Union Station Homeless Services

Reviews should come from employees who know whats going on from the inside out! Housing For Health in USHS is run by a bunch of clowns. Any real training you get as a new employee comes from experienced PM’s from other departments. Associate Director, J.F , above PM-S.R, is fake as can be and since he drove Centennial Place within USHS into the ground, his buddy Gaby decided to promote him over at Housing For Health within USHS. If you go to HR requesting support, better supervision and training, JF will pretend like he cares and is willing to make adjustments despite the entire team minus maybe at best one employee feeling not supported or trained appropriately to do the job with knowledge in toe. If you speak your mind, tell the truth, say what almost everyone else is thinking and feeling, you will be deemed “unprofessional” and a forced resignation is their convenient way to avoid paying into unemployment despite not putting in any resignation directly to HR yourself. Dangling your probationary period over your head for 90 days while you actually see your clients, have zero complaints from your clients, do all notes and assessments on time, you will be drop kicked to the curb for potentially creating a more realistic environment whereby front like staff concerns mean nothing to management because it’s all about them covering up their mistakes and riding themselves of those who pose as a threat for skill set, honesty and exposing what is really going on behind the scenes. Stacking unreasonable clients on a giant case load as a brand new staff, demanding all notes completed 24 hours upon seeing 30+ caseload a month, doing assessments, endless meaningless staff meetings for a woke environment preaching inclusivity, transparency, respects for thoughts and feelings when it’s none of the above! It’s the seventh layer of h**l run by the most hypocritical HR staff and upper management. The pay is ridiculously low at 24 bucks an hour for having to be a case manager who has to locate the client, see the client, house the client with EHV vouchers with no support system in place, act as a therapist to your client, connect client to all sorts of services, work with other agencies without any real training or direction from management. If you speak your mind in any blunt, truthful way, you are deemed “unprofessional” all in the same breath of telling you, “I hear you, I’m here to support you”. Lip service for days when actions are so hypocritical and unsettling to be around. It isn’t the clients that make this job tough, they are the easiest part of this job, it’s this non profit with certain clowns at the top that don’t belong at the top-at best maybe running Chuck Y Cheese. A friend of a friend will be promoted no matter how unqualified he or she is while the qualified ones remain on the front lines at the direction of those not deserving of their position. The turn over of staff is just ridiculous and speaks to USHS not the employees they fire or the ones that walk out. You will make some amazing friends working on the front line with those who feel the same pains as you do but HFH is short lived with funding when they can’t clock the hours they really need to justify the funding they receive. Eventually those funding HFH will see the light and put their money elsewhere. Management and HR are so fake, disingenuous, and dishonest to the front line staff doing the tough work out in the field. So many have the same complaints but instead of HR fixing what’s truly broken at the top, they continue to throw front line staff under the bus to cover up what is so wrong at the top. HFH will only be servicing EHV vouchers because their ERC voucher funding will remain with a competent company, Brilliant Corners not USHS. Leaving Care Coordinators with no support system or services to accommodate EHV voucher clients and taking away the joy of servicing ERC clients along side Brilliant Corners. J.F in my opinion will destroy HFH in short order. So many employees have come and gone from this department, it’s a revolving door not because of the front line staff but because of the toxicity at the very top of this food chain that higher ups refuse to address, eliminating those at the bottom of the food chain to cover things up and continue to hire and hire, then watch either staff get fired or walk out in frustration. It means nothing when you are the single highest billing staff member who sees ALL of your clients two times a month, documents on time, completed all assessments ahead of schedule, goes above and beyond for each client’s needs looping as many entities and others agencies into each email for collaboration and support on behalf of each client’s needs-you will be told you scores below a three on some performance evaluation you will never see from your supervisor and shown the door if you speak the truth, you are direct and honest about the cancer that lives in your department. You will be accused of "unprofessionalism" for alleged "non-verbal" actions in staff meetings specifically "side-bar" talks with co-workers or "speaking under your breath" when that NEVER happened, EVER. The cancer is deep i9n HFH, USHS and had they interviewed HFH IT staff member who is not on anyone's side, they would learn whats really going on inside this department. Only a matter of time before all funding is pulled from this department being run off a cliff and into a ditch.

