We get to serve. That’s the Dream Center’s creed, and we live by it. But it’s not always easy — in fact, it almost never is. Poverty is ravaging the city of LA and the country at large, and the cost of living continues to escalate. And the troubles don’t stop there. With the gas prices approaching near double digits in some parts of the country, which we’ve never seen before, the need to step up and help struggling Angelenos has never been greater. Inflation is rising and we need you! Those of us fortunate enough to be in a position to do so are being “Called to Action!”
INflation and cost of living are at an all-time high
The latest numbers are in, and according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) — one of the leading measures of inflation — is up 9.1% year over year, with food and energy costs being particularly noteworthy, clocking in up 10.4% and 41.6% respectively. Indicative of the increased energy costs are the astronomically high prices we’ve all no doubt noticed at the pump. Gas has soared to nearly $5 a gallon on average nationally.
Furthermore, the average price of rent in Los Angeles for an 800-square-foot apartment is now over $2,600, making it even harder for already struggling families to make ends meet. These households need your help! You are being “Called to Action” for such a time as this!
There is hope for our city
What can be done? We must not lose hope, for our God is greater! As a matter of fact, the bible shows us time and time again how God’s people took action, going out of their way to help the lost, weary, and suffering. Consider the story of the Good Samaritan, or the scripture in Matthew that expresses Jesus’s heart for helping people:
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. — Matthew 25:35–36
In the book of Mark, we have another prime example of God calling His people to take action, when Jesus instructs his disciples to “fish for people.” Clearly, God wants us to do our best to help our fellow man, for His glory. Take action and answer God’s call!
Long-lasting impact
If you are wondering how donations impact the life-changing programs at the Dream Center and if they actually help, we’d like to reassure you by letting you know how your contributions are making a difference. The impact of these donations is absolutely life-changing! Specifically, your gifts go towards supporting our outreach, residential, and resource programs, which cover basic necessities for our residents and community — food, shelter, beds, toiletries, and the like — but they honestly provide so much more.
Yes, we distribute roughly 25,000 meals and 15,000 articles of clothing to the community every single month, but at the Dream Center, we also provide spiritual feeding and a labor of love through the teaching of faith based biblical principles. In addition, we provide our residents with practical tools such as time management skills, job training, and GED classes, setting them up for sustained lifelong success as productive members of society.
While the numbers do a good job of shedding light on the challenges we face while also highlighting the positive impact we’ve been able to make after a while it’s easy to start becoming numb to all that data. Looking at a face and a name behind the numbers makes it more real.
Let’s take a peek:
Just this past week Eludio, a mother of four currently struggling from poverty, was able to partner up with our Foster Care Intervention team. We were able to provide her family with a couch, two dressers, six chairs, and a toy storage bin, helping to transform the humble house into a home. The system no longer poses a danger of separating Eludio and her children! In fact, Eludio was so touched by the gesture that she decided to pay it forward, answering the call to action by giving $100 out of her extremely limited resources to support the programs here at the Dream Center. Praise God!
Your generous giving directly changes countless real lives every day, as exemplified by this quick example.
Click here to learn more about our Foster Care Intervention program
The call to love and serve
Many of the residents that come to our organization arrive at complete rock bottom. You’re blessing single mothers who can’t afford to pay rent with free housing while they get back on their feet. You’re putting dinner on the table for moms and dads who are struggling to feed their families.
You’re supporting individuals like Josh, who arrived broke, homeless, and in the throes of a fourteen-month-long methamphetamine-induced psychosis. He’s since graduated from our programs, regained control of his mental faculties, obtained a full-time warehouse job, and is saving money in order to establish permanent housing. Your donations are directly impacting and changing lives!
We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed — 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
A gift of $50 or more will help us continue to embody the spirit of the Good Samaritan while carrying on the Dream Center’s vision — to see everyone live their God-given dream. Answer the call! You’re helping make lasting change and saving lives!