Image Credit: Upper Room Mission
March 20, 2020 - 2:58 PM
Citing financial stress, the Upper Room Mission is closing its doors, laying off all its staff and cutting a much-needed life-line for low-income families, seniors and the homeless.
The mission has temporarily closed at the end of the day, March 20, according to a media release, due to a huge financial crisis. The mission's boutique is also temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The Upper Room Mission has been struggling for quite a while," general manager Naomi Rouck says in the release. "People tend to think that we are funded through the government, but we’re not. We solely survive off of financial donations, our events and our boutique.”
"To keep the mission going, we are holding a campaign if people can have a little bit of heart and understanding to help us out in this time of need. I know everyone is struggling at this point, but we do need to look after our low-income families, our seniors and our people that are on the street."
Rouck will continue to be at the mission on Tuesday and Thursday mornings to make an estimated 50 bagged sandwich lunches for those in need.
"I will try to keep the mission afloat on my own for as long as possible," Rouck says. "Hopefully people can see that we are trying and we are not abandoning anybody."
The mission's new campaign called $40 for 40 Years of Service, is now underway.
Donations can be made in person at the Upper Room Mission on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10:30 a.m. and 12 p.m.
You can also make a donation via e-transfer to administration@vernonurm.org.
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