Perla gave birth to her daughter while at the Mission.

They feel like they’re among family

Living in fear of persecution was not the life Perla and Byron wanted for themselves or for their children. Facing deadly threats, the family was forced to flee to escape the violence and unrest in their home country.

When they arrived in Los Angeles, Perla and Byron were left in a vulnerable state. “We had no resources, no help, we had absolutely nothing,” Perla said. “We were facing homelessness with our son, and I was at the end of my pregnancy. We were unsure of where we would go or what we would do or where we would sleep and if we would be safe.”

Perla was also worried about her baby. “I was afraid. I knew I wasn’t nourishing my body right. I wasn’t eating well because of the lack of stability and a lack of place to be.”

Perla’s sister, who had previously received help from the Mission, told her about RMA San Fernando Valley. But there was still uncertainty for the family.

“We definitely had a lot of fear,” Perla said. “We were not used to or familiar with shelters or places like the Mission that help people that are experiencing a lack of housing. For us, it was all an entirely new experience.”

Since coming to the Mission, the family’s concerns have eased. “I feel accepted here. I feel like I’m among family, I’m among people I call my brothers and sisters of another mother,” Byron said. “I have experienced the understanding, the support, and the guidance that we were lacking by coming to this country and by being on the streets.

“I’m immensely grateful to be among people I consider family and that have been here to support and encourage us during this difficult time.”

Three months after coming to the Mission, Perla gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. “I was skeptical about how much a shelter could help me, but the experience of giving birth was one of great support and a lot of love. I’m grateful for the pouring of blessings that we have received.”

Byron adds: “I was afraid. I was afraid of complications or something happening to my wife or baby. But the opposite has happened. I see God’s blessing over me and my family. I’m grateful that the Mission has provided the basic needs and even beyond. The staff and the other families have come together to bless us.”

The family’s stay at the Mission has given them hope for the future. “Our greatest goals are actually pretty basic ones—to find stable housing and employment, to be able to save money, to purchase a car so we have transport. They seem like small goals, but they are big for me and my family,” Byron said.

“To anyone out there that needs help, there are still good people, there are still good programs like the Mission. Although situations may seem tough, God always makes a way. The Mission has opened doors for our future.”