History
Originally, Montrose Lighthouse Inc, (MLI) relied on donations from Jail Ministries and a
sizable one-time grant. However, Jail Ministries is no longer involved with MLI and the
grant money received over two years is rapidly being depleted.
Financial records show that, while operating during the winter months, the recent
monthly expenses exceed $13,000. During the summer, they are less, but the current
board agreed that the position of executive director should be maintained to perform
necessary tasks related to fundraising, case work, community involvement and
preparation for the next winter season.
Current situation:
Looking forward to the next winter season and beyond, it is very apparent that for us to
continue serving the homeless residents who rely on us, we have to secure substantial
income. Although we plan to seek funds from grantees and local sources, we need help
from people who see what we do as vitally important. For the Christian population, this
work is clearly stated and proposed in the Bible. For the secular community, it is a
fundamental responsibility to help those less fortunate.
Although it is true to say that a portion (very small) of the unhoused community actually
choose to live this way, the majority would like to improve their lifestyle. It is also true
that many of these people have become addicted to different forms of injected relief. But
it is also true that the majority come from a background of insecurity, abuse and
rejection. Of these, many are in desperate need of mental attention. Several have
inherited physical or mental disabilities; some severe. Others have no IDs or Social
Security assistance or have no idea of the whereabouts of relatives. Several have had
their vehicles or campers confiscated by law enforcement authorities because that could
not afford to pay the license fee or have parked in public areas for longer than is
permitted. These individuals include women (occasionally with a child). In recent moths
it has become apparent that many of the unhoused are older people. This, in itself,
creates more challenges regarding health and caring, including supervision of
arrangements of medical appointments and associated transportation. Motivating these
individuals is a huge task as is helping to lift them out of depression.