Crossroads’ $6-million mission: A fundraiser for a much-needed new men’s center

The Crossroads Mission has become an indispensable part of the Yuma community.

The 150 beds in the men’s center take the burden off of the city from having to provide homeless men with housing and many other services.

Now, after nearly 25-years in the building on Arizona avenue, it’s time for an upgrade.

The Crossroads Mission opened its doors in downtown Yuma in 1959 as the Lower Lights Mission.

The motto was 3 S’s: Soap, Soup, Salvation.

Then in 1993, the mission moved to it’s a new location, also changing its name.

Since then the men’s shelter has ebbed and flowed, baring the brunt of Yuma’s homeless male population.

Executive director, Myra Garlit remembered times when the shelter was over capacity saying, ” We have [the men] laying in the hallways. A lot of the times when it’s very cold we have them laying on the floors with just a blanket with no pillow. ”

In Garlit’s 19-years with the mission, she’s watched the campus expansion, but she has more expansions in mind.

“You can tell when you walk into our current men’s shelter we need a new men’s center,” Garlit said.

The future home of the new men’s center is a 27,000 sq. ft. lot on E. 11th street and S. Walnut avenue. It’s only a few hundred feet away from the main campus.

Garlit envisions the center to have 400 beds, medical services, and a much-needed geriatric unit.

As the baby boomers are getting older, she said more elderly men are becoming homeless.

” It’s really sad to see that [elderly men] just come to the mission to die. It’s very hard to care for them when they have no family, and we do want to provide the services. ”

Garlit estimates the project will cost $6-million.

The family shelter that was rebuilt in 2011 was also estimated at $6-million but it was completed on a $2.7-million dollar budget.

The non-profit depends on the city and the community for funding and support.

Garlit said she won’t retire until the building is complete, even if they have to build it in chunks.

After-all, 60-years ago the mission began with a dream, $50 and a lot of faith.

” I love Yuma County and it’s been my home for a long time. It’s a very supportive community. Very loving community. And I want to thank Yuma County for all they do for the homeless and addicted, ” Garlit said.

On October 12th the Crossroads Mission will be hosting a Jubilee to benefit their new men’s center project.

Tickets for the fancy fundraiser dinner start at $60.

It’s to celebrate their 60 years of service in the Yuma community.

For more tickets and other details visit their website.