United Christian Advocacy Network’s City Mission officials are reporting that they’ve hired an interim executive director; are finishing up on its’ asbestos abatement and are planning on opening their doors after the air and heating system are upgraded, mid to late March. Submitted photo

It’s been a rough start to 2024 for the United Christian Advocacy Network’s City Mission thus far.

UCAN was forced to shutter operations because of the discovery of asbestos during a heating/air upgrade to its old, dilapidated system, three months ago. That, coupled with the unexpected resignation of the organization’s third executive director within three years, left some wondering if the old mission located on First Street would open its doors again.

However, UCAN’s current board president reported some positive news regarding the City Mission’s status.

“UCAN is moving forward! We have hired an interim executive director, who is a retired pastor, executive at Americans for International Aid and Adoption, and skilled in administration, counseling and not-for-profit organization management. He will serve UCAN for three to six months as we search for a permanent executive director,” wrote Sharon Hamilton in an email to The Post-Journal.

Bruce Baehr will be stepping into this role, months after the resignation of Aaron Wadin, the previous executive director of the City Mission, at the end of January.

Additionally, Hamilton by all accounts is positive that the sole, men’s homeless shelter will be back in operation just as soon as the heating and air upgrades are completed.

“The asbestos abatement began last week and is estimated to be completed Friday. The heating and air conditioning contractor is scheduled to be back on site the week beginning March 11,” wrote Hamilton. “The heating system is estimated to take 2-3 weeks to complete.”

Hamilton and the staff at UCAN feel blessed and are thankful for all the community support they’ve received during this period of transition and repairs.

“UCAN continues to be grateful to our community for the outpouring of support for its ministry. We have received donations, large and small, in the form of funding, volunteers, food, personal products and especially prayers – each of which we consider a great blessing,” stated Hamilton. “Joy Fellowship remains a joyful partner in serving five men of the mission and Saint. Susan’s has opened its doors to our administrative team. While “there’s no place like home,” we are so thankful that the community in which we live in is so extremely generous and supportive during our time of challenge and transition.”