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Five years ago this month, the Union Gospel Mission opened the Crisis Shelter for Women and Children at 1234 E Sprague. In its first year, the Shelter averaged 127 guests per month compared to 238 in 2011. Women and children make up the fastest growing segment of the homeless population – both in Spokane and throughout the country. The Crisis Shelter provides an immediate alternative to life on the streets or staying in an abusive situation while helping women find more permanent solutions. Many of the guests transition to long-term recovery at Anna Ogden Hall.

Director Rich Schaus, who opened the Shelter in January 2007, believes deeply in its purpose: “The women and children who come to the Crisis Shelter often come fearful and hopeless. Our intention is to reflect Christ to them so they might become hopeful and fearless.”

Our sincere thanks to all who have helped (through extensive volunteer hours and/or financial support) to make this refuge of comfort possible in the midst of chaos and despair.

Volunteers Providing Welcome

3 min read

Volunteers Providing Welcome

UGM’s volunteer case managers stand on the frontlines of ministry, offering listening ears and wise counsel to men and women in crisis.

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A Forgetful People

2 min read

A Forgetful People

We are a forgetful people. We forget how broken the world is in which we live. We forget how much we are loved by a good God. We forget the sinister...

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Where Does Our Hope Come From? Miranda's Story

2 min read

Where Does Our Hope Come From? Miranda's Story

Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. “The Lord your God is in your midst. A mighty one who will save.” (Zeph. 3:17)...

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Movie Night

Movie Night

What could be more fun on a warm summer night than an outdoor movie? Jeremiah Johnson, one of the owners of The Shop in the Perry District of...

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Volunteer Profile: Tim and Amanda Hepper

Volunteer Profile: Tim and Amanda Hepper

Tim Hepper began volunteering at the UGM Crisis Shelter four years ago shortly after his wife died. “There was a hole in my life that I knew only God...

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A Life-Giving Connection

A Life-Giving Connection

A small group of women from the First Assembly of God Church in Spokane visits the Crisis Shelter twice a month to worship and pray with the women...

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