The Jonah Project

The jonah Project has helped me find self esteem i'm not out doing drugs or selling my body. It has given me confidence that my Father in heaven will never leave me or forsake me. today i have a job, my teeth and an apartment and 5 years of recovery!!

The Jonah Project is a wonderful place to volunteer. I recommend this church to any person who wishes to serve Christ. I started coming to the Jonah Project when I was living in the street and received much encouragement and help, myself. Now I come to the Jonah Project to volunteer. I think that the Christian services and help for the homeless are very much needed and appreciated by all in L.A.

The Jonah project has been very helpful. They are very nice and it's a place to come where I can get my mind right,

Jonah Project is a good place, they help people. They help people who want help when they can in the name of Jesus. It's a ministry. It's not religion, it is spiritual that reaches out to others.

I came from UCSB with a friend to help out for the day. I helped serve food and mingled with people. Being here, I can really see the dedication and love the people working at Jonah Project for their effort.

The experience from volunteering here was amazing. It was so eye opening how much help just a few people can benefit from. This organization is very well run and the volunteers and people running it seem very enthusiastic and willing to help.

This is my first time to skid row and was shocked by the conditions people are subject to. The Jonah Project is an amazing place for people to come for food, water and clothing. I am so impressed by what they do for these people and how friendly and comfortable the environment is in the project. After coming today I plan to come back as much as possible. Keep up the spectacular work!

I love it here, I feel as though were reaping Gods harvest... lives are changing. Its the place I feel like God is calling me to in, LA. Thank you God for jonahs project.

I've been traveling to Skid Row since my sophomore year in high school, I am now a freshman at UCSB. The first time I drove through Skid Row I looked at the streets and felt scared but when I found out about the Jonah Project I found an outlet to use as a channel to help a cause that I felt passionate about. The Jonah Project is a means to making connections with people. I feel at home when I am at the Jonah Project and I love coming back and seeing the people that I've built relationships with.

Pastor Patrick and Mary are amazing and what they are doing are amazing to help bring hope to broken and hurting lives in skid row. Jonah Project is doing a great job and their heart is to help bring restoration to skid row by what they are doing. Simply amazing place of transformation and a place of refuge for people to chill where people can come in at any hour of the day and sit on the couch, enjoy a meal or hear bible studies.

The Jonah Project is an invaluable non-profit organization located in the heart of L.A.'s Skid Row area. They provide meals, clothing, temporary relief from the mean streets of downtown...and most important, they have a heart for work Jesus Christ commanded all believers to do. I work next to the Jonah Project, and have heard nothing but positive things from the homeless population about them. I recommend that everyone stop by to experience true service and love for mankind...stop by Jonah Project!!

The Jonah project is reaching out to the Lost hurting people of Los Angelos Skid Row. They are building a community in the place where Jesus would. Taking the message of hope and light right into the heart of darkness and death, living out the resurrection power of Christ.

When I think about the Jonah project I cant even describe it in words. I get vision, I see a place of rest. A place were the broken can come and find light to shine through them. I see HOPE to the hopeless. rest for the weary. I come in and I can not ignore the love of Christ. I would dedicate my entire life to this place because of the vision and love. Its an emergency room to ship out to the hospital. I support this place and will always be forever thankful for the display of love here on skid row!

The love, passion and constant labor that my friends at the Jonah Project demonstrate has impacted my life and convicted me to also serve those in need with such sincere generosity. The Jonah Project shows the love of Christ in a very practical way--a much needed way--that brings hope to those they are aiding, for love always brings forth hope.

Wow! The Jonah Project is such a blessing to my life. I've met some people with amazing stories. The staff live each day to just love others. Just being there inspires me. We held a bible study today! I thought I was going to be the one making a difference in their lives, instead they're impacting mine. Praise God for the Jonah Project.

The Jonah Project is truly an example of God's Grace. I can't wait to visit and see all of the amazing things that are going on!

What can I say about the Jonah Project? I went there this last summer and haven't looked at a single human being the same again. While there I saw the staff show example of sincerely loving hearts. The way they serve the people who live in Skid Row is breath taking. They inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and love on people even if its only because they were made in the image of Christ.

When my group went out to talk with the people who live in Skid Row, nearly everyone we came across someone they had heard about the Jonah Project before. Its clear that the impact that this organization has on the people in their community is amazing. Even if one person smiles more often-the Jonah Project has impacted them in ineffable ways.

The Jonah Project is an amazing place! I spend a couple days a week there and it is truly a blessing, one of the best parts of my week!!

The Jonah Project is unlike any organization I have volunteered at. The staff truly has such a heart for the people of skid row and shows them a love that is lacking in their lives. Skid row is a place where it is impossible to find a place of rest and the Jonah Project offers a peaceful place for people to come and rest. This organization is truly transforming skid row and it is such a blessing to be able to watch and be a part of it!!

