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.

Union Station Homeless Services Celebrates  50 Years of Bringing Our Neighbors Home

Union Station Homeless Services Celebrates 50 Years of Bringing Our Neighbors Home

Since 1973, Union Station Homeless Services has helped our most vulnerable community members rebuild their lives and end homelessness. This year the organization is celebrating 50 years of working in the community with volunteers, staff, donors, and clients to help house thousands of our neighbors.  

Union Station started in 1973, by a local faith group who were upset by the reality of people in their community living on the streets. After a few years as a faith-based program, the group formalized as an independent, legally constituted nonprofit organization in 1984 with its own board of directors and full-time staff. In the early years, the organization was primarily focused on providing emergency supportive services such as meals and shelters.

Today, Union Station has grown to be one of the pre-eminent homeless services agencies in the San Gabriel Valley and LA County with a thriving agency of nearly 300 staff members working to permanently house individuals and families.

“This upcoming year is a special time for Union Station Homeless Services. We are celebrating 50 years of working in the community with volunteers, staff, donors, and clients to help house thousands of our neighbors,” stated Anne Miskey President and CEO of Union Station Homeless Services. “This is also an opportunity to look forward to a time when all our neighbors have a safe and healthy home and our communities value the humanity and dignity of everyone.”

Several events are planned throughout the year to celebrate the agency’s continuing impact in the community.   The first big event is Masters of Taste, LA’s premiere food and beverage festival on the field of the Rose Bowl on April 2nd. Join everyone on the 50-yard line to celebrate 50 years of service in the community. Get your tickets at mastersoftastela.com.

“Our current homelessness crisis has been generations in the making,” said Jesse Torres, Chair of the Union Station Homeless Services Board of Directors, “And it will take all of us, working together, to address the systemic causes that lead thousands of people to lose their housing every year. We look forward to using our milestone year to engage, activate and empower our community to take action to end homelessness.” 

To kick off the Anniversary Year, Union Station announced a 50th Anniversary matching gift challenge! For the next 50 days, every dollar donated will DOUBLE to help support our neighbors in need up to $50,000!  Log on to 50th Anniversary Matching Challenge.

 

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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.

Liya Blackwood Carter Named Chief Financial Officer at Union Stations Homeless Services

Liya Blackwood Carter Named Chief Financial Officer at Union Stations Homeless Services

With over 20 years of professional accounting, Liya Blackwood Carter joins Union Station Homeless Services as CFO to help guide the organization

Pasadena, CA September 20, 2022 – Union Station Homeless Services announced today Liya Blackwood Carter has been named Chief Financial Officer at Union Station Homeless Services. Blackwood Carter will be joining the organization’s Executive Leadership Team and will report directly to the CEO Anne Miskey.

Blackwood Carter has educational background in both law and finance and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management and Master of Science degree in Finance.  She brings 20 plus years of professional accounting and finance experience to the organization.  In addition, she has more than 10 years in leadership capacity in non-profit organizations focusing on serving vulnerable and low-income populations of adults and families with children, older adults, people with disabilities and veterans.

“Liya Blackwood Carter has deep non-profit financial expertise that will help guide us as our organization grows and we expand our services and geographic footprint leading up to our 50th Anniversary year,” says Anne Miskey, CEO Union Station Homeless Services. 

Blackwood Carter has extensive experience working with federal, state and local government funders, such as HUD, DHHS, VA, FEMA, LAHSA, LA County DMH, etc. She also served 4 years as Treasurer of the Board in non-profit organizations with the focus in education. In 2022 she became a founding Chair and President of a non-profit We Stand United Foundation, which focuses on providing emergency and disaster relief. 

 

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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.

Changing The Narrative: What Works to End Homelessness Webinar Addresses the Realities and Myths Dominating Today’s Conversations

Changing The Narrative: What Works to End Homelessness Webinar Addresses the Realities and Myths Dominating Today’s Conversations

Everyone seems to have a solution for homelessness but only those who are working in the field and who have experienced homelessness really know what will work and what will not. Join in for an open and frank discussion will address current headlines about criminalizing those that are unhoused, returning to old and antiquated systems that prefer fines and jail time to providing true solutions.

