I love this place. There are many worthy charities in LA, but this one is by far my favorite. The…read morestaff are all very welcoming and friendly, the administration is dedicated, and they all share a passion for helping those in need. They have built a community of more than just great volunteers, but also of the ones they serve. They greet them by name, know their stories and treat them with dignity and respect day in and day out, even when no one is watching. If you're looking for a great place to be a part of, I highly recommend coming here. The joy is infectious and I always leave with a smile on my face.

***This a message for those intending to volunteer with the St. Francis Center (DTLA), it's lengthy…read morebut worth the read*** This is nothing but an advisory service for those considering to volunteer with DTLA St. Francis mission. I wish not to deter or negate the intentions of the entire organization based on the actions of a few. There are genuinely good people and purpose being performed within this organization. With that said, I was recently dismissed from being able to volunteer with this mission. You might be asking yourself, how does one possibly get fired from a volunteer position that they signed up for? In my instance, it had nothing to do with my work ethic, timeliness, or understanding of the tasks at hand. (We were distributing food and clothing to the locals in need, absolutely not a complex concept whatsoever.) However, during my short stint volunteering with St. Francis I realized quickly that the management was somewhat dismissive of new volunteers which was masked as being overworked and overburdened. In most cases, running such a huge operation which can effect an entire communities functionality would be understandable. Unfortunately, I was personally met with this attitude and energy regularly. Despite that being the case, that didn't stop my enthusiasm or willingness to work diligently in order to positively impact the lives of those in need. I chose St. Francis for a reason, regardless of the circumstances of the people they serve they do so with seemingly compassionate intent. Unfortunately for me, an ill-timed joke made an organization possibly question the morality of their normalized "business" practices. Just days into my experience, I made a comment about some of the employees picking out donated items for their own personal use. In this realm of work, I'm completely aware that this is a common (and unspoken) practice amongst a plethora of donation organizations. It's shitty and in bad taste but it happens. Personally, it's not a big deal to me, it doesn't effect my well-being or sleep at night. My comments (which were in pure joking spirit and I thought were harmless) must have been overheard because I was approached by the director of the volunteer department. I was told by this person that the employees at the mission were allowed first dibs at the clothing, apparel, and miscellaneous items donated to the organization, to which I replied simply "I don't care." Said leader responded, "It sounded like you did, it would be better you not say anything at all." Shameless, nasty, rude. I completed my responsibilities, helped clean the areas I was assigned to and continued about my day proud of my participation with St. Francis Center. Sadly, later that afternoon I received an email claiming that I was 'not a good fit' at the mission and that I would no longer be allowed to volunteer with the organization. Initially confused and somewhat disappointed, I went on to laugh and laugh about the ridiculous circumstances bestowed upon me. The dismissal of my services from St. Francis Center won't hinder me from helping this particular part of town or community. (Mind you, there are a multitude of other organizations in the same area that do similar work and are seemingly more inviting, it can all be considered subjectively.) Regardless of my personal experience St. Francis' mission is genuine. Just be aware that those in positions of power in regards to their volunteer department may have some tyrannical and not so pleasant traits that rear their ugly heads from time to time. Do the work for yourself if you choose to volunteer here, in the end, righteousness will always prevail. God bless.

Went smoothly and quick thank you!!! The guy in there was super helpful by helping me take out bags…read moreof clothes :)

The entire process is racist and people are prioritized if wealthy. Black clients do physical labor…read morewhile white clients work desk and easy jobs. Staff can be quite problematic as well. Q van driver played a song from a Nazi band title "I'm white and I'm proud" when we were being taken to outside meetings. Worst shelter I've ever been in.

I'm very hurt with my last few interactions with this company..I inquired for different services,…read morethey claim to offer on thier social media and thier website and I felt like I was getting the run around and not given the full information or details. I do appreciate that they gave me a 40$ laundry card...when I went back to the laundry mat it was permanently closed. So I messaged the company to see what's going on and she responded with "the laundrymat is closed indefinitely, but I'll see what else we can offer you to wash". I never got an update for this.. I had to message them and ask again to find out that they no longer offer this.(glad i didnt hold my breath.) After the fire crisis I saw they posted something saying 'if your in need of food or household items message us or dm us" I did both...more then once (trying to set something up) and it was impossible. Clearly if people are in need, they are going to reach out to these organizations to see if they can help..but I just felt like I was begging and being an inconvenience with the way I was responded to when I told them I didn't have a way to get there. I even had 2 large bags of donations to give and I let them know...they never came to pick them up (but said they would). I originally was happy to have found something like this because I'm disabled and don't have a car so it's hard for me to get around, I'm not from LA either so it's not easy for me to take public transportation. Hopefully everyone else can receive services they promote and not feel like a bother. Im very hurt by looking at the past reviews and how easy it was for others to receive food deliveries "the same day" or "promptly". I feel discriminated against and like I was lied to and blown off.