I had the opportunity to volunteer at the jonah project last summer for two nights! the expirience changed my life and how i look at people forever! they are showing love to the most forgotten people in our entire country! and helping them to survive and have a much better quality of life as well as a chance to hear the gospel of Christ! after the short time i spent at the jonah project i was so moved by their compassion that I have since become in a local rescue mission in huntington IN called the Malta house. I am the program director here and get to help out people who need it most and deserve it most too! i am so thankful for what they are doing at the jonah project and am so excited that i get to visit them this july again!! they are a wonderful group of people!!!

Me and my friends met Pastor Patrick on the first "24 hours of love" campaign they did, before the Jonah Project even had a set place to establish themselves. Since then, me and my friends dropped by the new HQ and it is AMAZING. They do so much of God's work with whatever they are provided with. Everyone there establishes genuine relationships with the homeless in their ministry and it is a sincerely personal atmosphere. We stayed there for a weekend, but it was a weekend that changed my whole perspective on ministry and how I want to emulate God's love like they do. I pray that more people in the world would adopt the humility and love shown by Pastor Patrick, Mary, Jedi, and everyone at the Jonah Project. It is an amazing and life changing organization.

I had been here a couple times and the past and was welcomed with open arms. These people are solid people of Christ and all I saw was love for the down trodden and men and women of Christ trying to put hope back in their lives. Great place

It's a place that helps everyone out of love. It's a nice and kind place that has food and helps get out and away from the violence and drugs - it's an oasis in Skid Row

The Jonah Project is the best place and the best things happen to me being here. The Jonah Project has turned my life around, to believe in something better then anything. And to help me with my depression.

The Jonah Project is a restful place both spiritually and physically. The people there are very sincere and down to earth and helpful - it's a place of comfort and safety

GOOD MORNING SKID ROW !
My name is Gary Boatwright. My street name is "$2 Short", because I'm always $2 short of a nickle bag, which also just happens to be my panning hustle. The Jonah Project is one of perhaps two or three honest facilities genuinely attempting to help homeless Americans on skid row.
As a general rule we have three primary enemies. In no particular order they are: other homeless Americans, people pretending to help homeless Americans and Cops. Skid Row is probably the largest outdoor insane asylum in America. The Jonah Project provides a brief respite from the madness that is colloquially known as Skid Row. For that simple blessing many of us are genuinely grateful.

The Jonah Project is a loving place where the homeless and needy, or anyone needing love can come to find loving people willing to serve and help with the love of Jesus.

The Jonah Project was awesome! I served coffe and got to meet some cool people. There are great things happening there!

This is my first time here and I can say that God is working through this place. The Jonah Project clearly establishes a place of love and hope.

This is my first time Jonah project and it has made a great first impression on me. The environment is welcoming and warm.

Jonah Project exists to give people a place to go durning the day. Oftentimes they are kicked out of the shelters during the daytime, so they have nowhere to go except the streets. The Jonah Project is that place.
I went to the Jonah Project for a Saturday, and just listened. Listened to a homeless woman spill her story. She needed someone to talk to, and I was blessed by listening.

The first time I came into the Jonah Project, I didn't know what it was because I was very new to living on skid row. Skid row is a very depressing, violent, and hellish place to live but when I came in it was like I felt really safe. The people who run this place are very good spirit filled people. Ever sense I came in I just wanted to help out in anyway possible. Even though I'm homeless and I don't have a lot to offer, God used this place to show me that I do have something to offer and I thank God for The Jonah Project. It offers a very loving, peaceful and safe environment for the people of skid row by letting people come in and listen to live worship music, food and clothing giveaways, and watch movies. Life is very hard out on these streets and its place like the Jonah Project that is really doing some good. And if I ever had money to donate anywhere, I would put my money into The Jonah Project. The only thing I would say that would make The Jonah Project better would be more staff and more money to make this ministry to be more of a blessing to people here.

The Jonah Project is a place for you to come and find yourself and really seek God. There are plenty of nice people here to help you do those things. And those who are here to help have long patience.

It is a church that has done me some good. Everyone gets along in here, the staff is nice. It is a place to come and sit down and get off the street.

When I come to cut hair @ the Jonah Project, I feel good- it's not work. I like to serve the people. I get a kick out of people walking out of here with a new haircut and feeling good about themselves.

When I come into the Jonah project I feel like I am at home. the people are nice and it's cool that I can get off the street and be in a good environment.

When I ma in the Jonah Project I am in a better environment. I'm off of the street and able to better myself.

