Thank You for 75 years of God’s Faithfulness

As we celebrate our diamond anniversary, we've had the privilege of looking back at our history, our founders, and how God's hand has blessed UGM through you, our community. If you haven't had a chance to read the previous three newsletter issues from this year chronicling our history starting in 1951, we encourage you to do so and rejoice with us in what God has done through this ministry and your support. 

“Lives forever changed because of historic generosity.”

A Year of Divine Providence

As 2026 comes to a close, many businesses, organizations, and families begin to reflect on how the year has unfolded. Whether it’s nostalgia or a desire to see whether we accomplished our goals, many of us take time to look back. This reflection reminds us of what God has done in our lives over the past year and allows us to be thankful.

At UGM, 2026 has been a year of both celebration and growth. This year, we are seeing the results of seeds planted and hard work from past years, as projects large and small come together right in front of our eyes.

• Earlier this year, we opened our LC Valley UGM Shelter in Lewiston, ID. This 98-bed facility was years in the making, inspired by the vision of former UGM board member Rich Copeland. In just six months, the shelter has served more than 300 people—men, women, and children—and helped 70% of them move into safe housing.

• This past spring, we marked 75 years of UGM with three big events in the LC Valley, CDA, and Spokane. Nearly 2,000 supporters, donors, and partners joined us to celebrate God’s faithfulness through UGM since 1951.
• A special highlight each year is Commencement for our Life Recovery Program. In 2026, nearly 30 men and women walked the stage after two years of hard work toward sobriety and healing. They are now on their way to becoming God-dependent, contributing members of society.

• This fall, we will open our fourth UGM Thrift Store in North Spokane, WA. Our thrift stores and other social enterprises support the ministry financially, provide job training, and give people practical ways to help UGM offer life-changing services in our communities.
• Through amazing local donors, God has opened the door to build 24 new aftercare apartments in CDA and expand the UGM campus in North Idaho. These apartments will provide stability and safety for women and children graduating from our Life Recovery Program. We look forward to opening this new facility in late November. 

These are just a few highlights from 2026. God has done so much for us this year that it’s hard to share everything with you, our supporters.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
- Phil. 4:6

This verse, written by Paul to the Philippians, is a staple for many believers. It anchors our faith in God’s provision, encourages us to have a relationship with Him through prayer, to cast our cares and needs on Him, and to be thankful when He provides.

So, that is exactly what we are going to focus on in our last UGM newsletter of 2026. We will reflect on gratitude and thankfulness to God for His amazing provision, and to you, our community, for seventy-five years of support, which has allowed UGM to be the hands and feet of Christ, serving the homeless and addicted in the Inland Northwest.

Did you know UGM began because of the vision, sacrifice, and faithfulness of people just like you? It’s true. Bonnie Martin, a mother of six, felt called to help poor and homeless men in Spokane. In 1944, she used her savings to open a one-room soup kitchen called the Pacific Coast Mission, offering warm meals and sharing the Gospel. As the mission grew, a Spokane businessman named Albert Arend joined Bonnie in serving those in need. After several years, Bonnie passed the Mission on to Albert, who expanded its services to include overnight shelter. With help from local business colleagues, Albert officially founded Union Gospel Mission on November 15, 1951. UGM of the Inland Northwest was started by everyday people—locals who wanted to serve, prayed for a chance to help, worked hard, gave generously, and trusted God to provide. God has truly partnered with people like you, and that’s the foundation of UGM. Over the years, UGM has been blessed with anointed leaders who have kept the Gospel front and center in all we do. As our founder, Albert Arend, once said: “You can give a man a meal and a warm place to sleep, but only the Gospel of Christ can change a heart.” At UGM, we are in the business of changing hearts, not just sheltering people experiencing homelessness. We are grateful for 75 years of leadership that recognizes the importance of faith and community in achieving our goals. Operating a ministry like UGM requires significant financial resources. Our work across the INW is only possible because of the generosity of donors, community partners, and volunteers like you.

“The change in our residents is profound. Many arrive carrying the scars of their past, but those scars are soon overshadowed by the joy and purpose they discover as they step into a new life. Hardened hearts soften, and hope takes root as they realize what the Lord has in store for them. UGM is honored to provide a true pathway out of homelessness and addiction, prioritizing life transformation above all else. None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our donors and partners. Your generosity changes lives—bringing hope, healing, and lasting change to those who need it most. Thank you for believing in the mission of UGM and for sharing your blessings so that others may experience a brighter future in Christ.”
- Steve E., Vice President of Ministry Resources

This is even more important to UGM because, as an organization, we do not accept any government funding—zero, period. We believe this allows us to follow the biblical mandate that communities, churches, and people take care of the poor and less fortunate among us, and that taking government funds often interferes with and limits a ministry’s effectiveness. Additionally, we believe we are called to be good stewards of the resources given to us; as a result, $ 0.87 of every dollar donated goes directly toward our homeless and recovery services.

“Partnering with God at UGM has been a life-changing privilege. I’ve seen men and women arrive burdened by homelessness and addiction, only to experience real hope and transformation through our recovery programs—and thanks to the generosity of donors and volunteers. Witnessing these changed lives, and hearing residents’ heartfelt gratitude, reminds me daily that your support truly makes a difference. Thank you for helping make new beginnings possible, not just for our residents, but for everyone touched by UGM’s mission.”
- JoAnn Z., Vice President of Ministry Programs

Though UGM began by focusing on homeless men in 1951, the need to support women and children grew considerably over the years. Today, with your help, we serve thousands of men, women, and children across the Inland Northwest. Here are some numbers we gathered from 2025:

East of the men’s mission on Trent, UGM purchased part of a nearby business complex with help from Legacy Giving and the UGM Foundation. The city created Martin Luther King Drive and closed Denver Street, opening more space for growth. Milan and Gladys DeRuwe’s generous legacy gift enabled renovations and the creation of a facility focused on education and job training for men in recovery.

“Without you, this program is not possible at all. Our recovery is fueled by your generosity.”

– Steve, Life Recovery Alumni

Did you know that Scripture mentions helping the poor and needy over 2,000 times? Our call to help the weak, the suffering, and the needy is one of the most discussed topics in the entire Bible, and we are all called to this mission. 

From our UGM staff, our guests, and program residents—thank you. Thank you for all you do to support UGM, enabling us to serve our community and help fulfill God’s command to care for the most vulnerable among us.

“We are grateful.”