Union Station Homeless Services to Debut “Bee the Solution” Float at 135th Rose Parade®

Union Station Homeless Services to Debut “Bee the Solution” Float at 135th Rose Parade®

Union Station Homeless Services is proud to announce its inaugural participation in the 135th Rose Parade® presented by Honda, with a whimsical and heartwarming float entitled “Bee the Solution.” This float, featuring musical bees, a charming beehive, a Beekeeper, and a band of Bee walkers, aims to inspire the public to recognize their collective power to bring an end to homelessness.

The “Bee the Solution” theme creatively embodies the 50th-anniversary tagline of Union Station Homeless Services, using a lighthearted and playful approach to raise awareness about the most pressing crisis of our time. Union Station Homeless Services seeks to empower individuals to realize that they can contribute to ending homelessness in their communities. Adhering to the Housing First approach, the organization has achieved an impressive 97% retention rate, meaning that 97% of the people they house remain stably housed.

Anne Miskey, President and CEO of Union Station Homeless Services, shared, “This year holds special significance for Union Station Homeless Services as we celebrate 50 years of dedicated service to our community, where we have successfully housed thousands of our neighbors. Our ‘Bee the Solution’ float serves as a unique opportunity to inspire communities and homeless services agencies across the nation to unite with the common goal of ensuring that all our neighbors can find a safe and healthy place to call home.”

Quote from TOR president

“We are thrilled and honored to have Union Station Homeless Services take part in the 2024 Rose Parade,” said Alex Aghajanian, Pasadena Tournament of Roses President. “Their involvement serves as a powerful representation of the positive impact they are creating in the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness, and we value their vital contributions to our community.”

The 135th Rose Parade, with the theme “Celebrating a World of Music,” will take place on January 1, 2024, in Pasadena, California. Union Station Homeless Services’ “Bee the Solution” float is set to capture the hearts of parade-goers and television viewers alike, serving as a reminder that every individual has the power to “Bee the Solution” in bringing an end to homelessness.

 

For more in-depth explorations of important topics such as housing, homelessness, and community, please explore their website or tune in to thought-provoking dialogues on the “Changing the Narrative Podcast,” accessible at unionstationhs.org.

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Union Station Homeless Services is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is committed to providing permanent solutions to end homelessness and rebuild lives. Headquartered in Pasadena, CA, Union Station has been in existence for almost 50 years. Union Station is the San Gabriel Valley’s largest social service agency assisting homeless and very low-income adults and families.  Recently expanding into El Sereno and Eagle Rock, we are the lead county agency for Service Planning Area 3 (SPA 3), coordinating homeless services in 36 communities, with a combined population of over 1.5 million across the San Gabriel Valley. Our mission is guided by the belief that everyone deserves a life of dignity and a place to call home.  For more information, visit www.unionstationhs.org.

Union Station Homeless Services Introduces Key Senior Director Appointments to Strengthen Programs and Services 

Union Station Homeless Services announced today the creation of two new positions reporting directly to Sarah Hoppmeyer, Chief Programs Officer. These positions will help serve the expanding needs of the organization as it works to support and end homelessness for the most vulnerable members of our communities.   

Rachel Giles has been named  Senior Director of Clinical Support.  As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Giles will consult with staff on best practices and approaches to working with program clients. In addition she will oversee the data outcomes and quality assurance team while supporting capacity building for the Programs Department..  Giles brings over a decade of experience from St Joseph Center, where she played a key role in managing multidisciplinary programs and introducing innovative mental health initiatives tailored to unhoused individuals.

Max Molina assumes the role of Senior Director of Programs, focusing on supporting Program Directors with processes and systems to more efficiently deliver services. He will also collaborate with other agencies and partners within the Coordinated Entry System (CES). Molina’s background as a mental health case worker and team leader, honed during tenures at Pacific Clinics and PATH, uniquely positions him to champion best practices aligned with the Housing First philosophy and foster robust connections throughout the San Gabriel Valley.

