Union Station Homeless Services
Invite reviews
Invite friends and colleagues to share their experiences with this nonprofit
March 29, 2012
I have started volunteering with the Union Station Homeless Services about three years ago for their annual Thanksgiving Diner-in-the Park. The first year I signed-up to volunteer was for the day of the event where I helped serve the multitude of fine food that the heart felt volunteers had baked and cooked in their lovely homes. It was very uplifting to see how happy the homeless people were when they got their morsel of food that satisfied their rumbling tummies. To see each and every one of their faces brighten up as they pass by while you offer them a spoonful of delicious food is priceless. The last two times I volunteered as the kitchen helper the night before the Thanksgiving Dinner-in-the-Park where preparation for the big event took place at the kitchen of their adult center. What an amazing experience! I never seen so much people taking time out of their evening to come help prepare all the food that will be served the following day. Wow! Everyone there was bright and cheery and there so much warmth felt in that room I could almost cry. Thank you Union Station Homeless Services for making my volunteer experience at your organization a worth while one. I am so happy to volunteer my time in assisting you to end homelessness in the community.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
March 28, 2012
I have been a volunteer with Union Station since 1984. It is an amazing blessing to all involved. It has grown tremendously over the years to meet the needs of the men, women, and children who benefit from their services. Among the services are housing, meals, job preparation, showers, etc.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
December 17, 2010
I have been volunteering with Union Station since 1984. Union Station started out as a soup kitchen, then a shelter for homeless men, then we added a shelter for women, and next families. Services are continually being added as they are needed. The staff, board, and volunteers give their all to make Union Station first rate. It is not only the client's lives that are transformed, but volunteering with Union Station is also a transforming experience. As a former Board Member I can personally attest to the fiscal responsibility of the organization and the planning and oversite that makes Union Station what it is today. The strength of the organization is its volunteers, its staff, its "heart."
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
seeing lives transformed.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
want everyone to know what a worthwhile, responsible, caring, EFFECTIVE organization Union Station is.
March 27, 2012
At the age of 24, my precious son had come to the end of six years of disasterous drinking. A promising singer and songwriter, he'd dropped out of UCLA and spent those six years on what he called "the couch tour," going from friend to friend and relative to relative until everyone had had enough. My mother, a Quaker, asked a fellow Friend for help on his behalf and he was referred to Passages, one of the branches of Union Station. The very next day he was sent to Warm Springs Rehabilitation Center where he stayed for three months. He has now been sober for over four years, has gone back to school, is singing, writing music and performing and is everything I could wish for in a son. I subsequently volunteered at Union Station, figuring I owed them much more than I could ever repay. The work that is done by this organization is a blessing, not only to those who benefit by its services but to all of us. The compassion they show and the sincerity with which they do their work gives me hope for a world that sometimes seems to have run off its tracks. It's hard to feel jaded in the face of the good work done by these committed folk. I heartily recommend them for any and all honors.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
2 people found this review helpful
November 15, 2011
2 people found this review helpful
I have worked with Union Station as a volunteer and donor for 30 years. I like giving my money to a place that puts it back 100% to the people. People are having their long-term needs met as well as getting the "right now" needed food and shelter.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Often Graduates of the program speak to the supporters and give us their success stories. Also, the individual happy faces when they get dinner.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would want to be able to donate more money and more time.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?
all good
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
Some organizational skills, and interpersonal skills with other volunteers
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
Fine, grateful. Kind of "Well of course I am going down to help, that is how i was raised"
February 22, 2011
USHS is simply invaluable. They change lives. They save lives. They make a community better every hour of every day. Their continuum of care is the ideal solution for terminating the terrifying cycle of poverty and homelessness. And their legacy of lasting success is simply second to none here in the dramatically over-burdened social service arena of L.A. County. Without this group of immensely compassionate and capable people, the greater San Gabriel Valley would see moms and dads, sons and daughters wither on the vine. And we must never see that as truth.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
volunteering at large scale events and participating in monthly meetings and initiatives.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
enlarge their budget a hundred fold. I would also like to see them supported in affordable housing initiatives.
February 19, 2011
Union Station is providing a wonderful service, and uses the entire community to complete its mission. My family has volunteered for over 15 years, once every two months. Volunteering by making dinner for about 60 people per evening is rewarding service. It is a pleasure to cook for and serve the clients--they are very pleasant, they need the help, and they appreciate the assistance--it is the only place I get applause for my cooking!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
sitting with the clients when possible to eat dinner together.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
no suggestions at this time
February 18, 2011
I have volunteered for Union Station Homeless Services for many years and have been a witness to the great services they provide. They truly fill a need in the community
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The volunteer activities I have participated in and have witneseed how many people they have helped.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
There are no changes that I would make.
February 18, 2011
Union Station is a wonderful organization with amazing leadership, staff and participation by the community it serves. My family and I, for a few years now, have been volunteers and donors for their various programs. We believe in the genuine ability of Union Station to help members of our community in transition during difficult times. Union Station nurtures them and gives them the tools to be able to get back on their feet. Thank you, Union Station, for giving us this opportunity to give back and for taking care of our community.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I toured the facilities and am impressed on how Union Station takes care of its clients. When we drop off the lunches, we see the warm atmosphere in the kitchen as clients are served. There were so many volunteers to serve dinners at the park during Christmas. Union Station was able to create a happy festive atmosphere for families.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would be more visible with the good things they do more frequently and continue to tap other members of the community for resources.
February 18, 2011
I have been a volunteer for Union Station, Pasadena for many years, first: as overnight helper in the bad weather shelter at First Congregational Church, and later at the new facility on Raymond. Lately, I have been helping with cooking and serving dinner at their family shelter on Orange Grove near lake Ave.
I have been volunteering for several other charitable organizations, but can say without equivocation that Union Station has been the best-run and most efficient one that I have encountered. The supervisors and fellow-volunteers work together harmoniously and efficiently like clock work. Everyone is relaxed and friendly toward our clients in a very down-to-earth, yet discreet way. It is most gratifying that so many of them express their gratitude for serving them meals or for washing their laundry. Oftentimes I feel that I receive more in the way of encouragement and satisfaction than I gave as a volunteer.
I'm proud that Union Station is such an important part of our community. Erich Frey
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The overnight shelter, shelter for singles and in the family shelter at Orange Grove & Lake Ave., Pasadena, CA
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Please keept as is. It's being run very efficiently
February 18, 2011
I work as a volunteer once a week at the family shelter, playing with the kids. I am so impressed with the genuine caring shown by all the staff to all the residents. I am also impressed by the services provided to the residents, tutoring for the kids, various kinds of counseling, job services and social services provided to the adults. The environment is helpful without being judgemental or preachy. Residents are expected to take responsibility for getting back on their feet and on with their lives, but they are guided in ways that provide real skills that residents can use to sustain themselves and their families over time.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
watching some of the children actually blossom during their stay. This is incredible to me given their family hardships, but the structured environment combined with the family services have real benefits for the kids.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Brighten the interior in the common rooms a bit. The furniture is good, but the lighting is dim and some of the rooms look a little gloomy because of this. There are no good reading lights in the common rooms.
Filter by reviewer role:
Support This Nonprofit
Help this nonprofit get more reviews
5 tips for getting reviews