In a unanimous vote, representatives from The Shelter and The Kearney Center announced today their intention to merge the two organizations in order to strengthen future operations. Within 60 days, The Shelter will complete the transition and operate under CESC Inc. (Comprehensive Emergency Services Center), the legal entity of The Kearney Center, with a continued focus on serving the homeless and those in need of the Big Bend area. The announcement comes nearly one year since both organizations started operating out of the new, state-of-the-art Kearney Comprehensive Emergency Services Center.
Since the physical move to The Kearney Center in May 2015, The Shelter has worked alongside more than 40 state, federal and local governmental agencies, non-profit and faith based organizations to provide comprehensive services for the homeless in the Big Bend area. The merger will allow for increased efficiencies, services, resources and opportunities to serve the individuals and families in need in the region.
“Our team has been working in lockstep with The Kearney Center for nearly a year,” said Jacob Reiter, Executive Director of The Shelter. “Our two teams are already operating as one when it comes to dedication and passion for serving those in need in our community. This merger allows us to expand and improve the services we deliver, and this is something easy to get behind.”
The staff of The Shelter will be retained, and current services will be continued and enhanced over time. The current board of The Kearney Center will expand to include members from the current Shelter Board of Directors.
“For nearly 30 years the dedicated staff, volunteers and donors of The Shelter have been fighting homelessness and have been a guiding light for those in need,” said Rick Kearney, Founder and Chairman of Board for The Kearney Center. “This merger combines their passion with expanded resources to ensure we can continue to do so for the next 30 years and beyond.”
The Kearney Center mission is to reduce homelessness, increase employment and provide long-term housing placements while providing safe emergency housing that promotes dignity and respect for individuals in our community who are experiencing homelessness, unemployment, disabilities and hunger.