ALL THAT MONEY AND THE FUCKERS WONT HELP, DAMN THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@GALAXIE262]

@@realitynow4342 they did say why they were homeless....the mother and the kids left their stable home to escape an abusive relationship. Pay attention.....

[@easyazpie9091]

@@GALAXIE262 k

[@maxbien2382]

FOR YOURSELF AND FOR ALL PEOPLES, AND THE NEXT GENERATIONS TO COME AND THINK OF YOU

[@bradberryman3197]

I hope she is doing OK

[@federicogonzalez247]

This shall pass too,God with you,,,who against you,blessings to you and your family

[@micpowers1136]

Weed smell is in the air all over California. Especially on the road.

[@janettedewar6617]

Yeah all over Edinburgh to..

[@GALAXIE262]

I thought that was hilarious when he said that lol

[@devinpeirce7152]

Mic Powers sad

[@xo7499]

@@GALAXIE262 hilarious ? it was illegal back when this was filmed

[@aeishahabdul-raheem5262]

She said they left a dangerous situation. I know the feeling and lived in shelter with my children. It changed my life. You never loose that fear of being out of everything. But I will not give up and now am still single with 3 kids and a thriving business. May God keep and protect us and ty to all the people working in shelter. May God bless you and if you ever want to learn a trade (construction) message or reply. All that grit learned in life goes great on a construction site

[@citygirl5705]

Unfortunately, most homeless are not like this girl's family and don't want help.

[@dovenatale4857]

So sad...makes me grateful for my childhood.