Thanksgiving looks different for those living on the streets of Skid Row

Fall is upon us. The warm days of summer have all but faded into calm, cool mornings fit for flannel pajamas, pumpkin spice lattes, and the satisfying crunch of fallen leaves underfoot. 

In fact, that might even be a great advertisement on a vacation website.

But it is a different story for those living on the streets of Skid Row. The sweltering heat of summer may be gone, and the cement pavement where they lay their heads might be cooler to the touch. But they still wake to the aroma of sewage and human waste in the air and cars whizzing past them within a few feet. And there is nothing satisfying about the crunch of used hypodermic needles and trash underfoot that line the sidewalks.

You might say, “Joe, that is pretty graphic. You are spoiling my warm and fuzzy Thanksgiving spirit.” But the truth is “that description” does not even begin to describe what 60,000 homeless people experience daily living on the Skid Row streets.

My mom, Willie Jordan, often said, “I’d love to work myself out of a job, but sadly, the poor will always be with us.” She spoke the truth because the Bible says, “The poor will always be with you” (Mark 14:7).

I want to care for the poor by giving them hope this Thanksgiving. We will do that by preparing and feeding them hot meals and blessing them with water or a cup of coffee in the morning—they love their morning coffee! We will also provide them with blankets, socks, shoes, and other basic essentials like toothpaste and toothbrushes. And with every gesture of kindness, we love on them and share how much Jesus loves them.

That is what we do at Fred Jordan Missions. We “Declare and Demonstrate the Love of Jesus.” That is why I need you, your prayers, your volunteering services, and your sacrificial generosity during this Thanksgiving season. 

This November, we will feed and clothe our friends on Skid Row. Then,at Thanksgiving, we will serve them a hot, delicious Thanksgiving meal, including freshly roasted turkey, homemade cornbread stuffing, creamy mashed potatoes and gravy, steamed vegetables, and pumpkin pie. 

Your gift will help make this possible, so please give today!

DONATE TODAY

God Bless You,

JOE JORDAN

President/Senior Pastor 

PS: If you want to see how your gifts are used, watch Fred Jordan Missions’ television broadcast every Sunday (the times are listed below), or check out our YouTube Channel by clicking here.