This service is incredible. Not only am I able to reduce waste from my own trees, I can feel…read morepurposeful knowing it can go to people in my community who really need it. The staff is extremely kind and helpful too. Which is the major plus.

An awesome food rescue non profit that rescues and collects food from restaurants, supermarkets…read more They then get the rescued food to local food banks and food giveaway programs to people and families that are in need of food. They need volunteers and donations with all the government programs that have gone away.

It was so easy to donate to Food Finders. They accepted food (make sure it's not past its "use by"…read moredate), cleaning products (new/unused), and new personal care items such as soap and toothpaste. They helped me unload, which I appreciated.

My daughter Ariel did a year at the Dream Center after struggling for years with depression and…read moreself-medication (heroin) after losing a boyfriend in high school. She graduated in 2015, and at that time I gave a 5-star review because I noticed big positive changes in her. I thought it would be nice to give an update since it has been close to 7 years since she graduated. Prior to the Dream Center, it was difficult for me to be around her because she had so much anger and she just wanted to argue with me about anything and everything. Since the Dream Center, she has been a pleasure to be around and not once in 7 years have we argued, or had even so much as a disagreement of words. She lived with me for the first year after the Dream Center. She was quick to find a job and began chasing her dream of becoming a dog groomer. She was 24 at this time, and prior to this, had never had a job but once for a couple of months. She began dating a boy from our church (who also attended the Dream Center - yes this is how they met) and 6 months later they were engaged, and 6 months after that married. I was concerned when she got married and moved into an apartment for the first time. I figured they would be coming to me asking for money to help them with the rent. But in 7 years they haven't asked me for a cent. A couple years later, they she said they were looking to buy a house. Honestly, I thought it was a pipe dream of theirs because they didn't' have good credit (bad from previous life). But God worked miracles and they bought a house only 10 minutes from where I live. Again, a couple years later, they announced they were going to open a mobile dog grooming business. Again, I didn't' think they could do it because the truck was over $100K. I suggested they consider a store because it would be a smaller investment for them to start up. But God had other plans, and they opened their mobile dog grooming business on February 14, 2020. Yes, February 2020. A month before the Covid shutdowns in California. But once again, God had a plan for them, it was mobile grooming because when all the brick and mortars closed, they were able to operate and within two months they were turning away business. It was also about this time that they announced they were having a baby, and on October 25, 2021 Camille was born. During these 7 years, Ariel and her husband have been very involved in the church they attend, and serve regularly on the worship team (Ariel lighting and her husband on the drums). They also regularly attend Celebrate Recovery which is a wonderful program for anyone struggling with hurts, hang-ups and habits. The Dream Center turned my daughter's life around. It changed her, for the better. She jokes occasionally and says she was brainwashed at the Dream Center. It wasn't easy for her, lots rules and structure. She had to sacrifice a lot of what she thought was important to her. But she doesn't regret it and has a lot of fond memories of the friendships that she formed while there. I highly recommend the Dream Center to anyone who is struggling in life. There is no denying the miracles that God did and continues to work in my daughter's life. Without the Dream Center, Ariel would have never understood how to have a relationship with Jesus, and have faith in God, and hope again. She didn't see a future before the Dream Center. But when she left, she saw all the possibilities and she went after them. I am excited to see where God leads her life next. I know there is more greatness to come. Thank you Dream Center for turning around my daughter life.

Came here in the late 90, s. And I am glad I left. Was never homeless never strung out on drugs or…read morefresh out of prison just a kid looking for encouragement and to be ministered to but was treated like homeless strung out felon . Program was weird, take everything from you and trust you with contemp every second. The guy that ran the place was a bully treated people like crap. Had stuff stolen from me from the drug addicts they had there . I was told it was a good program from a pastor that was the old pastor of the church I went to back then. It was more of a halfway house than anything . My experience was less than inspirational. Hope it's changed but the reviews I've read looks like it's the same.