The upcoming Changing the Narrative Series: What Works to End Homelessness brings together four of the leading experts in the sector to share their insights and knowledge on Wednesday, October 26, 5:30 – 7:00 pm  Register to join the Zoom webinar here.

Anne Miskey, CEO of Union Station Homeless Services will moderate a panel of three experts to explore the successes that have been achieved in the homeless sector and why reverting back to old harmful systems will not truly end homelessness.

Eric Ares, Senior Manager of Homeless Strategy and System Change with the United Way of Greater LA
Eric Ares is the Senior Manager of Homeless Strategy and System Change with the United Way of Greater LA Home For Good Initiative (UWGLA). In this capacity he works with public agencies, service providers, community organizations, and people with lived expertise to create policy and system solutions that better serve the immediate service and long-term housing needs of people experiencing homelessness. Prior to joining UWGLA in 2018, he worked as a community organizer, service provider, and policy advocate alongside unhoused and/or extremely low-income residents in the Skid Row/DTLA community.

Gary Blasi, Professor of Law Emeritus, UCLA Law
Gary Blasi joined the UCLA faculty in 1991 with a distinguished 20-year record of public interest practice. He was one of the founding and core faculty of the law school’s unique David J. Epstein Program in Public Interest Law and Policy. He became a Professor of Law Emeritus in 2013. Since then, he has continued an active public interest practice, working with and for unhoused people, low-income tenants, children in substandard schools, low wage workers, veterans, victims of discrimination, and community organizations dedicated to social justice. Most recently, Professor Blasi co-directed a collaborative effort to create and maintain an on-line eviction defense tool that California tenants can use to prepare and file the court documents required to defend an unlawful detainer (eviction) case and to connect with other tenants.

Dorothy Edwards, Union Station Homeless Services LEAP; Enrichment Services Coordinator at Housing Works of California
Dorothy Edwards is a member of LEAP, Union Station Homeless Services’ Lived Expertise Advisory Panel and serves as the Enrichment Services Coordinator at Housing Works of California. Since 2015 Dorothy has been leading life skills and recovery groups as well as setting up activities and outings.  She also speaks at the national and local level changing how people see the unhoused and advocating for supportive housing as a CSH “Speak Up!” Advocate and a member of the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) National Board Member.

Shawn Morrissey, Director of Advocacy and Community Engagement, Union Station Homeless Services
Shawn Morrissey brings extensive knowledge of the issues involved in addressing homelessness, with nearly 20 years of experience in the field of homeless advocacy, service provision and social justice with a focus on mental health and substance use disorders. As a practitioner of the Housing First model, Shawn brings to bear his experience and knowledge of the best practices and evidence-based models that are crucial to solving homelessness and creating stability and sustainability in these vulnerable populations.

“To truly meet the needs of the individual, we must also address and educate the public about social issues that are at the root of homelessness. Our call to action is encapsulated in the series name and is the goal of each session — Changing the Narrative,” stated Anne Miskey, CEO Union Station Homeless Services.

This is the ninth in the Changing the Narrative Series, a free educational series created by Union Station Homeless Services to deepen community understanding of homelessness and housing. Recognized by the Los Angeles Business Journal as one of the Most Innovative Awareness Campaign within the Los Angeles community, recordings of past webinars and resource guides can be accessed at https://unionstationhs.org/changing-the-narrative-series/.

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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.

Featured in Spectrum News!

Featured in Spectrum News!

In a recent segment on Spectrum News, journalist Rachel Menitoff toured Union Station Homeless Services’ Adult Center and Admin Center to get the inside scoop on how inflation is affecting our organization. In her tour, Rachel gets a recipe for an affordable and nutritious meal prepared by Chef Lawrence. Watch the segment here: