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Rescue Outreach Mission reports growth, projects 2025 shortfall near $600,000 and seeks continued county partnership
Summary
Executive Director Chris Hamm told commissioners ROM now averages about 110 nightly guests, has increased meals and shelter bed nights year to date, and projects a 2025 budget shortfall around $600,000; commissioners asked staff to continue coordination and explore partner funding and capacity.
Chris Hamm, executive director of Rescue Outreach Mission (ROM), presented a multi-year overview of shelter and housing activity and fundraising progress. Hamm said ROM now averages "over 110 guests" per night and described a shift toward a housing-first model: year‑to‑date ROM reported 78,000 meals prepared and over 26,111 shelter bed nights; Hamm projected total meals for the year near 104,000 and expected to assist roughly 238 individuals into permanent housing in 2024 based on current trends.
Hamm reviewed ROM’s 2025 budget: current revenue runs about $1.0M–$1.025M against expected expenses of roughly $1.6M, leaving a potential shortfall near $600,000. He said recent fundraising and partnerships (including a large luncheon that netted pledges and gifts) improved the organization’s outlook but that sustainable funding remains a challenge. "We do operate over a 115 beds and we regularly open up for additional cots and we're still remain committed to that work," Hamm said.
Commissioners expressed support for ROM, thanked staff for oversight and asked the county manager and community services staff to continue coordinating with ROM and other service providers. Commissioners also discussed eligibility constraints (for example, certain convictions precluding congregate shelter placement) and requested further briefings and clear lines of communication about potential county funding or programmatic support to avoid last-minute emergency requests.
