Homeboy Industries - Los Angeles
We have been excited to visit this place that has given us so much inspiration. If you know Chris then you have heard of the book “Tattoos on the Heart” and may have even been given a copy.
In 1988, Father Greg Boyle became pastor of Dolores Mission Church, the poorest Catholic parish in Los Angeles. This neighborhood had the highest concentrated gang activity in LA.
Over 30 years later, Homeboy is the largest gang rehabilitation and re-entry program in the world. They provide jobs to thousands of men and women leaving the prison system. As the demand grew, finding jobs for everyone became more difficult. They decided to open their own bakery to employ more people and have continued to open more businesses to continue to provide much needed jobs. Homeboy now has a cafe, recycling center, screen printing shop, catering business and many more job opportunities for those in need of work. They offer hope to those who want to turn their lives around.
“We are in the business of second chances”, says Father Greg.
The former gang members and previously incarcerated people work side by side and learn each others stories. Then they realize they have the same story and begin to see each other as dads, brothers, moms instead of rivals. They want the same thing as the person next to them, to take care of their family and be safe.
We were given a tour of Homeboy Industries by Omar. A truly amazing human who has been shot on three occasions. When he finally realized he wasn’t supposed to die he went to Homeboy for life. The stories are numerous and the energy here is high. Each day begins when the staff and guests gather, hear announcements and encourage with a devotion or good word for the day. This place lights up with smiles and brotherly love and fun.
Father G has created a space for those who enter to redirect their life and become a contributing member of the community.
I love this quote from Father G that says-
“Here is what we seek- a compassion that can stand in awe at what the poor have to carry rather than stand in judgement at how they carry it”