I started working at Union Station Homeless Services about 6 months ago. The staff are helpful and always willing to help with anything and asking questions are not a problem and they let you know that. This business is very involved with helping you to succeed not just staff but Residents most definitely. There is a genuine care and need to help the homeless. I have worked in a homeless shelter before and I was amazed to see how fast a family was housed and well on there way to being sheltered and living a normal life. I really like the attention that is given to staff and residents needs. I would definitely recommend Union Station Homeless Services to anyone for employment and homeless services

Union Station is a great homeless services agency that is committed to its mission and to best practices. Union Station takes the lead in providing quality services to the underserved communities in the San Gabriel Valley and is a strong advocate for affordable housing and other solutions that speak directly to the homeless crisis.

My wife and I have been a supporter of Union Station Homeless Services in Pasadena for over 40 years because of their focused effort to help people get off the street.
I became a Board Member in 2014 and could not be more proud of the management and all of the staff that put their hearts into what they do everyday. Following are our goals;
1. Eliminate homelessness* in Pasadena by 2025 (*Functional Zero)
2. Envision and build systems to end homelessness in San Gabriel Valley.
3. Become a leader by sharing our expertise and success in creating systemic & replicable changes that end homelessness.

Great services for families. I know they work hard, even when the mayor and governor make the homeless problem worse.

USHS does a tremendous job in all aspects of helping the homeless population in the San Gabriel Valley. They have terrific programs and a caring, compassionate and effective staff.

Such an amazing company to work for and to be a part of :))

I’m on a temp assignment with USHS’ Project Room Key. From working in a hospital where we encounter many of the homeless population seeking help, to actually seeing this program from the inside. It’s assuring to know that the homeless are getting the resources needed to get off the streets, receive proper medical attention, and the attention needed to fix this real crisis in California.

Union Station is an anchor non-profit in the Pasadena area for over 40 years. Its service to the community is not only to administer the programs but also collaborate with other agencies that provide long term effects. One such example is its participation with the South Bay Workforce Investment Board that provide individuals with opportunities in joining the workforce. This teaches independence and movement towards self-sufficiency and dignity.

Working with Union Station has been such a rewarding experience for me! The nonstop dedication of the staff and their commitment to the people we serve has taught me so much in compassion!

When the covid pandemic hit, this agency was able to keep their employees working in a safe manner by ensuring employees could work from home to protect those most vulnerable to covid. Some employees stepped up and provided emergency food and essential item drop-offs to vulnerable clients, no matter if the staff was already working with that client. Those who couldn't work in the field made calls to clients to check in and make sure they were staying safe. Staff were helping each other out to make sure no client fell through the cracks. Throughout the pandemic, the agency has continued to check in with employees to help employees stay safe and make sure they have all they need to do their job well. All around a good company to work with.

I have seen first hand the great work done by Union Station for 20+ years. They are the most dedicated, caring individuals you'll ever care to meet. The success stories from their current and former clients are inspiring!

Great organization that does a lot of work helping the homeless in the community.

This is a phenomenal not-for-profit agency. I love being apart of this team and enjoy fighting for the same cause along with the entire USHS family.

I love volunteering at Union Station Homeless Services!!! All of the staff and residents at the adult facility are friendly, courteous, and kind.

I've been volunteering with Union Station Homeless Services for about a year and I'm constantly impressed by the level of care, passion and professionalism of the staff I work with. When it comes to treating clients and everyone in general with respect and compassion, they get it right! I am also inspired by USHS's CEO who is such an eloquent speaker, well-informed and experienced in this field. As a volunteer, I have always felt appreciated and like I was making a positive difference in the lives of those in our community.

A a volunteer in the Community Allies program, I am a friend and champion for a person who was formerly experiencing homelessness. Talking directly with my new friend has given me insights into what having housing after living on the streets means. It is hope, it is dignity and it is so necessary. I believe that Union Station is making a difference every day in the lives of those who most need it. I am so grateful to be a part of this great organization.

