New property owners may have had their fill
By JASMIN PERSCH Special to the Daily Press
DOWNTOWN — A mobile service that provides food to the elderly and homebound finds its mission in danger of screeching to a halt.
Time is running out for officials at the local chapter of Meals on Wheels to find a new place to set up shop. The group has searched fruitlessly for new office space — ever since being informed this spring by their landlord, First Christian Church, that they would have to relocate because the property was up for sale.
The church — with a congregation that seats a maximum of 50 people — has been facing increasing financial difficulties over the last five years, which led to the sale. During the first 15 years of their tenancy, Meals on Wheels paid rents ranging between $300 and $600 a month. However, for the past five years they have paid $1,750 a month. But with the church selling its property, rent would hike from $1,750 to $3,000 per month. As a result, Meals on Wheels will have to go mobile.
In April, Meals on Wheels was granted a 60-day extension to remain in the building, located at 609 Arizona Ave., but uncertainty about their immediate fate abounds. They claim the new property owners haven’t contacted Meals on Wheels officials to tell them when they need to be out. What’s more, Meals on Wheels contends they don’t even know who the new property owners are, according to Rosemary Regalbuto, the organization’s executive director.
“It’s been such a roller coaster ride, figuring out what is going on,” Regalbuto said. “Gossip has been running rampant.”
Regalbuto has considered several different possibilities for a new office, but options are limited because of high rents and the organization’s need for an area where volunteers can load and unload food trays.
“This is becoming a more and more common issue for nonprofits,” said City Councilman Richard Bloom. “As real estate goes up and rents increase, it puts pressure on these groups.”
If Regalbuto had her way, the organization would buy a building and remain permanently. But, that’s out of the budget, she said. She has considered renting commercial space, but her organization can’t afford the rents.
“We have been priced out of (certain real estate options in) Santa Monica,” Regalbuto said.
Following the most recent rent increase, Meals on Wheels charged clients $6 instead of $5 to have two meals delivered per day, she said.
Regalbuto said the hike in meal prices is a burden for clients — many of whom live on fixed incomes, pensions and Medicare. But people who can’t afford the higher prices aren’t turned away. Their costs are adjusted to what they can pay.
Meals on Wheels, which has been in Santa Monica since 1974, delivers food to hundreds of people, mainly the elderly, who are homebound in Santa Monica, Malibu, Pacific Palisades and Topanga Canyon.
“We don’t shuffle papers, we feed people,” said Kevin McNulty, the organization’s assistant.
The commute is another factor that could interfere with the organization’s service. A long route may turn away volunteers who drive their own cars and pay for their own gas.
“I can’t lose one more volunteer,” said Joanna Vasquez, director of volunteers.
The Venice United Methodist Church offered to rent out space to Meals on Wheels on Lincoln Boulevard, but the street is so backed up with traffic that the group could lose numerous volunteers if it moves there, Vasquez said.
“We can’t leave Santa Monica,” she said. “Most volunteers won’t follow.”
Volunteer Jean Bigelow said she does-n’t mind moving south because it’s closer to her home, but she wants to stay in Santa Monica.
She has been volunteering at Meals on Wheels for about 14 years and has been bringing meals to the same people for more than 10 years, she said.
“I find I like the old people, I get kind of attached to them,” Bigelow said. “One little old lady is so charming.”
The organization is still considering taking the Venice United Methodist Church up on its offer, despite the traffic concerns. But the office space poses its own set of problems. The space is split up, requiring people to walk up and down stairs, Regalbuto said.
Meals on Wheels also has been in discussions with two churches in Santa Monica.
The AME church in Santa Monica contacted Meals on Wheels in July and offered 1,180 square feet of office space and some parking spots for loading. But the space needs tenant repairs costing $4,500.
Regalbuto has been waiting for the church to get back to her with more information, like rent costs.
The Mt. Olive Lutheran Church also contacted Meals on Wheels this month. However, Regalbuto said the office space is too small and the organization’s files would be in the hallways.
“I’m investigating the use of some of the offices,” she said. “Beggars can’t be choosers.”
Regalbuto said she will consider any place that is reasonable in price and, if she has to, will raise money to meet steep rent costs.
But she would like at least 1,000 square feet of space in the new office.
Regalbuto has contacted city officials for help, including Bloom and Janet Hand, City Hall’s ADA/disabilities and senior services coordinator.
City spokeswoman Judy Franz said the organization can submit a proposal for rehabilitation when it finds a new location. City Hall currently helps Meals on Wheels financially through grants, but the organization gets the majority of its funds from private donations.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 27, 2005. Read the original PDF.