1 min read
Longing for Community
Every year, the holiday season seems to start earlier—decorations go up and purchases are made in preparation for Christmas long before December....
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3 min read
Holiday Ways To Give
The holiday season is a time for giving, and what better way to spread some cheer than by helping those in need? Homeless and low-income individuals...
2 min read
Rebuilding A Life: Brenda’s story of resilience and hope
Union Gospel Mission: May 22, 2024
Many individuals we serve have endured significant losses. How can someone rebuild their life when they lack the resources and emotional strength to...
5 min read
What Causes Homelessness? (It Isn't Always Addiction)
Genevieve Gromlich, former Content and Communications Manager: September 24, 2020
We talk a lot about the cycle of homelessness and addiction here at UGM. We know that substance abuse is a contributing factor for a large percentage...
1 min read
Caring for Women and Children
James Bishop: January 15, 2016
Russ Henderson isn’t letting his age get in the way of helping those in need. At 91, he’s an avid supporter of the women and children at Anna Ogden...
1 min read
Church Connections: Heart of the City
Union Gospel Mission: January 15, 2016
Raydeane Owens, lead pastor at Heart of the City Church in Coeur d’Alene, recently described why the church believes it’s important to welcome those...
2 min read
Trace - Homeless
Union Gospel Mission: October 5, 2015
Trace spent 15 years intermittently homeless, fluctuating from employed to unemployed, living on the streets or in an RV without heat, running water...
Take Action: Give a Hand Up
James Bishop: October 5, 2015
How many times have you pulled up to a stop light and seen a man or woman holding a cardboard sign, asking for help? No one likes to see people...
3 min read
Helen was Homeless
Barbara Comito, former marketing director: October 1, 2014
A little over a year ago, Helen, 57, was living on the streets of Coeur d’Alene.
1 min read
Changed by Volunteering
James Bishop: October 1, 2014
Jerry Coatney was literally ecstatic when he got an email from Greg Barclay saying that UGM was looking for a driver. Jerry had wanted to volunteer...
5 min read
10 Lessons I keep learning at the Union Gospel Mission: Part 2
Union Gospel Mission: July 9, 2014
Editor's Note: A few days ago, volunteer David Wang shared a few of the lessons he’s learned spending time with homeless men in the day room at the...
5 min read
10 Lessons I keep learning at the Union Gospel Mission: Part 1
Union Gospel Mission: July 2, 2014
Editor's Note: Washington State University professor David Wang is a volunteer in the day room at UGM. His is a ministry of relationship or, as David...
5 min read
RESCUE: A Ministry of Disappointments
Union Gospel Mission: June 26, 2014
Overcoming poverty, addiction and abuse By Ron Hauenstein, UGM high-impact volunteer Staff and volunteers at the Union Gospel Mission experience a...
1 min read
The Darkest Dark
Union Gospel Mission: April 1, 2014
Do you remember the darkest dark you’ve ever experienced? I know I do.
2 min read
Homeless women: Who will believe in them?
Union Gospel Mission: February 25, 2014
Editor's Note: This is the first in a regular series, "The Crisis: a Troubling Reality." We will begin to examine and discuss the causes, conditions...
5 min read
The Crisis Shelter: a safe place for homeless women and children
Barbara Comito, former marketing director: January 17, 2014
Seven years ago this week, UGM opened the Crisis Shelter for Women & Children at 1234 E Sprague. This week also marked the Shelter’s 10,000th...
2 min read
Rescue: From Homeless to Housed and Employed
Barbara Comito, former marketing director: January 7, 2014
Not everyone who walks through the doors of one of UGM’s shelters needs the same kind of help. Case in point: Tim Whitman. Tim had been sober for two...
1 min read
Mental Health and Homelessness
Union Gospel Mission: December 1, 2013
Holly Simons, a psychiatric nurse, worked in the prison system for 10 years and first visited UGM while researching safe places for an inmate to go...
Take Action: Spread the Warmth
Union Gospel Mission: December 1, 2013
UGM is partnering with Burlington Coat Factory again this year for the Warm Coats/Warm Hearts Campaign.
4 min read
Why is homelessness higher among veterans?
Barbara Comito, former marketing director: November 5, 2013
11% of the adult homeless population are veterans. 20% of the male homeless population are veterans. About 1.4 million other veterans, meanwhile, are...
1 min read
A little girl's dream
Barbara Comito, former marketing director: October 16, 2013
Amanda & daughter Daisy "I think it's safe to say that when our residents were little girls, they did not dream of growing up to stay at a homeless...
1 min read
Meet Lenore
Barbara Comito, former marketing director: October 14, 2013
Lenore puts together the welcome baskets for new guests at the Center. From my perspective, Lenore McDonald is a volunteer extraordinaire. She says...
1 min read
Americorps Adventure
Barbara Comito, former marketing director: October 4, 2013
Next week,* Luke Hauflin, 21, will be headed off to Sacramento, California to join Americorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps). For now, he...
5 min read
The New Paul
Barbara Comito, former marketing director: October 4, 2013
Paul folded his lanky frame into one of the red chairs in my small office. I sat in the other, our knees less than a foot apart. He was wearing a...
3 min read
I Was in Prison
Union Gospel Mission: October 1, 2013
I was in prison and you gave me a second chance. Paul Staley was a self-described “peace-loving man.” A product of the sixties. A flower child. A...