Built as a family home in 1892, the building complex has served many purposes since that time. It became known as the Froebel Institute, an innovative school for young children that provided the first "kindergarden" in this country. Later, the four-building complex served as a school for girls. During World War II, the buildings were used as a barracks complex to house US Army troops. Since 1942, the site has served as a shelter for homeless women, making the Sunshine Mission the oldest continuously operating women's shelter in the City. In addition to living quarters, areas are used for offices, dining, multi-purpose rooms for use of the residents, clothing and personal supply and a series of courtyards and walkways that connect the buildings.

The history of Sunshine Mission begins at its current location in 1942, Angeles' oldest shelter for homeless women. Sister Binkley, a radio evangelist and contemporary of Aimee Semple McPherson, began offering shelter to homeless women and their children from a facility at the corner of Sixth and Main streets in downtown Los Angeles. After the City condemned her facility, Sister West purchased the historic former school, just north of the University of Southern California campus at the corner of Hoover Street and Adams Boulevard. After her death, many of the programs of The Old Time Faith ceased operation.

The Sunshine Mission emerged as the focus of the organization and continued its mission of providing for the homeless and needy women. By 1989 the organization seemed to have reached the end of its viability. Its physical plant had deteriorated and its donor base was eroding steadily. During this same time, the City's homeless population had mushroomed, creating an increased need for programs like the Sunshine Mission. Control of The Old Time Faith, Inc. then passed to individuals committed to continuing the Sunshine Mission's history of service to the poor and homeless. This group reorganized it as Casa de Rosas, Inc., ending the religious affiliation of the agency.