The Row Church

Skid Row, also known as America's homeless capital, is an area of downtown Los Angeles that is home to one of the largest stable homeless populations in the United States.  An estimated 3,000 to 6,000 homeless people reside on the sidewalks in cardboard boxes and tents; living out of bags and shopping carts. This highly transient area is populated not only by the homeless but those suffering from severe addictions, recently incarcerated, and the mentally ill.

We have been meeting on the same street corner since the first service held at The Row 15 years ago. Though Skid Row is notorious for its danger, like any other place, we suggest exercising good judgment of your surroundings and sticking together in a group. As an established presence in the local community, we do not feel like strangers entering a foreign place; rather, the area and the people in the community have become a second home to our church.

We have both children who live in the community as well as the children of our church members attend services.  With this in mind, we are extremely cautious and mindful of keeping children safe when visiting The Row. In fact, children are often such a source of love and light during our services. They have an opportunity to actively serve in the food line or interact with the people we serve.

Yes, we hold services outdoors on the corner of Wall & Winston, under the beautiful night's sky. As a church without walls, our services take place on an active street corner, surrounded by the sounds of sirens, cars, and various chatter. It is in this very environment that we see the Word of God go forth and capture the hearts of everyone, even in the midst of chaos and distractions.

We suggest that you dress comfortably. As a church without walls, our services are active and we have the opportunity to move around quite a bit. It also tends to get chillier in the evening, so we always recommend bringing a light layer.

We always welcome donations as we rely solely on donations to provide our weekly meals and distributed goods. Here's a list of some of the most common needs and donated goods we receive.

• Bottled Water
• Dried Goods (small bags of chips, cookies, dried fruits and nuts)
• Hygiene Goods (toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer)
• Feminine Hygiene Products (pads, sanitizing wipes)
• Socks & Underwear
• Blankets & Tents
• Clothes (shirts, pants, sweatshirts, jackets, wool hats)
• Gift Cards (McDonalds, Subway, etc.)

You can also help provide the weekly meal. For more information, contact [email protected].

We meet on the corner of Wall Street and Winston Street in Downtown L.A. in front of the "Giant Trading" shop on 435 S. Wall Street.

We meet in a mostly wholesale district.  The most identifiable landmark near our meeting spot is the back side of the Anne Douglas Center on Winston Street. We are located just minutes from Little Tokyo and the Artist District.  

The surrounding major streets are Los Angeles Street to the North; 5th Street to the East; 4th Street to the West and San Pedro street to the South.

We suggest parking along Winston Street, a one way street, near the corner where we meet or on Winston Street near the back side of the Anne Douglas Center.

Service starts at 7:00pm.