From the Desk of Dan Doty
The last thing City Union Mission wants to do is grow. Our heart's desire is that the need for our ministry would diminish. For the past 82 years, we’ve been caring for the poor and needy - this is God's calling to us, and we intend to remain faithful. As long as there is a need for a Christian ministry to the homeless and poor, we plan to press on and grow as needed.
We are clearly at the place now where we must enlarge and renovate our Men’s Center. About eight years ago we felt compelled to expand our ministry to homeless families. We were out of space, turning hundreds away every week. We simply couldn't be as effective working with families as we needed to be. Thus, we launched the Mission’s first capital campaign.
We now face a similar crisis with single men. In the last five years we have seen a huge increase in the number of homeless men we serve. In one two-year period, we experienced a 60 percent surge in demand. Currently, we’re seeing a 40 percent increase. Our men’s facility is simply overloaded!
Our board and frontline staff feel compelled by God to renovate and expand. We tried to find another solution, but couldn't. The proposed renovation of our Men’s Center will nearly double the shelter space, and renovate and expand our kitchen, showers, restrooms and more. The proposed building on our existing property will also allow our long-term recovery program to double. That is the most exciting piece for me, since that program allows us to work with men who want to live productive lives again.
Rev. Daniel J. Doty
Executive Director
