From Joe Laslo, our chief burrito slinger:
The UBFM Board of Directors and I met Thursday night via web-conference. I'm happy to say that we have a short term plan that we feel is workable, will keep our volunteers and those we serve safe and continue to feed those in need:
UBFM will continued to suspend operations through the week of 14 April. This is for the safety of our volunteers and those we serve. We also feel it prudent and wise to follow the latest request by our state's leadership.
During this time, we will donate $650 each week to Joppa, asking them to purchase and deliver non-perishable foods in lieu of food we would have delivered on Thursday nights. We made this decision for three reasons:
Joppa continues to serve the homeless and food insufficient each Sunday from their new facility. From this facility, Joppa is able to safely prepare and deliver food to those in need.
We feel strongly as a board that the money we receive in donations is not UBFM's money. Rather, it is money that belongs to the homeless and it does no one any good sitting in a bank.
We want to do something for those in need.
As we move through the next several weeks and months, the board and I make the following commitments to you. We will:
Continue to keep you up to date on UBFM by providing a weekly update. In it, we will provide as much information as we can. You should receive that email on Sunday afternoon.
Continue to work on a long term plan, one that will allow us to hit the streets of Des Moines again on our bikes and in our cars.
Be back as soon as we can. We don’t know when that is and we hope it will be soon. When we do get back on the streets, we believe there will be more people in need due to the potential downturn in the economy.
Many of you may be disappointed with this decision. We understand. We are just as disappointed because we want to get out and serve those in need as much as you do. We are a servant at heart just like you.
We also know this is the right thing to do in the short term given the circumstances.
Many of you also want to help in some way. Along with the positive thoughts and prayers, there is one way to make a difference right now. If you are able, would you consider making a one time or ongoing monetary donation to UBFM? This will allow us to serve those in need in the short term and set us up for the restart of operations in what I hope is the not too distant future. To make a donation, you can use PayPal or send a check to our PO box. Remember, depending on your tax situation, this may be tax deductible as UBFM is a 501(c)3 non-profit.
Thank you everyone for your continued support and your consideration.
Joe Laslo
CEO & Chief Burrito Slinger
Urban Bicycle Food Ministry - Des Moines
PO Box 65201
West Des Moines, Iowa 50265
515-710-5065
UBFMDSM.COM
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