“We are very excited to have Max Molina and Rachel Giles join our Programs Team as Senior Directors. As Licensed Clinical Social Workers, both of them come to us with years of experience in mental health and homeless services, and are eager to support our staff and ensure that we continue to serve our community with compassion and integrity,” remarked Sarah Hoppmeyer, Chief Programs Officer, Union Station Homeless Services. 

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Union Station Homeless Services is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is committed to providing permanent solutions to end homelessness and rebuild lives. Headquartered in Pasadena, CA, Union Station has been in existence for almost 50 years. Union Station is the San Gabriel Valley’s largest social service agency assisting homeless and very low-income adults and families.  Recently expanding into El Sereno and Eagle Rock, we are the lead county agency for Service Planning Area 3 (SPA 3), coordinating homeless services in 36 communities, with a combined population of over 1.5 million across the San Gabriel Valley. Our mission is guided by the belief that everyone deserves a life of dignity and a place to call home.  For more information, visit www.unionstationhs.org.

Union Station Homeless Services awarded $30,000 from bank of america

Union Station Homeless Services announced today it has been awarded a generous grant of $30,000 from Bank of America to help combat homelessness in Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley. Since 2001, Bank of America has supported Union Station’s efforts towards rebuilding lives and fulfilling Union Station’s vision where all people are valued and able to thrive at home and in the community.

Over the past year, the need for support has increased as the 2023 Pasadena Homeless Count revealed that the number of people experiencing homelessness in the city grew to 556, an eight percent rise from last year. Moreover, seniors ages 65 and older have experienced a dramatic increase in the share of the unhoused population.

 “With the generous support of Bank of America, we are able to make a significant impact in the community,” commented Anne Miskey, President and CEO of Union Station Homeless Services. “We are deeply grateful for Bank of America’s 22 years of ongoing commitment to our organization to work together to address barriers to affordable housing, and homeless services.”

“Access to emergency shelter and wrap-around services is critical to getting people back on stable footing,” said Raul A. Anaya, president, Bank of America Los Angeles. “We are all just one life-event away from needing the important services that Union Station offers, and Bank of America proudly continues its support of this high-impact nonprofit.”

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Union Station Homeless Services is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is committed to providing permanent solutions to end homelessness and rebuild lives. Headquartered in Pasadena, CA, Union Station has been in existence for almost 50 years. Union Station is the San Gabriel Valley’s largest social service agency assisting homeless and very low-income adults and families.  Recently expanding into El Sereno and Eagle Rock, we are the lead county agency for Service Planning Area 3 (SPA 3), coordinating homeless services in 36 communities, with a combined population of over 1.5 million across the San Gabriel Valley. Our mission is guided by the belief that everyone deserves a life of dignity and a place to call home.  For more information, visit www.unionstationhs.org.

union station homeless services announces new board officers and members

Union Station Homeless Services announced the organization’s new Board of Directors Officers, and the election of new members since the last officer installation. 

Serving as Chair will be Jesse Torres, Principal, ArroyoWest, LLC, with Vice Chair, Angela Serranzan, Attorney at Hackler Flynn & Associates and the Treasurer, Charles Thuss, Chief Financial Officer of Inter-Con Security Systems. Jordan Corngold, Retired Music Editor at Warner Bros. will serve as the Secretary, and Becky Chuen, Senior Vice President of Oak Tree Capital Management will serve as the Assistant Secretary & Treasurer. 

Union Station is also proud to welcome new board members Adam Morgens and Mark Ramsey. Adam Morgens is the Senior Vice President/Investments at the investment bank, Stifel. Mark Ramsey works at Bank of America as the Senior Vice President of Mortgage and Counterparty Relations.

“At this critical time in the homeless sector, we are proud to have strong and committed leaders on our board as we continue our mission to end homelessness and rebuild lives,” states Anne Miskey, President and CEO of Union Station Homeless Services. 

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Union Station Homeless Services is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is committed to providing permanent solutions to end homelessness and rebuild lives. Headquartered in Pasadena, CA, Union Station has been in existence for almost 50 years. Union Station is the San Gabriel Valley’s largest social service agency assisting homeless and very low-income adults and families.  Recently expanding into El Sereno and Eagle Rock, we are the lead county agency for Service Planning Area 3 (SPA 3), coordinating homeless services in 36 communities, with a combined population of over 1.5 million across the San Gabriel Valley. Our mission is guided by the belief that everyone deserves a life of dignity and a place to call home.  For more information, visit www.unionstationhs.org.

Mario Hess-Winburn Joins Union Station as Chief Development and Communications Officer

Mario Hess-Winburn Joins Union Station as Chief Development and Communications Officer

Union Station Homeless Services announced today that Mario Hess-Winburn will be joining the organization as the new Chief Development and Communications Officer and reporting directly to Anne Miskey, CEO.  

Hess-Winburn comes with over a decade of experience in the development and communications field. He leads the 10-member team in its work on Major Gifts, Annual Giving, Gift Planning, Corporate/Foundation Relations and Communications for the entire organization.

“We are delighted to have Mario join us to help guide our work with our 50th anniversary year,” stated Anne Miskey, CEO Union Station Homeless Services. “He understands and supports the mission of Union Station and has the experience to help us achieve our goals in this milestone year.”

He is a graduate of Iowa State University where he received his BA in Political Science (minor in Meteorology) and a graduate of Southern New Hampshire University where he received his MS in Political Science. Over the course of his career, he has helped to raise millions of dollars for the organizations he has represented and developed many successful multi-channel communications/marketing strategies. 

 

 

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Union Station Homeless Services is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is committed to providing permanent solutions to end homelessness and rebuild lives. Headquartered in Pasadena, CA, Union Station has been in existence for almost 50 years. Union Station is the San Gabriel Valley’s largest social service agency assisting homeless and very low-income adults and families.  Recently expanding into El Sereno and Eagle Rock, we are the lead county agency for Service Planning Area 3 (SPA 3), coordinating homeless services in 36 communities, with a combined population of over 1.5 million across the San Gabriel Valley. Our mission is guided by the belief that everyone deserves a life of dignity and a place to call home.  For more information, visit www.unionstationhs.org.

50 Year Anniversary: Something to Write About

50 Year Anniversary: Something to Write About

In our 50th Anniversary year, Union Station Homeless Services is pleased to partner with Dayspring Pens to offer special tokens to some of the amazing people who have been a part of celebrating our 50 years of working in the community and housing thousands of our neighbors. Since adopting the Housing First model, and focusing on wrap-around trauma-informed and harm reduction services, we have seen a 97% success rate of clients who have been housed and have not returned to homelessness.

Located in Virginia Beach, Dayspring Pens specializes in crafting one of a kind, luxury gift pens made unique with custom engraving. Each of the engraved pens donated features the logo of Union Station Homeless Services.

“Thank you Dayspring Pens for helping us recognize those who are working towards a time when all our neighbors have a safe and healthy home, and our communities respect the humanity and dignity of everyone,” stated Anne Miskey, President and CEO of Union Station Homeless Services.

 

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Union Station Homeless Services is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is committed to providing permanent solutions to end homelessness and rebuild lives. Headquartered in Pasadena, CA, Union Station has been in existence for almost 50 years. Union Station is the San Gabriel Valley’s largest social service agency assisting homeless and very low-income adults and families.  Recently expanding into El Sereno and Eagle Rock, we are the lead county agency for Service Planning Area 3 (SPA 3), coordinating homeless services in 36 communities, with a combined population of over 1.5 million across the San Gabriel Valley. Our mission is guided by the belief that everyone deserves a life of dignity and a place to call home.  For more information, visit www.unionstationhs.org.