Amazing work by a team of incredibly dedicated and caring leaders, associates and volunteers. I am honored to serve on the Board and as a volunteer seeking to make a difference with the homelessness challenges faced by individuals, communities and the public sector.

wonderful agency that goes above and beyond for the people they serve

Union Station Homeless Services is the best company I have every worked for. We do amazing work everyday here by giving back to our community in ways only few will do. I get a sense of satisfaction by helping out others, also am very been very blessed as to call the people I work with and the people we serve family.

This is our go-to for volunteering and in-kind donating with our kids. We love Union Station and the work they do!

I have volunteered at the Union Station Homeless Services Thanksgiving Dinner for the past 3-4 years, which is a monumental event. Over 2,500 homeless and lower-income members of the Greater Pasadena community are provided with a free dinner, as well as entertainment and community resources. I've never seen or been part of a meal effort of this size, and the gratitude of the community is palpable. It must be one of the largest events of its kind anywhere.

I've also attended the Masters of Taste event at the Rose Bowl Stadium, a wonderful fundraiser that assembles some of LA's top chefs and mixologists. It's great to support a worthy cause while sampling some of the best eats and drinks the city has to offer.

Union Station Homeless Services is an amazing place that believes deeply that everyone deserves a life of dignity and a place to call home. They provide a continuum of care that facilitates the full transition from homelessness to long­term housing, and provides wrap around support to help people stay housed for good.

I feel dollar I donate is used well and I know that every moment I volunteer is making a difference.

Union Station Homeless Services is truly a unique place to work. Outreach services are all inclusive. People are treated like family!

This nonprofit is full of kind and empathetic people that truly care for the well being of people that are experiencing homelessness. It is an honor to be able to work here!

Union Station Homeless Services is a well-run organization that does fantastic work for the community. Easy and rewarding to volunteer.

One of the most effective organizations I've ever had the chance to be a part of.

I have been involved with Union Station as a board member and volunteer for many years. It is a well managed, humane, and effective organization. Our staff is professional and compassionate. Its programs are models for all of Los Angeles. The programs are innovative and at the cutting edge of the homeless problem. Union Station enjoys wide community support. Because of its efforts, the homeless population in Pasadena has decreased in sharp contrast to the explosion in the rest of Los Angeles County.

Sincere caring employees who treat individuals with respect and dignity.

I have been privileged to serve as a volunteer for close to 20 years with Union Station Homeless Services. I now serve on the Board. USHS helps individuals and families that have come on hard times to get back on their feet. USHS gives them resources to help them help themselves and feel confident and hopeful in their future.

Reviews of Union Station should NOT include volunteers' reviews!! It defeats the purpose of reviews for clients.

This review pertains to the Adult Center on Raymond Ave. This place is the dregs. Like Hell itself. If you want to be treated like a second-class citizen, like you've done something terrible to have landed in a position of homelessness, than come on down! The staff is the worst. Manager Barbara, caseworkers Kim and Nita...oh my god. The most apathetic, ineffective, self-serving, inconsiderate, dishonest social workers I've ever encountered. Diann tries, but isn't able to maintain a decent staff. Ryan, Program Manager, is disconnected, disinterested, and thoroughly lacking in the ability to handle escalated issues. They all turned a blind eye while a man spiraled into paranoia, ultimately murdering his young wife in the most brutal fashion you can imagine (Google: Valentino Gutierrez and Tiana Alfred). They allow anyone into their shelter...be it psychotic criminal, or 80-year old with dementia, and couldn't care less at the outcome (I couldn't believe the elder abuse of this woman that went on!). At one point during my stay, we were robbed and the dorm was ransacked while we slept. These people insisted that the woman responsible would be welcomed back, despite residents still missing purses, and trying to get new IDs, SS cards, etc. They didn't care one bit that we were all traumatized. As far as MY caseworker, Kim, this woman will tell clients she "loves" them, but then won't return a call, email, or text for WEEKS, and then when she does, she tries to turn the blame on the client. THIS SORT OF TREATMENT OF THE HOMELESS EXACERBATES THE ISSUE OF HOMELESSNESS ITSELF! I've never in my life been treated so poorly as I was by Union Station. We're given assistance, but expected to sacrifice any modicum of pride or dignity we have left.