I have to say Jonah project is the place to go to crash and relax most of my friends don't get sleep or a good bite to eat so i thank GOD for this place and the people that come to help out daily

The Jonah project is a blessing tome without it I would have no other place to go.

There aren't enough words to describe how awesome the Jonah Project is, it's a safe and loving refuge for the broken hearted and for those that society would consider unlovable. Anyone who comes here will truly blessed!

I first encountered the Jonah Project 4years ago. I was in the process of going into full time ministry. Trying to figure out what the meant, when God brought me to Patrick. He showed me what it meant to lay down ones life, take up the cross and follow Jesus. I saw a family that had latterly packed up their bags, left their business in Detroit and moved to California because God had called them to. I met a family that was walking by faith, living on what the Lord provided, giving everything to ministry. It's hard to go to church after having encountered the Jonah Project. Because they make it real. I believe I have seen the real Jesus at work down on skid row. The Jonah Project continues to inspire me, to challenge me. I am eternally grateful for the example they have set

The first time I heard about the Jonah Project was from a homeless man that my friends and I were talking to in early 2009. He told us, "Shh, be quiet. You hear that music? Follow it and you'll find the Jonah Project." They had only been open for a couple of months, but already had gained the reputation as the church with open doors and loud music.
I soon met pastor Patrick Ersig and his wife, Mary inside their building on Skid Row. I was deeply moved by the Ersig's passion for the poor, but even more surprised to see the reactions to them. Perhaps they are just easily recognizable, but every single homeless person knew the Ersigs, and were happy to see them.
I have visited the Jonah Project over the years, and have only seen them grow-both in numbers and in passion. They are on the front lines, doing the work that needs to be done. I wholeheartedly support them, and could not give them any higher recommendation.

Jonah Project is more than an organization or ministry. They are a revolution that is taking place in the heart of the darkest and loveless streets of a section of Los Angeles that most wouldn't dare volunteer let alone dedicate their lives to serving those who live down there. I've done homeless ministry across the U.S., but the environment cultivated at the Jonah Project is unique in that the founders and volunteers not only seek to care for the physical needs of homeless people but to restore the precious lives of these people who live in these unfortunate circumstances. The ESL programs, the clothing store where the homeless can actually choose clothes they want that are hung up on racks, bible studies, and even an artsy ambient environment, are great tools in reviving in a whole each resident there on the streets of Skid Row. Life flows within the four walls of the Jonah Project out onto the streets and can't wait till we get to serve Patrick and Mary Ersig and love on the people that are in their care.

Jose Palos
Iglesias de Restauracion
Director of Urban and International Missions

Our group from Pittsburgh had an amazing time serving at the Jonah Project in August 2010. The impact they are making and lives that they are changing is truly God breathed.

The Jonah Project is truly a gift from God, and I am so honored that I was able to spend time there, meeting some of the awesome volunteers who spend their days bringing hope and inspiration to those in dire need. The JP provides a safe place for residents of Skid Row to enter and be greeted with food, warmth, clothing, a place to sit and rest, and spiritual healing. Upon our arrival with a truck full of clothing to donate, we were greeted by various helpers as well as residents of Skid Row, all who were looking after one another. Men gathered bags and boxes from our car and immediately started digging through clothing, and when they saw jeans or other items they knew a fellow resident needed, they called that person over and made sure it made it to him. There is a lot of "looking out" here at Jonah Project - not solely the volunteers serving, but the residents looking out for one another as well. That is what The Jonah Project inspires - support for one another, physically, mentally, and spiritually. I feel honored to have been called to the JP and pray for continued blessings to everyone involved.

My experience with the Jonah Project was a true blessing. They are true believers who understand that physical needs can only be meet temperarily but peoples souls are what need to be feed the most. They are in the heart of a city that is in desperate need of Gods salvation and they definetly could use financial support. They are very committed in providing both the physical and the spiritual needs by providing food, shelter, time, love, patience, and of course the gospel.

The Jonah project is a light in a dark place. It serves as a beacon of hope to the people in skid row, and leads people to the only name by which men can be saved, Jesus Christ. They provide clothing, food, and drink to the homeless and a place to just escape the tempations of the street and have real fellowship with people. The Jonah project also is generous in providing a place to stay overnight for missionaries. Praise God for what he is doing in skid row.

I visited the JP last summer. My prayer was "God, break my heart for what breaks yours". I saw so much hurt from the people on Skid Row. Those serving at the JP were loving and kind, meeting both the spiritual needs and the physical needs of the Homeless. I will never, ever forget this experience. It changed me.

I came to the JP last summer when i volunteered at the Dream Center. I was amazed by this group of people. While i was there a homeless man told me how much the JP meant to him and the other homeless people. He said these people(JP workers) had no idea how just putting rugs on the floor of the room made them feel more human.I saw an unconditional love from the people ar JP. Amazing organization!!!!

