Caring for our Friends – Updates from the Lord’s Lighthouse Ministries

Friends, below are a few answers to questions about how our ministry is coping with the current pandemic. 

Q: How are the Lord’s Lighthouse on Sunday and the Hollywood Healthcare Partnership on Wednesday operating at this time?

A: During this time of shelter in place, Urban Mission staff is continuing to care for our friends by offering food, pastoral care and case management to them off-campus, either at their housing sites or in the neighborhood, rather than meeting in larger gatherings at the church. Currently, we are busy placing people in motels and linking them to housing providers, and utilizing a new program called Project Roomkey (government funding for motel stays), as well as chaperoning them to doctor’s appointments and bringing groceries as needed. Initially we shifted to serving meals to-go at the gate with social distancing, rather than any ministry indoors. Shortly after, with limited volunteers and in the interest of keeping staff and neighbors healthy, we transitioned to meeting only with individuals or in groups over the phone. These practices also help First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood support the City’s effort to move people into housing and encourages our friends to take advantage of these newly available beds. Additionally, Salvation Army around the corner continues to feed every day, so we know that our neighbors have that resource as well. 

Q: Where are our friends from the Winter Refuge?

A: As the Winter Refuge closed on March 18th, guests were placed into other interim housing facilities, motels and even returned to their families across the country! It was a joyful season of worshiping Christ together through studying scripture, music, art and sharing our stories. Thanks to many of you who brought your love, food and talents to our Sacred Space which inspired our friends to grow in their faith.  As usual, we combined our efforts with local housing providers like Department of Mental Health, The People Concern E6 teams, Step Up on Second, LAPD, Saban Community Clinic, QueensCare and others, receiving their referrals and connecting guests to their health and housing services. We were also blessed with hundreds of volunteers from almost a dozen churches!

Q: How can you support us in the days ahead?

A: Prayers are needed of course! Please keep the safety and health of our friends and frontline workers in your prayers. Also, prayers are appreciated for the leadership of Urban Mission as we continue to discern how best to care for our friends in the weeks ahead and modify our ministry strategy accordingly. Please know how grateful we are for your devotion to Christ and our church!

If you have any questions or if you are interested in helping us to serve our friends and neighbors in the future, please contact Amie Quigley.