Light Orlando Lunch and Learn Recap: A Transformative Visit to the Orlando Union Rescue Mission
- Amanda Selby
- Jul 16
- 3 min read
Light Orlando Lunch and Learn Recap: A Transformative Visit to the Orlando Union Rescue Mission
On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, Light Orlando had the honor of visiting the Orlando Union Rescue Mission (OURM) alongside nonprofit and religious leaders from across Central Florida as part of our Lunch and Learn Series. This experience offered us a deeper look into one of the most impactful, Christ-centered organizations serving our region’s hungry, hurting, and homeless.
A Mission Rooted in Transformation
Since 1948, the Orlando Union Rescue Mission has remained unwavering in its commitment to restoring lives through the hope of Christ. Their mission, “Bringing the hungry, hurting, and homeless to a new life, new goals, and a new future in Christ”, is evident in every facet of their work. More than just a shelter, the Mission provides a full spectrum of life-transforming services designed to meet physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.
During our visit, we toured both of OURM’s main campuses- the Family Home, which serves single women, parents with children, and intact families, and Project Hope, their long-term men’s facility. Each space is intentionally designed to create an atmosphere of dignity, safety, and restoration.
Meeting Basic Needs, Building Lasting Change
The Mission goes beyond temporary relief by providing wraparound support tailored to everyone’s journey toward stability. Services include:
Three nutritious meals daily (served 365 days a year)
Safe and clean shelter, with options ranging from communal to semi-private and private spaces dependent on the resident’s personal or familial situation
Hygiene supplies and laundry facilities
Christian counseling and case management
Spiritual development through nightly chapel services and worship opportunities
Youth support, including a computer lab, library, gym, and enrichment spaces at the Family Life Center
These provisions allow residents to focus on healing, job training, and long-term planning in a structured, faith-based environment.
A Legacy of Service
We were moved by the organization’s rich history dating back over 75 years, and the steady expansion of its outreach. From the opening of the Family Home in 1962 to the establishment of the $6.2 million Project Hope men’s facility in 2017, Orlando Union Rescue Mission has remained responsive to the evolving needs of Orlando’s vulnerable populations.
Their holistic and Christ-Centered model reminds us that addressing homelessness requires more than a roof; it demands a pathway to purpose, rooted in love and community.
A look back at Light Orlando L.O.V.E Week: Turning Compassion into Action with Orlando Union Rescue Mission Residents and Future Leaders United
This wasn’t our first connection with Orlando Union Rescue Mission this year. During Light Orlando’s L.O.V.E (Light Orlando Volunteer Experience) Week in February, we had the opportunity to serve residents during a joyful Lake Day picnic and BBQ. Volunteers helped prepare and serve food, led family-friendly games, and built meaningful relationships with residents in a spirit of encouragement and joy.
Among those serving were students from Future Leaders United, an after-school mentoring program founded at Maynard Evans High School. Their involvement was a powerful reminder of the next generation’s capacity to lead with empathy and action.(Read more about L.O.V.E Week here: Turning LOVE Into Action)
Get Involved
If you’re moved by the work of the Orlando Union Rescue Mission, there are several ways to make a lasting impact:
Donate: Just $1.24 provides a meal for someone in need. Give Now
Volunteer: Use your time and talents to support ongoing programs. Sign Up
Pray: Become a prayer partner and lift up the Mission’s residents and team. Join the Prayer Team
At Light Orlando, we believe in the power of partnership to Deliver Hope, Together. We’re grateful for the opportunity to learn from the work of Orlando Union Rescue Mission and to continue building bridges of support across our city.
Let’s continue to shine a light so bright the world can see it.
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