3 min read
The Father I Found: Pat’s Story of Redemption
At eight years old, Pat’s mom would share a beer with him. “Instantly, I was addicted.” At thirteen, drug and alcohol abuse became a constant. “My...
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2 min read
Brave Enough to Take that First Step
What would you say to someone living on the streets or deep in addiction? Finding the right words can be tough unless you’ve been there. For the past...
7 min read
From Isolation to Community: Feeling alive again
Joseph is a welcoming presence at the UGM Men’s Shelter, cherished by staff, residents, and volunteers alike. However, beneath Joseph’s kind exterior...
3 min read
Employment Readiness: Waking up with purpose
UGM offers hope to those in need of support in various areas of life, including employment and the issues that may hinder it. Individuals in the...
4 min read
“There is always a way out”: Words of hope from Debra, Bennie, and Sabra
Genevieve Gromlich, former Content and Communications Manager: September 6, 2023
For our neighbors caught in cycles of homelessness, abuse, and addiction, we want to share the message that there is a way out. There is hope for a...
3 min read
A Place to Move on From
Jessica Morgan, Director of Marketing and Communications: July 13, 2023
Sometimes Joe stops by my office to check in on me with a routine, “Hey, sister, how’s the family?” He’s not fazed by anything thrown at him—whether...
2 min read
Christmas at UGM: A warm welcome into a community that cares
Genevieve Gromlich, former Content and Communications Manager: December 15, 2022
The snow has come, the days are nearly at their shortest, and Christmas is right around the corner. But what is Christmas if you’re homeless? Is...
5 min read
Is Housing the Answer to Homelessness?
Barbara Comito, former marketing director: July 20, 2022
Has America misdiagnosed the problem of homelessness? In her article “Does Poverty Cause Homelessness?” Marchauna Rodgers argues that we have. She...
6 min read
Breaking the Generational Cycle TOGETHER
Genevieve Gromlich, former Content and Communications Manager: December 31, 2020
Stories of family dysfunction, neglect and abuse come to our doors every day. Many people are caught in generational cycles of sin and suffering,...
5 min read
Honoring Jerry Reese: An Authentic Man
Lynn Yount, UGM Volunteer: May 13, 2020
Jerry Reese, Men’s Recovery Director at UGM, has a large stick mounted on his office wall. Underneath, there’s a plaque in Latin: “Lignum unum deum”...
5 min read
Jessie: Hatred Fueled by Trauma & Neglect
Barbara Comito, former marketing director: April 1, 2020
Jessie hated homeless people. “I despised anyone who was living off the system. I blamed them for my life being hard. In a drunken rage, I threw beer...
5 min read
Is Housing the Answer to Homelessness?
Barbara Comito, former marketing director: July 10, 2019
In her article “Does Poverty Cause Homelessness?” Marchauna Rodgers argued that the United States has misdiagnosed the problem of homelessness,...
4 min read
Long-Term Recovery: The Right Kind of Hungry
Union Gospel Mission: July 11, 2018
Having recently celebrated the 2018 LIFE Recovery Commencement, we know the story is just beginning for the honorees. Their time at UGM was a time of...
3 min read
Three Portraits of Recovery
Lynn Yount, UGM Volunteer: August 29, 2017
Each person who comes into UGM recovery comes in broken. The program extends the love of Christ and brings his truth to bear on their brokenness. As...
1 min read
Partner Profile: The Beldens
James Bishop: September 16, 2016
Serving meals at a California rescue mission several years ago made a lasting impression on Jerry and Stephanie Belden. So much so that, when they...
3 min read
We Were Alone
James Bishop: February 1, 2015
You came alongside us. People with strong support systems don’t usually end up in homeless shelters.
2 min read
Recovery: a story of brokenness and healing
Barbara Comito, former marketing director: December 19, 2014
Editor's note: This is the third post in a special Advent devotional series, focusing on Isaiah 61:1-3. You may also want to read the introduction,...