Apart from collecting donations from well-wishers and churches to feed, cloth and provide shelter for thousands of the poor people, the Union Gospel Mission of Vancouver’s program can be redesigned in such a way that it can sustain itself for a long time without relying on regular donations.
To begin with, a revolving fund can be set up for the program. This fund should comprise of a large pool of donation that earns interest in a financial institution. After that, the interest value earned should be set aside for expenses. Alternatively, investment projects can be set up with the same revolving fund so that proceeds can be used to provide shelter and other basic needs to poor families.
Second, it is crucial to mention that the number of poor people is continually growing. As much as the Union Gospel Mission might be willing to support the initiative, it may reach at a time when the burden can be overwhelming. Hence, it is highly advisable to establish self-help groups within the selected poor households.
These groups can be formulated in the same way as community-based organizations that seek to improve the quality of life for members. Through the self-help groups, small investment projects can be set up to generate income for members. Since the concept of self-help groups relies on pooling meager resources together, it will be one way of ensuring that the Union’s mission remains sustainable both now and in the future.
The feeding program must be a major undertaking for Vancouver’s Union Gospel Mission. Serving over 260,000 meals per year cannot be an easy task for a program that fully relies on donations and input from volunteers. To improve and effectively manage the feeding program, the Union can reduce its budget by initiating agricultural projects.
Most of the foodstuffs consumed by the poor families originate directly from farms. Foodstuffs from farms can significantly minimize monetary demands of the feeding program. Hence, the saved funds can be redirected to other projects within the program.
In regards to the challenge of homelessness, it is vital to emphasize that a permanent solution is highly welcomed. Although the Union might secure temporary homes (through rents and leases) to the poor people, a long term home development plan can be put in place. In other words, permanent homes can be constructed for the poor people with the assistance of the corporate world.
Through the social-corporate responsibility initiatives that are common with business organizations and government agencies, the management at Vancouver’s Union Gospel Mission can present a formal request for support (both financially and in kind). The feeding and housing program is a noble duty being performed by the Union. Therefore, adequate support from other organizations can be sought with the aim of boosting the program.
Finally, there is a direct correlation between the growing instances of addiction and poverty. Most poor households are vulnerable to both substance and drug addiction. The program can be redesigned and modeled in such a way that addicts can be rehabilitated within the affected communities.
This calls for the establishment of rehabilitation centers with professional counselors. Nonetheless, setting up rehabilitation centers single-handedly can be a major challenge for the Union. Therefore, the program can team up with local governmental and non-governmental organizations to rehabilitate the addicts and equally increase public awareness on the negative effects of drug and substance abuse.