There are many mentally ill clients at Union Station. It's not a transitional shelter. There are clients who've been there for as much THREE YEARS!! What does that tell you about their "Housing" abilities! They have written on their vans "Employment Housing and Recovery," or something. They do NOTHING to help with employment. NADA. That's a joke. They have a bulletin board with outdated flyers on it. They do NADA to try to help the drug addicts and black-out alcoholics. It's insane. Truly, a nightmare.

Whatever you can do to avoid this hell-hole...do it!

Union Station Homeless Services is an outstanding organization that provides life-sustaining services for people experiencing homelessness in the San Gabriel Valley. It's a leader in the homelessness sector that embraces the latest programs and strategies, and a tremendous advocate for its clients.

I had been donating to Union Station for several years before I signed up to volunteer there. What decided me was not only what a difference they make in the lives of the homeless (and in preventing people from becoming homeless in the first place), but also how well they interact with past donors: some organizations bombard you with letters, emails or even phone calls that only ask for money, while Union Station shares stories about people who have been helped, and basically lets you know how your money was used. Since becoming a volunteer there I've met so many wonderful, kind and dedicated people who work or volunteer for the Station, and I'm really impressed by their commitment to what they do.

I have volunteered with USHS for over 15 years, when I was laid off in 2008, I dedicated more time volunteering with them because its always been my passion to help others less fortunate. I felt so welcomed and wanted to help and support my community . Union Station Homeless Services is a great organization to volunteer for.

I have volunteered in the kitchen every Monday for the last 7 years. Believe it or not, I am the newbie of the group that I volunteer with! Some of them have been volunteering for 25-30 years! I have seen such caring and respect from the people who I have met through Union Station Homeless Services. This organization tackles the whole problem of homelessness. They feed them, take them into their program and then transition them from temporary housing to jobs and the ability to stand on their own. Like many charitable organizations, they just don't have enough funds to help all that need it.
But what I especially like about working in the kitchen is that anyone who is hungry is fed a warm breakfast and lunch. No questions asked and they do not have to be part of the housing program. There are many more homeless than beds at the shelter...it makes me feel better that at least they have a place to come eat two meals a day. Union Station does have a budget to purchase some of the food we use, but the rest is donated along with all the volunteer hands to prepare, serve and clean up after each meal.

Union Sataion is a place where people's dignity is kept and they help people with a high level of care , concern and also professionalism. The staff there are warm hearted human beings that if you are willing to help yourself , they will give you a helping hand. If not for them countless homeless people would be without meals , showers , beds, services such as medicial care all for free and given with human kindness. Thank god for union station and there should be much much more organizations like them. For more than 35 years they have helped the less fortunate of society...and are a role model for how people should be willing to help thier fellow man.

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.

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.

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.

I have worked at Union Station Homeless Services for almost six years, and I am constantly inspired by the work that they do. The staff sees the potential in people, and reignites their hope for a better future. Just yesterday, I met a group of adults who were once homeless and are now living in their own apartments. One man said, "Union Station encourages the potential within us to be united or reunited with mainstream society - successful, productive lives are here among us."

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.

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.

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!

I also volunteer at the Station. One reason I support this organization is the cost efficiency. I feel my money is not wasted with overhead and silly stuff. I see the literally hundreds of people fed in the park and every day there are families finding a safe place to stay, and good food to eat.
I urge you all to support this with me.

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

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.

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

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.

I have been a volunteer & Board Member at USHS for over 7 years and it is an incredible organization. Everyone is focused on the mission of the organization and how to assist clients in rebuilding their lives. It is a wonderful group of people to work with and I highly recommend it.

Union Station is a wonderful treasure for our city. The services they provide help our community serve all our citizens in need with care and concern. Without Union Station the City of Pasadena and the surrounding communities would not be such a special place to call home.

Dennis and Susi Gertmenian

Food and shelter are the two basic neccesities of life that should be available to all. Unfortunately homelessness is becoming more common and not less. I am fortunate to have a home and have felt compeled to volunteer at agencies that aid the homeless. All these agencies do a wonderful job. However, Union Station in Pasadena is a particularly succesful organization. Furthermore it welcomes and makes it easy to volunteer. I have volunteered at the Thanksgiving and Christmas which is like a one big party. I also deliver a monthly sac lunch, which has been a lot of fun.

