Union Station Homeless Services

There was a time when Johnny’s life seemed completely blessed. He had the love of his life at his side, and a happy, healthy baby boy to call his own. Life indeed seemed like a precious gift.

As the years passed the happiness began to fade amidst the fights and suspicions of infidelity that permeated his marriage. In time, the love of his life changed and left him and his son to fend for themselves. His once shining world became dull and cloudy.

Even still, Johnny kept his faith and hoped for healing. He and his son came to Passageways, Union Station Homeless Services’ intake center, seeking support for the tasks that lay ahead of them. At Passageways, Johnny received that support. He took full advantage of all the resources that were available to him and in time Johnny obtained a position with a local social services agency.

Johnny will once again tell you that his life is blessed, but it is he who is the true blessing. He gives back to the community by helping those in the same position in which he once found himself. It is really an amazing story.

Johnny is thankful for Passageways and Union Station Homeless Services and the services they provided to get him back on his feet. We are thankful for Johnny.

- Passageways Case Manager

*Names have been changed to protect client confidentiality.

Marissa came home to Los Angeles with her two sons only to find that her home had been taken over by an uncle with a penchant for rage. After losing her husband to prison, Marissa brought her two sons home to a house filled with violence. She called her brother for help, but once he arrived at the home his life was placed jeopardy as well.

When she had no one else to turn to, she found our Passageways Intake Center. By the time Marissa arrived at Passageways, she was several months pregnant and struggling to keep her family together. The rage and loss this family had suffered especially took its toll on Marissa’s youngest child, who acted out violently. This brought Marissa to tears.

Passageways referred Marissa’s family to a hospital. Given the violence that the children had witnessed, hospital staff then referred them to Child Protective Services (CPS). CPS provided a gift that would change this family’s life.

Marissa called weeks later to let us know that she was happily in a Maternity Home with her boys, and that her youngest was receiving special assistance from morning until evening. Marissa’s life and that of her sons were made better by the coordination of local agencies. We do not always hear about the little victories that occur, or the smiles that we provide, but when we do, that can mean the world.

Learn more about our Passageways Intake Center.