Really wanted to like this because my volunteer orientation was so promising, but I had a really…read moreunfortunate experience and misunderstanding with one of the male workers/volunteers here on thanksgiving day (I told this older Asian volunteer there was no need to micro manage me putting plates in boxes and staff member thought I was talking about him and took it personally). I had a bad feeling when I walked in and saw everyone really quiet and the overall vibe was kind of uncomfortable. I also had to ask for everything I needed ("do I need an apron? Ok, where are they? Do I need gloves? Ok where? Where can I put my stuff?" etc) and there were no clear instructions for me since there was already an assembly line with no room. That on top of a generally unfriendly vibe was not how I wanted to make impact and spend my time, so I left. Unfortunately I'll have to keep looking for other volunteer opportunities.

I tried donating huge bags of unused woman items and clothes/hygiene items that i couponed. i…read morecalled and called for weeks no one answers the lines even 4 years after the pandemic. in some cases they ask to leave messages : what for? no one ever returns calls. NO ONE! i came by since they did not answered only to hear them refuse bags, stating i needed to schedule an appt. I have recommended women and they have not being helped either. They never have enough staff to assist those in need. yet the times i've been there you can see many individuals talking among themselves at the front. All these non profits who are supposed to be helping aren't. Been in case management for 2+ years and its very disappointing. Money stays at the top with execs once it hits where it's needed there's never enough money. Why are execs being paying 100K+ to sit in their nice offices clocking in and out having expensive lunches. they are all the same. theres good profits in non profits specifically homeless. Homelessness will never end as those who own non profits keep the money. yes i said it been there: OWNERS OF NON PROFITS KEEP MOST OF THE MONEY. WHILE PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS KEEP COMING TO FEED AND DONATE GOODS NON PROFITS WILL CONTINUE TO KEEP MONEY. some non profits send their clients to the corners where they know items are being given for free. this way they'll save even more $$$$.

I have been a homeless disabled veteran in the so called skid row area of downtown LA more years…read morethan I care to recall. There are other faith based missions all of which I recommend because government help only goes so far. When these Christian nonprofits reach out with assistance it goes far beyond feeding and sheltering them from the rains--it touches the inner spirit which needs healing from known and unknown causes. I have also used nearby secular based "missions" that I do not recommend because even though they shelter homeless persons from the elements, they participate in such enabling practices as encouraging sexual promiscuity in the distribution of free condoms. I encourage anyone who wants to volunteer to reach out and serve because these faith based missions are highly dependent on volunteer assistance because most of them accept no government funding to my knowledge.

Great service! Love what they do! The free services provided here are very reliable for anyone…read moreexperiencing homelessness. I value their nonprofit!

I was fortunate to win a ticket from Yelp for Union Station Homeless Services' annual fundraiser…read more My ticket allowed me to participate virtually in the Roarin' 2021 Evening for the Station event and silent auction and also included a boxed meal from Porta Via. Union Station Homeless Services is a nonprofit committed to helping individuals and families facing hunger, poverty, and homelessness in the community by providing the tools and resources they need to rebuild their lives. Last year, during the pandemic, they helped over 1,000 people find homes and employment. The day before the fundraiser I stopped by their office to pick up my boxed meal from Porta Via. Porta Via is a casual Italian market, deli, bakery & restaurant located in Pasadena. My meal consisted of roasted vegetable skewers, orecchiette pesto pasta salad, and mixed greens with feta, cranberries with a light vinaigrette. (Grilled Salmon and Grilled Chicken Kabobs were the other options.) Everything was delicious! This year's Evening for the Station was a hybrid event held virtually and in person. The in-person function was held at the University Club Pasadena. Entertainment for the evening featured performances from the Gerry Rothschild Band and a variety dance show by Todd Elliot Entertainment. Union Station's CEO Anne Miskey told us about all the wonderful work the nonprofit does. Gerry Rothschild mentioned that he also volunteers for Union Station Homeless Services and serves lunches every Thursday. There were some technical difficulties with the live feed but, overall, it was a very enjoyable event. The music was good, the dancers were fantastic, and there were some great items available in the silent auction, which I did bid on. Thank you so much Megan & Yelp for the opportunity to enjoy this experience.

What a great experience! I won tickets through Yelp to their "A Roarin' 2021 Evening for the…read moreStation" event. I was able to chose to either attend the event in person or through zoom. I decided to attend through zoom because we're going through Covid. I was able to pick up a meal the day before. I got the grilled salmon by Porta Via. The food tasted great especially the salad that came with it. The event was very interesting to me. I've never attended an event through zoom. I was able to listen to music that I don't normally listen to but enjoyed every second of it. There were items being auctioned but I wasn't able to place a bid on anything unfortunately. I really did appreciate every moment of this experience. I remember I used to come to their Holly location and volunteer with my church during Thanksgiving so I was super excited to have won tickets to this event.