The Midnight Mission is the oldest continuously operating human service organization in the Los Angeles region. Centered in the Skid Row area of downtown Los Angeles, The Midnight runs one of the most efficient direct service operations in the country. With only five executive managers throughout its 100-year history, The Midnight has been a consistent beacon of light for those with nowhere else to turn.
Tom Liddecoat, “Father of the poor” opens the doors of The Midnight as a refuge for the men of Skid Row. Being a successful businessman and lay minister, Liddecoat serves a meal at midnight after church services are complete.
The Midnight is given a non-profit status.
Henry Richman is named managing director and leads the organization through the Great Depression. The Midnight is designated as “California Emergency Relief Station No.1” by the federal government as it is the only facility in Los Angeles able to deal with the human tragedy caused by the Great Depression. The Midnight discontinues religious services and affiliation
Clancy Imislund is recruited to lead The Midnight in 1974. A recovering alcoholic himself, Clancy brings a level of empathy and understanding that is difficult to match. Clancy leads The Midnight through dramatic changes occurring on Skid Row as Managing Director until his death in 2020.
Due to a substantial increase in homeless families, The Midnight Mission establishes its HomeLight Family Living Program. The program provides a safe residence for families shattered by domestic violence, addiction and poverty. HomeLight Family Living provides a comprehensive path to becoming healthy, happy and self-sufficient.
Larry Adamson, a board member and former corporate executive is recruited to lead The Midnight as president and CEO.
Our current facility at 601 South San Pedro St., opens. Mr. Adamson champions designing, building and opening the new state of the art facility to handle the growing diverse populations that we now serve.
Due to the continual struggle of the economy, the homeless population in the Skid Row community increases, resulting in The Midnight serving over One Million Meals in 2012.
From our humble beginnings as a charitable act of one man to the complex multi-disciplined organization that we are today, the organization has benefited from the consistent, compassionate and competent leadership.
The Midnight Mission commemorates 100 years of continuous service to the community!
The organization’s program for families is re-branded as HomeLight Family Living to build more awareness around its life-saving services for homeless families.
The Midnight Mission operates The Courtyard OC, a program funded by the County of Orange at the former Santa Ana Transit Terminal. The Courtyard provides a safe and secure environment to those seeking respite from the streets.
In February, The Midnight opens Crisis and Bridge Housing Programs for men and women in downtown Los Angeles. The Women’s Program is the first and largest of its kind in Skid Row.
For the sixth consecutive year, The Midnight Mission is recognized as a four-star charity by Charity Navigator, the nation's largest and most-utilized evaluator of charities. This prestigious honor is given to charities that are proven to be accountable, transparent, and financially healthy. We now have the #1 rating of homeless shelters in Los Angeles, California.
For the eighth consecutive year (since 2015), The Midnight Mission is recognized as a four-star charity by Charity Navigator, the nation's largest and most-utilized evaluator of charities. This prestigious honor is given to charities proven to be accountable, transparent, and financially healthy.
Arnold retires as President & CEO after a successful 7-year tenure. David Prentice, Midnight Mission's former Development Officer, is hired to lead The Midnight Mission.