Former board member alleges financial shortfalls at Carmichael Outreach

A former Carmichael Outreach board member is calling for resignations, citing concerns over the organization’s finances. Sierra D’Souza Butts reports.

A former board member of Carmichael Outreach is calling on its current board to resign due to financial shortfalls.

Mirtha Rivera, who resigned from the volunteer board on July 7, said she removed herself from the team after noticing a gap of financial planning within the board.

“We need to have people on the board right now that will plan a viable financial plan,” Rivera told reporters on Thursday.

• Carmichael Outreach running low on supplies, asks public for help

Although she did not specify the details of the alleged shortfalls she said Carmichael could only stay open “probably” until September.

“I think it needs to be people on the board that will come and have the knowledge [on] how to handle finances,” said Rivera.

She added that the board needs people who can allocate money in a timely manner and not wait until it’s “too late”.

Rivera has worked with the non-profit for over a decade. She said she’s speaking up now because she does not want to see Carmichael shut down.

“It’s important that we keep in mind that my aim is not to ask for anything to close Carmichael. It’s a vital service that we can lose and so my worry is as a board, we didn’t do the job,” she said.

“When you don’t do a job in [other] places you have to leave or get fired. I think I’m firing myself because I want to be accountable to the people that I serve.”

In a statement, Carmichael Outreach said its focus is to provide compassionate, essential services to people in the community.

“In recent weeks, our board has worked closely with the leadership team, staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners to strengthen the organization’s long-term financial sustainability,” read the statement from the Board of Directors at Carmichael Outreach.

“Like many charities across Canada, Carmichael Outreach has faced significant financial pressures as demand for our services has increased while charitable giving has declined.

“The Board took action to address these challenges, and thanks to the extraordinary response from our community, we can confirm that our doors will remain open and services will continue without interruption anytime in the immediate future.”

The board also acknowledged Rivera’s resignation and thanked her for the time, passion and commitment she gave during her service.

“While we may have different perspectives on governance matters, we share the same belief that Carmichael Outreach is an essential organization in our community,” the board stated.

“The Board remains united in its commitment to effective governance, responsible financial stewardship, supporting our dedicated staff, and ensuring Carmichael Outreach continues to be a trusted resource for those who need us most.”

Earlier in the week, the organization said it was in need of many donated essentials like food, bottled water, clothing and toiletries.

The non-profit serves about 8,000 people per month.