Union Station Homeless Services is proud to announce its inaugural participation in the 135th Rose Parade® presented by Honda, with a whimsical and heartwarming float entitled “Bee the Solution.” This float, featuring musical bees, a charming beehive, a Beekeeper, and a band of Bee walkers, aims to inspire the public to recognize their collective power to bring an end to homelessness.

The “Bee the Solution” theme creatively embodies the 50th-anniversary tagline of Union Station Homeless Services, using a lighthearted and playful approach to raise awareness about the most pressing crisis of our time. Union Station Homeless Services seeks to empower individuals to realize that they can contribute to ending homelessness in their communities. Adhering to the Housing First approach, the organization has achieved an impressive 97% retention rate, meaning that 97% of the people they house remain stably housed.

Anne Miskey, President and CEO of Union Station Homeless Services, shared, “This year holds special significance for Union Station Homeless Services as we celebrate 50 years of dedicated service to our community, where we have successfully housed thousands of our neighbors. Our ‘Bee the Solution’ float serves as a unique opportunity to inspire communities and homeless services agencies across the nation to unite with the common goal of ensuring that all our neighbors can find a safe and healthy place to call home.”

Quote from TOR president

“We are thrilled and honored to have Union Station Homeless Services take part in the 2024 Rose Parade,” said Alex Aghajanian, Pasadena Tournament of Roses President. “Their involvement serves as a powerful representation of the positive impact they are creating in the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness, and we value their vital contributions to our community.”

The 135th Rose Parade, with the theme “Celebrating a World of Music,” will take place on January 1, 2024, in Pasadena, California. Union Station Homeless Services’ “Bee the Solution” float is set to capture the hearts of parade-goers and television viewers alike, serving as a reminder that every individual has the power to “Bee the Solution” in bringing an end to homelessness.

For more in-depth explorations of important topics such as housing, homelessness, and community, please explore their website or tune in to thought-provoking dialogues on the “Changing the Narrative Podcast,” accessible at unionstationhs.org.

# # #

Union Station Homeless Services is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is committed to providing permanent solutions to end homelessness and rebuild lives. Headquartered in Pasadena, CA, Union Station has been in existence for almost 50 years. Union Station is the San Gabriel Valley’s largest social service agency assisting homeless and very low-income adults and families.  Recently expanding into El Sereno and Eagle Rock, we are the lead county agency for Service Planning Area 3 (SPA 3), coordinating homeless services in 36 communities, with a combined population of over 1.5 million across the San Gabriel Valley. Our mission is guided by the belief that everyone deserves a life of dignity and a place to call home.  For more information, visit www.unionstationhs.org.