Leaving a Lasting Legacy

Community thought leaders, Bob McCray and Bill Doulos discuss the origins and importance of Union Station Homeless Services.

Union Station Homeless Services, formerly called The Union Station Foundation, was a modest hospitality center on Union Street devoted to providing meals and services to homeless neighbors in the Pasadena and Altadena regions, was established fifty-two years ago by a group of advocates from All Saints Church.

We recently had the honor of interviewing Bill Doulos, the original Executive Director of Union Station, and Bob McCray, the former president of USHS. Bob and Bill turned a modest idea into a lifeline for people in need by working with committed community volunteers. Through their efforts, a safe haven was created where people could find a hot meal, some much-needed rest, community, and vital support, like help getting necessary paperwork. It was a grassroots initiative driven by churchgoers' and volunteers' commitment—a real nickel-and dime operation with a lasting impact.

1989, Pasadena 1989 —Community members parade to the newly opened Adult Center onRaymond St.

The tragic tale of Dennis Pettigrew, an Ohio transplant who had been homeless in Pasadena, served as the impetus for the decision to open a shelter. Dennis tragically died of hypothermia while sleeping in a doorway. Bob, Bill, and the community rallied local churches and pushed for a shelter. Union Station's first facility was created as a result of their combined resolve. The Adult Center on Raymond Avenue was established as a result of a building fund that was started with a $10,000 donation. The center was first built to house about 30 men, but in 2008, it added a women's dorm, greatly expanding its capacity to serve the community. Today, it provides support to 45 adults each night, offering not just shelter but a pathway to stability and independence.

The dedication and vision of individuals like McCray and Doulos have left an indelible mark on Pasadena. What began as a single room in the back of a church has grown into an organization that helps thousands each year, providing housing and comprehensive wrap-around services. Their legacy serves as a testament to the power of community and the impact of unwavering compassion.

Donate to help USHS provide interim services to our unhoused neighbors and help them start their journey to a permanent home.