Fifty Years of Faithfulness

In our previous newsletter, we reflected on the Mission’s early years—those initial twenty-five years driven by courageous women and men who launched a ministry for those seeking healing, guided by God's steady faithfulness and this community's support. Now, we focus on UGM’s subsequent twenty-five years in Spokane, a period marked by growth, greater compassion, and a more profound grasp of what authentic recovery entails.

The 1970s marked a pivotal moment for Spokane. As the city transitioned from its industrial roots, Expo ’74 helped propel environmental cleanup efforts and downtown redevelopment. This sparked a modest yet significant revival, even as broader national industries struggled. Nationwide, confidence in government waned following war and political scandals, while the era known as the “Me Decade” emphasized personal fulfillment and individualism. This period saw a surge in cultural experimentation and rapid technological advances. The carefree postwar years were replaced by challenges like fuel shortages, stagflation, and widespread unrest, fundamentally altering everyday life.

Amid these changes, UGM faced increasingly complex needs as spiritual searching, drug use, and social instability grew. God was raising up new leaders—people ready to serve those experiencing homelessness and addiction, continuing a mission rooted in generations of faithfulness.

The Altmeyer Era

In 1976, after more than a decade of service, Executive Director John Pederson prepared to retire. Having known Harry and Earline Altmeyer through years of volunteer work, chapel ministry, and Harry’s service of over 20 years on the UGM board, John believed they were the right leaders to guide the Mission forward. Harry’s connection to UGM extended back to the 1950s, when his compassion for men in crisis led him to participate regularly in the chapel ministry—Harry preaching, with Earline and their five boys providing music. By the early 1960s, he had joined the board of directors, though his most significant involvement was still to come. He officially became Executive Director in 1977.

The Altmeyers’ long history of service shaped their leadership at UGM. While in college, Earline helped Albert Arend in the early days of UGM, and Harry’s grocery connections helped to keep UGM shelves stocked through generous donations from wholesalers and growers. Together, they demonstrated tireless, hands-on ministry by traveling to churches and civic groups, speaking on the radio, and involving their boys in chapel services and daily mission activities. Under Harry’s leadership, UGM continued to prosper.

As Harry approached retirement, the board questioned who could succeed a leader so closely tied to the Mission’s identity. Harry suggested his son, Phil, who was then working with Campus Crusade in California. Phil and his wife, Carol, visited Spokane and felt a clear sense of God’s calling. Phil joined UGM staff as a trainee on September 1, 1986, gaining experience in all areas of the ministry, preparing to follow in his father’s footsteps. After 11 years as Executive Director, Harry retired on August 31, 1987, leaving behind over three decades of service and a legacy that is now honored with the naming of Harry Altmeyer Park.

Leadership & Provision

Having grown up around this ministry for most of his life, Phil Altmeyer took on a leadership role in 1987 as the new Executive Director of UGM. Supported by his wife Carol and their children, he was aided by a small but dedicated, open-handed, and servant-hearted team that helped develop and transform the mission. For example, his brother Randy was also on staff, focusing on managing the daily shelter operations so Phil could concentrate on expanding UGM. According to team members, Randy was the classic “get ’er done” guy—steadfast, tough, and deeply loyal. He held the fort and kept the men accountable. Beneath that toughness, though, was a compassionate heart for the men.

A heart for the homeless was what truly united the UGM community in those early years. No one was thinking about how much money they could make or climbing a career ladder. They were choosing service over advancement, choosing ministry over building a personal fortune. That was the glue: love for the ministry, love for the people, love for the work God was doing. Everyone pitched in. People stayed late, checked on guests, and did whatever needed doing. It was hands-on, all-in, everyone-helps kind of work.

Phil’s first hire was Operations Manager Dave Wall, with a deep compassion for vulnerable people. Dave became one of the Mission’s earliest storytellers, capturing the daily realities, quiet miracles, and hard-won transformations happening inside UGM. When he and his wife Becky arrived in 1988, Dave stepped into a ministry that was gritty, prayer-driven, and run by only a handful of staff. His role quickly expanded beyond using the computer and writing the newsletter. His storytelling, grant writing, and early media efforts impacted many lives and laid the foundation for UGM’s communications and development efforts.

Prison & Juvenile Ministry

Having been involved with the Spokane County Juvenile Detention program as the Religious Program Director, Danny Beard was familiar with UGM and Phil’s vision for the youth. As Phil’s second hire, Danny joined UGM staff full‑time in 1987 and served in nearly every part of the ministry: chaplain, counselor, camp director, intake officer, program manager, and more. “I just did whatever needed doing,” he laughs. During his early years, Danny also dedicated himself to the men staying at the Mission, organizing sports leagues and community‑building activities. Gonzaga coach Dan Fitzgerald donated the Mission’s first basketball hoop, and the YMCA provided memberships. It is evident that the Lord, through the community and Danny’s connections, partnerships, and relationships, provided endlessly for these men.

