Petition

Dear Central Union Mission,

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to serving the public good in Metropolitan Washington. As a community member, I appreciate the compassionate work you do, and I would like to offer my full support in your efforts to mitigate homelessness, hunger and poverty throughout the Washington area.

Today about 1 in 5 people in the District live below the poverty line, increasingly facing the risk of becoming homeless. Despite this increasing risk, affordable housing, temporary shelters, and facilities serving the homeless and poor are being reduced. This is unacceptable for a world-class city like Washington, D.C.

Central Union Mission has a 125-year track record of faithfully and compassionately helping the homeless. I think it is unfortunate that your current facility lacks adequate space to properly serve the needs of this growing population, and agree that:

• Our entire community is responsible for serving the poor and the homeless

• Services are needed in the downtown area in order to assist the growing population of the homeless move from the streets to independence.

• Mayor Fenty's and the D.C. Council's vote in favor of relocating Central Union Mission to the Gales School downtown location-a larger and better located facility-was a sound and just decision.

• The Mission's renovation of the Gales School building would be a win-win situation, saving the District a projected $60 million in operating costs (in 2008 dollars) and providing the Mission with a larger space to provide services and programs.

• Central Union Mission deserves ongoing support to continually expand their faithful services and programs to our community of men, women, and children in need.

Central Union Mission, you have my full support in your efforts to relocate, expand, and continue serving the Washington metropolitan area for another 125 years. As a community member, I commend you and thank you for your ongoing commitment to compassion.

Sincerely,