Damage to the Twin Cities Rescue Mission from the February 4th storm. Photo courtesy of Yuba River Endowment

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - During a live radio interview, representatives from the Yuba River Endowment surprised the Twin Cities Rescue Mission Executive Director, Aaron Walrath, with a $50,000 donation to assist in facility repairs caused by the recent storms.

“I thought I was going to fall out of my chair,” said Walrath. “We are eternally grateful for the generosity of founding local farmers who started the Mission and now we have come full circle, thanking this new group of farmers who gave $50,000 to rebuild it!”

The Twin Cities Rescue Mission was founded in 1958 with $5.00 each from 16 local farmers. Located at 940 14th Street in Marysville, the Mission offers meals, showers, clothes, shelter, and services to local homeless men, and men overcoming addictions. The Mission is funded solely through private donations.

High winds during a recent major storm caused significant roof and internal damage to the Mission’s dormitory building. The damage exposed significant additional work that is not covered by insurance, including electrical upgrades, asbestos and lead abatement, structural issues, and more.

Damage to the Twin Cities Rescue Mission from the February 4th storm. Photo courtesy of Yuba River Endowment

“Most of us had no idea the vital role the Mission plays for our local homeless and addicted men,” said Yuba River Endowment Board Member, Mike Filice. “Our community is blessed to have Aaron and the dedicated volunteers of the Mission. They are truly our unsung heroes.”

The Yuba River Endowment is a non-profit organization created by Yuba County farmers who have a right to water that flows on the Yuba River. In some years the farmers are able to transfer a portion of their water to drought-stricken areas of the state. Proceeds from these transfers provide the funding for the Yuba River Endowment. Since formation in late 2019, the Endowment has donated over $750,000 to support Yuba County ag education, provide food resources, veteran’s support, scholarships and more.

“As farmers, we believe in a hand up, not a handout,” Filice said. “Hearing Aaron’s success in turning the Mission’s around and helping hundreds of local homeless men get off the streets and rebuild their lives is amazing, and we are honored to be a small part of helping this amazing group.”

The Twin Cities Rescue Mission is actively seeking donations to the Building Restoration Fund. Beyond the Yuba River Endowment’s donation, an anonymous donor is matching up to an additional $50,000. To donate, visit www.tcmission.com and click the Building Fund Donation link. To follow the Yuba River Endowment on Facebook, visit www.facebook.com/yubariverendowment.