I have lived homeless on Skid Row and in the city of LA for short periods of time, the longest being a month. I remember that, while I was on the streets, I longed for services such as the Jonah Project provides. There is no peace on the streets, and there isn't anywhere where you can let your guard down and just rest. From my own personal experience, I can be confident that the Jonah Project provides many of the essential, unmet needs on Skid Row. I thoroughly enjoy volunteering my time in light of this knowledge.

The Jonah Project does a great job at helping homeless people on Skid Row! I have been down to The Jonah Project many time and I think it is GREAT!

I love that there is a group that is willing to do what it takes to meet needs of people, and take effective steps to help them get back on their feet. It is so encouraging and truly has the heart of Jesus stamped all over it!

Being able to come and volunteer with the Jonah Project was honestly a life-changing experience. We were there for an evening helping in whatever way they needed us, and I ended up on a team that went out and talked to the people on Skid Row and prayed with them. It's been months since I was there and I can still clearly see the faces of the people I encountered. The Jonah Project is well known on Skid Row and they have strived to (and achieved the goal of) helping these people to feel loved and accepted. The Jonah Project is changing lives. There is no doubt about that!

The ministry that I am a part of has partnered several times with the Jonah Project and we are making another trip this coming weekend to help out. I have preached and labored along side them to take care of the spiritual and physical needs of the people of Skid Row.

I was at the Jonah Project several times between the months of September and December of 2010. The place is an oasis in the middle of despair. It allows the people on Skid Row to find comfort in a safe environment. Its a hard environment to be in and the work that the people do at the Jonah Project is amazing and deserves recognition. I loved going there every week and want to work there full time as soon as I get back to the USA.

I went to the Jonah Project last week and had a blast. The Jonah project is helping to renew hope to the homeless on Skid Row. Everyone should go and help out it is an amazing experience.

What a great ministry! We had a chance to connect with the local community that we wouldn't have had without the Johah Project - we talked to people in the neighborhood, picked up trash, and provided some appreciated refreshments. We were able to bring one person back to the Dream Center to begin a new life direction because they were able to walk right in off 6th and experience God's love through his faithful there at the Johah Project. Very real.

I was at the jonah project just days ago, the people I meet there changed my life. They showed me what Gods love truely looks like, and how simple smiles and word of life can change cold heart. They showed me that the people on Skid Row are just that people. The work they are doing there will change so many lives, just as it has changed mine. When I returned home I wrote this in my journal" I found more love, acceptance and joy on the streets of Skid Row, in what is known as an unsafe place. Than I have ever found here, in the streets on my small town , that is so safe". I would love for my city to have just a small amount of fire that the Jonah Project has. It is a place that forever changed my life

I love the Jonah Project and more specifically the people who lead it and the people who spend time there. What a gift to our city that they bring light and life and hope to the community of Skid Row.

Praise God I have seen only good things happening as God through the blood of Jesus christ works in and through the people at the Joann project. I pray for the hand of God to keep them in the word of God and his will for them all. May God bless them allfor thelive of the people in need.

I and a group of friends have been down to the Jonah Project's grand opening a few months ago. They served the whole street with barbeque, chips and beverages enough to feed as much as they could. They then put on a show for the ones who came in to rest. My group and I had the chance to sing and lift spirits all in that place! It was amazing. It was a privledge to work along side them. The new place feels like home to me, and I cannot wait to take a day and do it all over again! Keep Pressing JP

The Jonah project has had an amazing impact on my life! The Jonah project not only offers people on Skid row the needs for everyday life, by providing food, clothes and necessities but they actually take the time to show the people love that last for eternity through their love of Jesus Christ that overflows from their hearts. Its so obvious when you go to Jonah Project that you cant help but want to be like them!

We have had a relationship with this organization for the past several years. We have worked on the street with them, and observed how much they mean to the people on Skid Row. The provide the people with not only the physical necessities they lack, but they also minister to the spiritual and emotional well being of each individual, as well. Pastor Patrick and Pastor Jedid are well versed in the Scriptures and offer much needed hope and help to the people they minister to. They have developed a personal relationship with the people, who have come to love and trust them. We have seen Christ work through this ministry to make a difference in many peoples lives, and feel they are very worthy of our financial and prayer support.

I've gone to the Jonah project a couple of times and one thing I can say is that It has been a life changing experience. This place is full of broken people. People that are in need not just for food and clothing but are in need of love. Some of the people I've talk to there are just glad you take the time to ask them how they are doing. I'm blown away by the love and dedication of the founders/volunteers give to the hurting and the broken. The Jonah project is such an inspiration to me. If you ever have a chance to visit them you should you will not regret it.