Union Gospel Mission

Volunteers make a huge difference within the ministries of the Union Gospel Mission. In 2011, they served 89,610 hours in positions as diverse as receptionist and auto mechanic. They served thousands of meals, mended clothes, provided medical and legal care, baked birthday cakes, led worship, and added to our services in countless other ways. Most significantly, they demonstrated hearts of love and compassion for people who often feel unloved, unnoticed, unworthy. So, if you're interested in reaching out to the homeless, bring your heart and your talents and come prepared to receive as well as to give. Sign up online and find the next dates of our training classes.

The Union Gospel Mission (UGM) has been meeting the needs of the poor and homeless for over 60 years providing more than 6.5 million meals and 1.5 million nights of shelter. What began as a downtown soup kitchen in 1951 (founded by Albert Arend of Whitworth!) has expanded into a comprehensive ministry encompassing Rescue, Recovery and Restoration with three shelters, two thrift stores, an automotive enterprise and a summer camp for underprivileged youth. In 2011 alone, UGM provided more than 97,000 nights of shelter and served more than 303,000 meals. Over the course of six decades, we have learned a great deal about what works and what doesn't.