Fall at the Mission: A caring community in action

This season is special. And at UGM, it’s more than the smell of new school supplies, pumpkin spice in our mugs, cozy sweaters, and Washington apples. Every fall, we watch the community surround our shelters with vigor and compassion—serving hot meals, donating hand-knit scarves, and filling up donation barrels. Your presence and gifts during the colder months truly change the lives of those looking for freedom from homelessness and addiction.

Here's a glimpse of why fall at the Mission is like no other time of year:

Youth Outreach is back in schools! 

Did you know UGM has afterschool programs in five elementary and two middle schools? Our Youth Outreach department facilitates year-round clubs in Spokane Public Schools focused on relationship building, academics, talents and hobbies, and community service. By connecting with school staff, UGM is able to provide the services most needed for the unique communities represented at the school. 

One school staff member recently reached out to us about a student who attended UGM Camp over the summer. “He told me all about the floating, the ropes course, the food, games, team challenges, and Gaga Ball! The camp helped begin a sleep schedule which has helped him start his school year off successfully. Thank you for making a difference in one of my most favorite student's lives!”

“Thank you for making a difference in one of my most favorite student’s lives!”

We’re grateful that kids have support not only at UGM Camp but throughout the year as we partner closely with the schools. Providing access to safe, trusted adults has a lifelong impact on children.

UGM Youth Outreach is currently in Frances Scott Elementary, Grant Elementary, Stevens Elementary, Trent Elementary, Whitman Elementary, Glover Middle School, and Yasuhara Middle School.

We’re honoring #WorldHomelessDay.

This year, 2,021 individuals in Spokane County said they were experiencing homelessness. 22% of them were unsheltered. On World Homeless Day, every year on October 10, people worldwide pause to recognize these needs in their local communities. UGM spends the morning in downtown Spokane, offering hope to our hurting neighbors and sharing more about our services. Our goal is to foster connection and awareness around the issues of homelessness and gain perspective.

If you or a friend would like to attend, meet us at 10:00 a.m. in the Washington Trust Bank parking lot (706 W 2nd Ave., Spokane, WA). You’ll walk away changed and will have made an impact through words of hope, warming bags of needed supplies, and prayer. Help share the message that there is hope and a pathway out of homelessness.

It’s time for our annual Fall Food Drive!

With the cold weather and holidays coming up, we are preparing for all who will walk through our doors seeking a warm meal. Help us stock UGM’s kitchen by setting up a donations barrel or bringing supplies to your nearest UGM Enterprise!  

We need canned goods, pasta, coffee, condiments and more! Visit www.uniongospelmission.org/events for a list of most needed items.

Three easy steps: 
1). Pick up a barrel at UGM Motors between 10:00 and 5:00, M-F. (Call ahead for quickest service: 509.327.HELP) 
2). Place in high-traffic area such as your church or workplace (with permission, of course) and encourage your community to donate much-needed supplies. 
3). Deliver the barrel to the UGM Men’s Shelter between 8:00 and 4:00, M-F. 

Pick-up location 
UGM Motors: 7103 E Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley 

Drop-off location 
Men’s Shelter warehouse: 1224 E Trent Ave., Spokane 
 
If you can’t set up a barrel, just bring supplies to your nearest UGM Enterprise where our red barrels will be stationed for your convenience.

Thanks for keeping our shelter kitchens prepared for the winter and year-round to serve our shelter guests. 

A Thanksgiving Meal at UGM.

For many of us, Thanksgiving is a time for a delicious meal, a warm home, and cherished moments with loved ones. However, those in our shelters come to us with unique circumstances and often miss out on the warmth and joy of this holiday. We need your support to provide a Thanksgiving meal for those who call UGM home and for those who come just to sit at our table.

“I am thankful for UGM. As a resident, I was given a meal that brought me real
comfort. The staff and volunteers made me feel like family. Everyone belongs, everyone’s deserving.”
– TYLER

 

A gift of only $2.34, can provide a meal to someone at UGM. With your help, we’ll serve more than 50,880 meals to men, women, and children struggling this holiday season. 

Your support directly impacts our ability to offer a safe environment, a hope-filled chapel service, and a loving community to those in need. Please make a donation today to show that they are part of the UGM family.

Wednesday, November 27: Our Men’s Shelter is hosting a Thanksgiving meal for our guests, and it’s open to the public! Spread the word or come eat with us at 5 p.m. for fellowship and connection. 

Location: 1224 E Trent Ave., Spokane, WA

Save the date for Giving Tuesday.

The Tuesday after Thanksgiving has been named Giving Tuesday — a day when people express generosity, giving to causes they care about. After feasting, gathering with family, and hitting the sales, Giving Tuesday is an opportunity to show compassion amid the busy holiday season. 

Thanks to a match by several UGM financial partners, your gifts go twice as far this Giving Tuesday. In the spirit of generosity, make a donation on December 3 to help those in need. Every gift is an offering of love, making a real difference in the lives of men, women, and children in the Inland Northwest.

We desire to honor and steward what is given to us, with 87% of every dollar donated going directly toward programs and services in our shelters. UGM functions 100% free of government funding, is debt free, and we trust that God will continue to provide, calling people like you into this ministry with us. Thank you for choosing UGM.