Our main goal is shine the light of the love of Jesus in the dark streets of Skid Row. We accomplish this goal in many unique ways.  Please click on "Read me" below for a description of what we do and why we do it, what love means to us and a little bit about Skid Row. Thank you so much for taking the time to find out a little more about The Jonah Project and Skid Row!

We are committed to filling two much needs areas of lack in Skid Row. The first is providing positive activities during the day times hours when people are not allowed inside the missions. Secondly we are committed to building personal one on one relationships and friendships while building a vibrant Christian community amongst the people of Skid Row.
 

SKID ROW AND THE JONAH PROJECT

Skid Row is home to over 10,000 homeless people, and shamefully boasts the highest concentration of violent crime on the West Coast.  On any given night, there are hundreds and sometimes thousands of makeshift cardboard shelters and tents lining the streets. Drugs are so prevalent in this area that one can often see people smoking crack or shooting heroin as casually and openly as someone smoking a cigarette in other areas.

Skid Row is a place of hopelessness, depression, violence, prostitution, drugs, gangs, mental illness, darkness and despair.  People of all ages and circumstances find themselves in this terrible place.  Some have simply lost jobs and can't find employment necessary to support their families. Many are in bondage to addiction and can't obtain the necessary help to overcome this terrible vice. Still others find themselves in situations where they just have no other place to go.  But when everything in us and around us has failed, God's Word says, “Love never fails!”

LOVE is Defined by Jesus!  No one and nothing is more representative of true love than the life and death of Jesus.  Jesus has shown us, by example, the most sacrificial love humanity has ever known. It is the desire of the Jonah Project to show this love to others.  The single most important thing we can give to those on Skid Row is the gift of salvation through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the lover of our souls. We do this through preaching and teaching the Word of God, daily Bible studies and personal heart to heart discipleship.

LOVE is Described as an action verb!   Many think love is a feeling or an emotion, but the Bible describes love as an action verb.  Jesus showed us that love is about doing. He fed the hungry, He healed the sick, He compassionately forgave sinners, He even subjected Himself to death by crucifixion so that we, lost sinners, could live!  Jesus loved us enough to die for us – can we love Him enough to live for Him?  The Jonah Project is committed not only to telling people about the love of Christ, but also to actively demonstrating that love. We do this by providing for physical needs, and just as important, by providing people with true friendship, a caring ear to listen, eyes that see beyond their faults and recognize their needs, and words to give them hope!

LOVE is Demonstrated by giving!  Undeniably, Jesus has shown us through His example, that love is giving and sacrifice.  As followers of Jesus on earth today, if we reach out with sacrificial giving to those who are homeless, desperate and hurting, we can have an impact that will last for eternity. The Jonah Project offers an opportunity and the means for you to give of your time, talents and prayers, as well as your financial resources to show the love of Christ to hurting and seemingly forgotten people. 

LOVE is Dependent on relationship!  Jesus made it clear that He longs to have a close relationship with His people.  It is our desire to build strong relationships with the people of Skid Row to more effectively portray the love of Christ. Instead of just serving a meal, we also sit and eat with the people we serve.  Instead of just passing out clothes, we take the time to listen to problems and offer comfort and encouragement.  We serve on Skid Row on a daily basis, so that we can build relationships with those we are sent to help.

LOVE is Developing into a community!  Love will naturally grow into a community when people are living, loving and serving together.  We are continually striving to build a community on Skid Row exemplifying the love of Christ.  The Jonah Project, therefore, has free coffee and pastries, well cooked nutritious meals, and a warm comfortable “homey” environment with uplifting music and more.  We also offer various community development opportunities, such as drawing, painting, theater, and creative writing, as well as free computer access. 

LOVE is a Decision we make!  The need for the Love of Jesus on Skid Row is clear, and the call of God's people to action is just as clear.  It is our desire to shine the light of Christ's love to all those on Skid Row, but we can't do it without you!  We need volunteers to share their time, talents and abilities.  We need prayer warriors to lift The Jonah Project and the people of Skid Row up before our heavenly Father.  And we need finances to help keep this lighthouse of love shining bright, clear and constant over these dark streets of inner-city Los Angeles.