I have volunteered on several occasions with the Union Station Homeless Services and was very impressed by the dedication, love and education at each of the different centers. I had an incredible experience and volunteering really helped open my eyes and heart to people in general but especially in my community.

I was a volunteer for Union Station, and I loved being able to help. The staff of Union Station is committed to helping the homeless of Pasadena, not just treating the symptoms of homelessness but working to eradicate the cause. Pasadena is blessed to have an organization like Union Station, and they deserve so much in return!

I have known this organization's work for many years. The testimonials of those whose lives it has changed are truly inspiring. This is a poster child for homeless agencies, tremendously respected by the highest level of community leadership down to the recipients who come to its doors for its legendary help and results.

This organization really knows how to utilize volunteers.
I was one of a volunteer group who provided fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad and dessert every 1st Sunday lunch for five years at the Raymond Avenue site. It was rewarding for us as the Raymond site was well run and we got to interact with and know many of the regular clients. It was a safe place and part of a network of needed services. I still see and speak to some of the folks I met there around Pasadena - on the bus, street, etc.
The new building was completed just as we stopped our commitment and I hope the administration has kept the procedures which allowed that interaction between clients and volunteers.

I have volunteered with many organizations over the years. I have found Union Station to be a welcoming, organized, needy, and grateful nonprofit. The people who are served by the organization are friendly and grateful, both for the volunteers and for the organization itself. The staff are caring, thoughtful and also grateful for the volunteers. They provide not only room and food but also services to help get the homeless clients back to self-sufficiency, whether that be thru training, eduction, and/ or substance abuse. The Family Center is a welcoming and homey place for the children that are there with their parents. I have been extremely impressed with the clients, staff, facilities, and offerings at the Family Center and the Adult Center.

I moved down to Pasadena from San Francisco, where I was involved in many community and nonprofit organizations. What has impressed me most about Union Station is the level of volunteer support that it receives. Whether it is the literally thousands of people who show up for the free Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners in the park, or the dozens of folk who get together to cook meals for the residents, or the tons of small local businesses that donate money, product, and/or services, it is clear that Union Station is deeply rooted in -- and passionately supported by -- the people of Pasadena and surrounding areas.

I volunteered at Union Station as a teenager and found the staff to very welcoming and helpful to their volunteers. I was easily able to recieve the training I needed and get hours that suited my schedule through their excellent staff. I always felt welcome and needed. I also never went without something to do during my service. I reccomend Union Station to anyone interested in voluntary service in the LA County Area.

Our church group, NewLife Fellowship volunteers to feed the homeless families at Union Station. It is a Win-Win situation. We are able to help the homeless and at the same time we provide our members, especially the youth and opportunity to serve. The volunteers always come back to church feeling wonderful because of being considered a part of the community. It also exposes our youth to community service project and good citizenship.

I am a proud alumni of the Union Station. I have been sober for going on 17 yrs. Still to date I have always been able to reach out to my family for assistance, my child volunteers during the summer. The Station has assisted with my childrens educational goals. Me and my children would not be the family we are today if it were not for the love, support and guidance we have received from my Union Station Family through out the years.

I would like to take the time to acknowledge the wonderful, dedicated staff and volunteers at Union Staion Homeless Shelter. After experiencing what most people can only imagine, becoming homeless, instinctively I was very aprehensive on going to a shelter for assistance. I had heard a few "horror stories" or tales about other people's experiences with them. Fortunatley , I can not express enough how deeply pleased my family was upon being received at Union Station. The complete staff and volunteers are all warm and kind people. They truly want to assist individuals with not only dealing with becoming homeless, but also helping people build skills needed to regain a sense of self worth and confidence. The Sources staff assisted me directly with finding a job back in my field. They gave me great contacts and really took the time to work on my behalf. My experience here has been great and I would definatley recommend this assistance to any family in need. -- Thanks You Dearly, to all staff and volunteers !

I love volunteering on a weekly basis at Union Station Homeless Services. You don't realize how much the organization runs off of volunteer hours. Every moment of time someone can volunteer really makes a difference in the lives of so many others. They have a great staff and there is so much energy. I love being a part of something bigger in my community.

