John C. Reilly emcees ‘A Place to Call Home’ fundraiser

Union Station Homeless Services Gets a Financial Boost from Generous Donors Saturday
John C. Reilly emcees ‘A Place to Call Home’ fundraiser
By Terry Miller

On Saturday evening Union Station honored Gerry Puhara, Russell Ferrante and Betsey & the late Sid Tyler for their incredible support of Union Station Homeless Services over the years. But the evening saw hundreds of like minds gather at a fashionable hotel Saturday to help the organization called Union Station.
Sid and Betsey Tyler displayed extraordinary leadership as vibrant members of the Pasadena Community. They have supported Union Station since 1986. They shared a passion for their Pasadena community, for the outdoors, travel and watching their eight grandkids grow up. Sid unexpectedly passed away in March 2014.
Russ and Gerry Ferrante are a creative force. Russ is a founding member and keyboardist of the Grammy Award Winning band, Yellowjackets. He has worked with Bobby McFerrin, Al Jarreau, Diane Reeves and many more.
The annual fundraiser was held at the Langham Huntington Hotel and attended by over 350 people in the community who contribute so much to the benefit of the organization that helps so many homeless in our communities.

CEO, Rabbi Marvin Gross introduced actor John C. Riley to guests prior to the dinner and the actor/musician graciously posed for some pictures with fans.
The guests mingled and bid on silent auction items and dined on some delicious hors d’oeuvres while sipping some fine wines prior to the main event held in an adjacent ballroom.
Union Station addresses so many issues in our community but here’s a brief overview of the critical work they do:
Hunger and homelessness are not simply caused by a lack of food and shelter. They involve a variety of unmet physical, economic, and social needs: Lack of affordable housing, unemployment, underemployment, domestic violence, and rising health care costs can push families, low-income workers, seniors, and people with disabilities out of their homes and onto the streets. Here is a look at some of the major causes of homelessness.
HOUSING COSTS
$1,150: Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Greater L.A. What has caused this is gentrification, abandonment, and demolition have reduced the availability of affordable housing.Fair market rent for a two-bedroom apartment in LA is nearly $14,000 per year.
EMPLOYMENT
111: Hours per week a minimum-wage earner must work to afford a one-bedroom apartment in Greater L.A.
People in the lowest paying jobs – cashiers, food preparation staff, stock clerks – struggle to afford rent and are at very high risk of becoming homeless. The lowest-income workers spend between 50% to 70% of their income on rent.
HEALTH
1 in 3 homeless people suffer from mental illness, physical disability, or substance abuse.
For many individuals, ongoing health issues (including disabilities and mental illness) prevent them from earning income and contribute to their homelessness.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
3 in 5 homeless women have experienced domestic violence.
Victims of domestic violence are often forced to choose between a dangerous home and a life on the streets.
While the event honored some special individuals, Union Station is one of the top agencies in Los Angeles county that provides a plethora of possibilities for popel in San Gabriel Valley.
If you are homeless and in need of help, Passageways is your one-stop portal to services in the area. We offer friendly, caring case managers and free services, all under one roof.
Passageways
1020 S. Arroyo Parkway Pasadena, CA
(626) 403-4888
Monday-Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm

Office Hours: Monday – Friday; 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
825 E. Orange Grove Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91104
626.240.4550
F 626.798.1640
info@unionstationhs.org

More from Monrovia Weekly