Rev. Andy's Blog

Important Update

by Rev. Andy on Tuesday, June 21st, 2011, Filed Under Rev Andy's Blog | View Comments

Upon the recommendation of URM/EIMAGO CEO Andy Bales, the Board of Directors of Union Rescue Mission solemnly yet unanimously voted to cease operating Government funded programs of EIMAGO, and to extricate ourselves from any capital projects.  This includes all year-round shelters, winter shelters; Project Restart II, and the Broadway Project – two offsite shelters that each serves 9 families.  

We do this with heavy hearts, as we grieve the loss of some of our valuable team members.  However, the fact that funds have become more and more uncertain in these very difficult times combined with the risks and financial hardships associated with these programs have brought us to this point:

  • The funds we obtain from County/City/Federal/LAHSA resources are never sufficient to fully operate the programs, causing a drain on URM resources.

 

  • We do not have excess reserves due to URM’s stepping up to house triple the number of families, double the number of people and serve double the number of meals since the Great Recession hit so hard in October 2008.

 

  • We are facing late or possible non-payment of $305,000 from Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds for the work completed by EIMAGO during winter shelters, which ended March 15th, 2011.  This has put us in a precarious position, placing URM programs in jeopardy as we struggle to close a potential deficit of $1.3 million dollars as we prepare a budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1st. 

In addition, most government resources are moving towards permanent-supportive housing, and away from the Life Transforming educational work that is URM’s focus. 

We will continue to serve over 2500 meals a day and shelter an average of 800 precious people each night at Union Rescue Mission and Hope Gardens Family Center.  And, we will continue to cooperate, collaborate and support our city, county state and federal efforts to end homelessness, but we will in no way jeopardize our Life Transforming work by depending on these uncertain funding sources or movements to unsure strategies.

Sincerely, 

Rev. Andy Bales

CEO URM/EIMAGO

abales@urm.org

626-260-4761

  • http://twitter.com/doingithomeless Mooch

    I just read the whole article, but I honestly
    don’t know what it means. does it mean you will be getting less
    government grants to operate?

  • Miberia76

    I’ve been living at the shelter since April 2011 and yesterday I received a call from my worker informing me that as of June 29,2011 services with Emiago was shutting down and I would have to leave the shelter. It’s tough for those who have no place to go and I will be one of them. I don’t understand why these celebrities that come to spend time with the children can’t donate those who are in need. They just come for the publicity and it sucks for the children because they believe the celebrities are really there for them because they care. If I ever win the lotto trust me I will be at every shelter helping those who are in need not just snacks and arts/crafts.

  • Miberia76

    I’ve been living at the shelter since April 2011 and yesterday I received a call from my worker informing me that as of June 29,2011 services with Emiago was shutting down and I would have to leave the shelter. It’s tough for those who have no place to go and I will be one of them. I don’t understand why these celebrities that come to spend time with the children can’t donate those who are in need. They just come for the publicity and it sucks for the children because they believe the celebrities are really there for them because they care. If I ever win the lotto trust me I will be at every shelter helping those who are in need not just snacks and arts/crafts.

  • http://twitter.com/abales Rev. Andy Bales

    No one is being asked to leave, as you may know already, you’ve been given 30 days free, and invited to transition into our Gateway Program, or our 2nd Step program, or relocate to another program.  Many of the celebrities and other folks who give time to Union Rescue Mission also donate financially and do make all of our many programs possible.  Bless you, Andy B.

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