In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, host Eric Pratum welcomes Andy Bales, whose extensive experience spans from the Door of Faith Mission in Des Moines to serving as CEO of Union Rescue Mission in Los Angeles—often described as the epicenter of homelessness in the U.S. Andy dives into the forces that lead individuals into homelessness, the hidden traumas that often go unseen, and why providing a roof alone won’t repair lives. Sharing personal stories of heartbreak and renewed hope—from a father coping with his son’s tragic accident to families left with no support network—Andy illustrates how homelessness is more a loss of community than it is a loss of housing.
Together, Eric and Andy explore:
- Homelessness as Disconnection – How the lack of any family or friend “safety net” is usually the biggest factor in ending up on the streets.
- Life-Changing Encounters – Andy’s pivotal moment—and the regret that led him to a new path of truly seeing people, not just walking past them.
- Beyond Housing First – Why a harm-reduction “roof only” model often traps people in cycles of addiction and exploitation by street gangs.
- Community & Mentorship – Stories of individuals who found stability through mentorships, job training, and the dignity that comes from paying their own way.
- Working With Kids Today – Why Andy now focuses on children at Children and Family Urban Movement (CFUM), preventing future homelessness by instilling reading skills, emotional support, and real hope for the next generation.
If you’re curious about practical ways to help—not just with donations, but by becoming that vital link to real community—Andy offers actionable insights you can bring to organizations in your own hometown.
Links:
- Children and Family Urban Movement (CFUM): https://cfum.org
- Union Rescue Mission: https://urm.org
- Union Rescue Mission getting a mother contact with her long lost son: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_K9NYjriAQ
- Andy Bales on X: https://x.com/abales
- “San Fransicko”, a book that Andy features prominently in: https://amzn.to/4h5FlFm
- Learn about Housing First: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Housing_First
- Learn about Harm Reduction: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harm_reduction
For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com
Join the conversation by emailing Eric at: eric@inboundandagile.com