Skip to the main content.
Donate Need help?
Donate Need help?

LIFE
at the
Mission

Inside stories of hope,
courage, and recovery



Sign Up Today

Jim and Ken

3 min read

A Journey of the Heart: The love and power of the Gospel

Those who enter our Life Recovery program walk the path toward life change, receiving trauma-informed counseling, parenting support, life skills classes, and career guidance. This journey of the heart helps men and women find freedom from addiction,...

Read More

3 min read

Copenhaver Construction’s Servant Leadership: Making a lasting impact on UGM

The genuine compassion and abundant generosity in our community helps make life change possible throughout UGM. Copenhaver Construction recently...

Read More

4 min read

Breaking Ground For Hope: Community gathers in the LC Valley

On February 23, the LC Valley community gathered to break ground where the future UGM shelter will stand in Lewiston, Idaho. As the sun shone down on...

Read More

2 min read

New Beginnings: Treasures from the heart

Jarrod’s life in Spokane has been a series of ups and downs. He battled with addictions for more than 10 years. Yet on March 11, 2024, he will...

Read More

5 min read

Redeemed and Renewed: A testimony of God's grace

This winter, UGM resident Alethea shared her testimony at a staff meeting. With tremendous vulnerability and newfound confidence, she recounted how...

Read More

2 min read

From Recovery to Retail: Hope comes from UGM Thrift Stores

Three women from the UGM Recovery program achieved well-deserved positions at the Coeur d’Alene Thrift Store. Megan, Debra, and Starla serve as...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

6 min read

LC Valley Partners: Coming Together as the Body of Christ

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah...

Read More
04_23_15_UGMThrift_Retail_Boone(81).jpg

2 min read

7 Reasons to Donate, Shop, and Save at UGM Thrift Stores

Who doesn't love a good deal? And when you can get a good deal and impact lives at the same time...it’s that much better, right? At Union Gospel...

Read More

6 min read

2023: A year of kindness

When we think back on the last year, there’s an overwhelming sense of goodwill and support from the Inland Northwest community that seems to only...

Read More

2 min read

A God-Sent Place: Purpose and Community for Victor

Despite the chill of winter, Union Gospel Mission remains a warm haven for those seeking refuge. As the year comes to a close, UGM seeks to provide...

Read More

2 min read

The True Light of Christmas

“In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overpower it.” (John 1:4-5)...

Read More
General Store owner Bruce Barany and his sons, Tom and Miles with UGM's Danny Beard

2 min read

Partnering for a Purpose: The General Store’s Ongoing Support for UGM

Few stores in our community can light up the eyes like The General Store at Christmastime. It’s a staple for holiday shopping, embodying the working...

Read More

4 min read

Home for Good: Restoring family bonds after addiction

Is there anything more cherished during the Christmas season than our families? The gifts, the candles, the carols, and the festive meals wouldn’t...

Read More

2 min read

A Warm Welcome: Safety and connection for Belkis

In the last few years, we’ve served a growing number of immigrants and refugees from Venezuela in our shelters at UGM. The country suffers from a...

Read More
UGM financial partners, vehicle donors, thrift store shoppers, volunteers

3 min read

A Thanksgiving Reflection: Our mission, your partnership

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, UGM Development Director Steve Ellisen pauses to reflect on our organizational core value of Thankfulness. His work...

Read More

3 min read

Provision and Purpose: the gift of a meal

Offering someone a warm meal can bring about the unexpected. There’s something healing about the gift of food that kindles human connection and...

Read More

4 min read

After the Fire: Relentless provision for Anita

Anita and her son’s family were victims of the formidable Oregon Fire in Elk this past August. On her journey from upheaval back to stability, Anita...

Read More

4 min read

Safe Shelter and Opportunity: Meet Tyler, UGM Lead Resident Assistant

With the turn of the season, our attention shifts towards staying warm and preparing for the onset of frigid weather. Simmering soups in the kitchen,...

Read More

2 min read

Breaking up with Addiction: a letter from a resident

UGM program resident Jessika wrote a “breaking up with addiction letter” and shared at the fall LIFE Recovery Phase Promotion. Women receiving...

Read More

3 min read

World Homeless Day 2023

Every year on October 10, there’s a chance to stop and reflect on the needs and struggles of our hurting community. To recognize that there are...

Read More

4 min read

Moving Forward: Three different pathways into hope and healing

At UGM, we don’t have a one-size-fits-all approach. Men, women, and children come to our doors from vastly different situations, with different...

Read More

1 min read

Whatever You Do, Don't Give Up: A message from UGM shelter guests

If you’ve never experienced homelessness, abuse, or addiction or walked closely alongside someone facing those challenges, chances are you're never...

Read More

2 min read

Go and Do Likewise: a heart-to-heart message from Phil Altmeyer

“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.” (Luke 10:33) Although the paths that brought...

Read More