I simply enjoy volunteering with Union Station homeless Services in Pasadena. I've volunteered over the years with Dinners in the park, but for the past two years I've dedicated more time in helping out in other areas such as Connect Day, Fairs, and Special events. Homelessness is not just feeding, but there's ways to Rebuild their Lives!!! It's truly and Honor to get this opportunity in life to help others in need.

My name is Stuart and for the past several months, I have had the distinct honor of helping Union Station Homeless Services of Pasadena, CA in a variety of volunteer roles. My personal story is a tragic one. A few years ago, I lost my beloved wife Nancy and my daughter and only child Alison, the light of my life, an amazingly compassionate and promise-filled human being. Since that time, I have been searching for meaning, purpose, and many times, simply the will to get up and face the day. After a great deal of searching, and bearing in mind 'what could I do that would make Alison really proud of me,' I signed up to volunteer for USHS. My work with the dedicated staff of USHS, their volunteers, and their clients has been deeply rewarding for me, and the expectation that I have made even a small difference in the lives of the homeless or soon to be homeless gives me considerable hope.

Union Station Homeless Services does an incredible job for it clients, the homless men, women, and children of the Greater Pasadena area. The dedicated staff and the range of services is superb. To see the work they do with families, as well as the growth in permanent housing is inspiring, and much of the money they raise goes to direct services. They serve thousands of homeless at Thanksgiving time, and what is particularly impressive of this organization is the tremendous number of volunteers who give their time to those in need, and how Union Station has developed programs to maximize the efforts of these volunteers.

Our Boy Scout troop has packed lunches for the Union Station Family Center once a month for the past 2 years and has helped set-up for Thanksgiving in the Park, serving 3,000 people, on Thanksgiving Day for the past 4 years. Union Station provides outstanding direct support to our local community and with a finely tuned staff, welcomes the support of their volunteers. Our school has cooked and served dinners at the Union Station Adult Center 6 times a year for the past 12 years. It is wonderful to see the high school students interact with those at the Adult Center--each sharing much with the other. Fabulous organization! Great services to clients and great community involvement.

The USHS group are dedicated, hard working and really go out of their way to make a difference. As Pasadena Weekly, Best of Pasadena 2010 has quoted, “Union Station Homeless Services was voted the Best Local Charity in Pasadena by Pasadena Weekly readers. As the Pasadena Weekly says, ‘The San Gabriel Valley’s largest and most comprehensive social services agency for our poor and homeless, Union Station is a beacon of hope for those in need and wishing to rebuild their lives.’”

Working with Union Station Homeless Shelter has been a wholly positive experience which effectively capitalizes on each volunteers strengths and talents in order to provide the best experience for their clients and candidates. I was interested to volunteer in a more integral capacity than I was allowed throughout my previous experiences serving meals for homeless in downtown LA. After brainstorming with their talented representatives we discovered that I would be best suited to teach piano lessons to the youth at their family center which I have been able to do almost every week for approximately 6-months and counting. It is a fantastic coincicence of interests that would not have been possible without the well organized administration that Pasadena's Union Station Homeless Shelteris so foruntate to have.

This is an excellent & reputable nonprofit organization to work with! They are most DEFinitely worth volunteering for!

I have used Sources job development program in 2004 and had great success! This year I have been working with my job developer, Rocio on updating my resume. We have had conversations in regards to a new carrer path that I am on. I just finished my mock interview and nailed it! I am looking forward to a job fair next week that Sources will provide transportation to. Mostly I am ready for that new job!

Helped with excellent resume, continued support after career development class, open door policy, lifetime career developer available, use of internet, phones, and media. Always have another place to call home. Thank you Union Station.

My name is David Compton. 13 years ago I lost my life, family, job, home, car - everthing. With the help of Union Station Homeless Services I have regained my life and self respect. Without their help I don't know where I would be today. I was helped with emergency shelter, food, clothing, counseling, finding a job Sources Career Development Program. I am presently employed with a career that I will one day be able to retire from. I can't thank them enough for all the time and effort they put into help saving a life.