Evening star., 1951-12-23
Col. UIrey Leaves v
Volunteers Of America
And Forms New Unit
Says Old Organization
Emphasizes Welfare,
Skimps on Religion

EmPnoSizeS Welfure,
Skimps on Religion
The Washington commander oi
the Volunteers of America, 1t
Col. Walter o. Ulrey, last night
announced his resignation tc
head a new welfare organization
Volunteers Inc.
The new group already is oper-
ating an emergency home fol
women and children at 1851 Wyo-
ming avenue NV. he said. Its
headquarters is at 1921 street
NV.
Volunteers Of America main
tains dormitory and dining room
for homeless men at 924 New
York avenue NV. and home
for men and women, Sunset Home
at 1401 Ingraham street NV
Col. Ulrey has headed the organi-
cation here for II years.
Asked last night why he was
reSigning, he at first refused to
comment. Later he said it was
because the Volunteers of
America have ceased to be a re-
ligious organization"
Emphasis on Welfare.
"They are putting all their
emphasis on welfare work" he
said. Il am opposed to that" He
refused to elaborate.
The Volunteers of America was
founded in 1896 by Ballington
Booth, son of the founder of the
Salvation Army. It is headed
nationally by Gen. Charles Bran
don Booth. the founders son.
The national volunteers say they
have branches in about 100 cities
Besides providing shelter and food
for the needy, the organiza tion
conducts religious services.
Gen. Booth. reached last night
in New York. said he has accepted
Col. Ulrey's resignation and that
a replacement will be sent here
shortly.
Calls Statement Incorrect.
He called Col. Ulrey's statement
that the organization has ceased
to be religious absolutely in
correct"
When We stop our religious
work, there will be no more Volun-
teerS of America" he asserted.
Gen. Booth said he was unale
to explain Col. Ulrey's charge. He
said the question of the Washing
ton organization was in the hands
OF an area commander, who was
not Immediately available.
The national organization owns
its two buildings here, Gen. Booth
said.
Col. Ulrey said his new organi-
zation leased the former Small
wood Public School at 321-33l ]
street S.W., and will operate II
fas a dormitory for homeless men
an emergency dining room, ar
industrial employment department
and general relief department
There will be nightly midnight
religious services. he said.
Non-Profit Corporation.
Industrial employment onsists
mainly of salvaging waste objects
COLLECTED by the men, he said.
In addition. the organization
will operate the Trinidad BOYS
Club, now at 1119 Wylie street
NE. which it has absorbed. Fred
E. Nalley, jr., the club director
now is on his paid staff, Col. Ulrey
said. The club has been in finan-
Icial difficulties.
fe etaoin shrdlu shrdleutao
Volunteers. Inc, is a non-profit
corporation. he added.
Questioned as to the future OF
the Volunteers of America, he
said:
Naturally. it will come to some
reverses."
He said he expects "the ma
Jority" of the Volunteers of
America staff, numbering about
IS, to accompany him.
Headquarters Not Listed.
The present status of the local
Volunteers of America organiza-
ton seemed to be confused last
night. Its headquarters are no
longer listed in the telephone
directory. which was issued
recently.
Instead. there is a new listing
for Volunteers. Inc" Under it
are an Industrial Department at
401 Fourth street Sc. the boys
club. and the names of Col. Ulrey
and I. L. Werdebaugh. secretary
Both the latter are listed at the
organizations headquarters.
The man who answered a re-
Iporter's call said, however, "Vol-
unteers of America" He was able
to connect with Col. Ulrey imme-
diately.
Col. Ulrey said he had direct
line from his new Office to the old
Resignation 3 Months Old.
Col. Ulrey's announcement SAID
the new organization board OF
directors will be headed by Mrs
Ernest w. Howard, Washington
civic leader. She has headed the
Volunteers of America advisory
board for three years.
Reached by telephone, Mrs
Howard confirmed the announce
ment. But she refused to answer
questions about her reasons fol-
leaving the former organization
or it's status. referring them to
Maj. Ulrey."
Col. Ulrey's letter of resignation
was sent to Gen. Booth three
months ago, the general said. But
it does not become effective until
December 81.
Col. Ulrey said he had "been
identified with" the Volunteers OF
America since 1911. He has been
the organizations only commits
stoned officer" here, Gen. Booth