Danny reflects, “When God opened the doors for a Bible study in the Spokane County jail, we expected great things, and God answered our prayers. Many lives have been changed from a life of crime, and they are living for the Lord. God truly gives the increase when faithful men are willing to serve Him.”

UGM Camp & Youth Outreach

With the establishment of the UGM Youth Outreach program becoming a reality, UGM Camp was launched in 1988, initially hosted at Riverview Bible Camp. The approach was simple: 25 boys, 25 girls, one weekend, and a lot of prayer. Volunteers were few, but God kept providing. A partnership with Brother Ray’s church brought music, leaders, and discipleship support.

In 1991, retired businessman Dick Shanks provided UGM with a significantly discounted deal for his riverfront property—land that would serve as the permanent site for UGM Camp. Shanks lived to see thousands of children experience the gospel and the outdoor life, thanks to his generosity.

Since the late 80s, the Mission has worked to serve Spokane’s underprivileged kids through a summer camp experience. However, the staff recognized a need to extend their involvement beyond the summer and began exploring more effective ways to reach children in the community.

Jim Hatch’s experience with D.A.R.E. involved working in classrooms where he frequently heard teachers and counselors request year-round activities. After retiring from law enforcement, Hatch joined the Mission staff to develop such a program. “Our goal,” he said, “is to create a program that supports kids every week. The need in Spokane is great—we have one of the highest poverty rates in Washington.” UGM intentionally moved into year-round, youth-focused outreach. “The chance to make a lasting difference in children’s lives is enormous.” And Hatch’s optimism proved true!

The Big Move

By 1989, homelessness and addiction in Spokane had increased significantly over the previous 38 years. The Mission sometimes struggled to meet the demand for services. Many nights, men slept on the floor throughout the Mission, and meals were served in shifts due to limited space. Because of overcrowding and poor building conditions, the Mission prepared to relocate to a new site.

It was time to leave the slowly deteriorating building on Browne St., which had transformed many lives since 1952. After prayer, generous donations, and hard work, the new UGM Administrative Offices and Men’s Shelter at the Trent and Hamilton location opened in 1992. Located along the Spokane River, the renovated facility provided optimized space use and met basic safety and comfort standards, allowing the Mission to triple its service capacity. This location remains the main campus for Union Gospel Mission.

Anna Ogden Hall: A Sanctuary for Women and Children

Originally purchased by UGM in 1971, Anna Ogden Hall was one of the few options available to help battered women and children. By the mid-1990s, increasing violence and drug problems in Spokane caused more women and children to end up on the streets. The shelter quickly reached capacity and remained full for years. During harsh winters, overflow women were housed in the old Mission building. When three lots adjacent to the original AOH building became available, the shelter aimed to expand and double its current size.

The story of the expansion was one of providence in itself: a sewer line in the alley threatened to halt construction because all other city sewer lines in this neighborhood followed a very specific pattern that interfered with the expansion project. However, a special inspection of the historical records uncovered an unexpected right-angle turn, allowing the expansion to proceed.

On October 11, 1996, the expanded facility was dedicated, creating space for children’s programs and transitional housing for women and families completing recovery.

Creating a Culture of Care

In those days, as the core of the ministry was still forming due to new staff and leadership, they realized there was no real organized recovery program. Men and women could only stay for a short time and were required to be out of the buildings during the day, looking for work. Chapel services were held every night, often led by well-meaning church groups who didn’t always understand the weight of shame many guests carried. There was a lot of judgment, shame, and an increased focus on behavior. “We didn’t focus enough on the heart; We didn’t have the resources or the knowledge,” says Becky Wall (former AOH Director).

The introduction of the Genesis Process curriculum in the late 1990’s marked a turning point at UGM. It brought a grace‑based approach that reshaped the culture of care. Healing started to look less like rule‑keeping and more like real transformation. Most participants walking through UGM's doors hide wounded hearts hardened by years of emotional pain. In addition to individual and group counseling, men and women hear about the hope that can be found in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Reflecting on 50 Years

Reflecting on this chapter of our history, we see a tapestry of provision, courage, and quiet faithfulness. Buildings expanded. Programs deepened. Leaders stepped forward. Volunteers showed up. And throughout it all, God continued to meet people in their most vulnerable moments and ignite change in our community.