Editor's note: For World Homeless Day, 10.10.18, we’re turning the keyboard over to a few of our current and former residents. Who better to explain what homeless people really need?

Phillip: Face to face, one at a time

I have lived at the Union Gospel Mission in Spokane for the past 14 months. My homelessness was caused by alcohol and drug dependency. Keeping a job and a place of my own has been impossible for me.

I have felt alone, afraid and unlovable for all of my 41 years. My confusion has lead me down the dark path of isolation, addiction, depression, and attempts of suicide.

Through the LIFE Recovery Program offered here, I have begun to understand the causes of my addictive behavior, my struggle with relationship and thus my inability to function normally in society. I have learned that adverse childhood experiences such as abuse and neglect are very common in the men whom I’ve talked to who have called this mission home (myself included).

Matt Lewis has worked with the guests at the Men’s Shelter a little more than a year – first as a resident advisor and now as day desk supervisor. His passion to share God’s love with people who are broken and hopeless is evident in every way, including his answers to our questions about his area of UGM's ministry.

Editor’s note: We decided to switch up our usual Q+A format by putting Matt’s last answer first. We believe his heart shines brightest there and helps explain his passion both for his ministry at UGM and in the whole of his life.

 “You work at the Union Gospel Mission? Do you know Dave Wall?”

I can’t count how many times I’ve heard this. Everybody knows Dave, and Dave knows everybody. As community engagement director, Dave is that warm, genuine, smiling person who introduces new people to what UGM is all about and invites them to take part. He knows this place inside and out, having been at UGM longer than most of our buildings.

Most importantly, Dave knows the people God has placed here, and he cares for them deeply. Almost three decades of relationship-building at UGM has made Dave the man with countless amazing stories. He recently wrote this one down.

Perhaps you saw one of our volunteers holding a sign that said #EndHomelessness or Homeless Human on World Homeless Day. And you’re wondering just how to go about ending homelessness or what it means to see someone on the street as human, not homeless.

First off, just reading this blog is a step in the right direction. You want to make a difference. That's step one.

Step two is less of a step really and more of a mindset. Be prepared to be discouraged, to see countless obstacles, and even to be overwhelmed by the need. Hold onto the power of one: One person performing one small act can make a difference. You're not called to solve homelessness, but you may very well be called to do one thing to help.

You might be asking: Why is UGM making such a big deal of World Homeless Day? How does a day devoted to homelessness really help anything?

Actually, I hope you are asking those questions because they show you’re already paying attention, and that’s Step 1 in making a difference.

When I first applied for a job at Union Gospel Mission, I was not paying attention. I was wrapped up in my suburban life, raising my kids, serving at church – all good things – and I had not given much more than a passing thought to homelessness.

The recent tension between the City of Spokane and Blessings Under the Bridge actually points to a positive bottom line: Spokane is an extremely compassionate city, giving generously to a variety of charities working to care for those on the fringes of our society. I am grateful to live in a community where those who have been blessed freely share what they have with those who are hurting.

 The UGM Crisis Shelter for Women and Children celebrated its 10^th anniversary in January. While the surroundings have changed dramatically in the last few months, the heart is still the same: The UGM Crisis Shelter exists to welcome the hurting and broken and connect them with the resources necessary to get back on their feet.

From its inception in 1951, Union Gospel Mission’s purpose has been to break – not perpetuate – the cycle of homelessness.

My title is Director of Marketing & Communications, but my job is telling stories.

For almost nine years, in one way or another, I’ve been interviewing and telling the stories of people I might never meet if it weren’t for working at the Union Gospel Mission.

By Gabe Shippam, Director of Men's Rescue

Work Ends Homelessness

Years ago, I started a ministry in the worst neighborhood in San Diego. Daily, more crimes and arrests occurred in that neighborhood than anywhere else in the city. We were there intentionally to be a light in the darkness, love the poor and homeless, provide for their physical needs, and build relationships in order to proclaim the gospel of Jesus.