Union Gospel Mission of Portland

For most of his life, there were not many Thanksgivings that Austin had a lot to be thankful for. “The pain in my life started real early on,” he says. From the time he was a child, Austin was pretty much on his own. “I had to wake up and provide for myself in an environment that’s not good for a kid to be in, with drugs around, and needles around, and a mom who’s in and out of the house, living a nomadic life, and a father who’s in and out of prison.” Austin’s parents were so absent it’s a miracle he survived.

Read Austin's full story on our website: ugmportland.org/news/austins-story

On Saturday, November 9th from 10am – 12pm we're partnering with 99.5 The WOLF to collect winter gear for those experiencing homelessness and in need.

We will be at the Tanasbourne Chick-fil-A on NE Town Center Drive off 185th. The first 30 people will receive a gift card for an Original Chicken Sandwich.

Items needed include: new or gently used coats, warm winter clothes,
gloves, new socks and underwear, blankets and sleeping bags

Hope to see you there!

Your generosity can nourish more than just the body. When Aaron came to the Mission, he was struggling, hungry, and lost. But thanks to your support, he received more than just a meal. He found hope, healing, and a renewed sense of purpose.

"A loaf of bread and salami doesn't go very far," said Aaron, reflecting on his days of homelessness and addiction. "I'm grateful for the mission and the meals they gave me. I was able to sustain myself that way. When I couldn't function otherwise," he shared.

Today, Aaron is sober, off the streets, and walking with Jesus. His life has been completely transformed.

Your gifts can make a difference. By donating to the Mission, you’re not just providing food and shelter; you’re offering a lifeline to those in need.

Donate today at: ugmportland.org/donatesocial

Your generosity is making a difference.❤️

Every coat, every blanket, and every pair of socks donated to Operation Overcoat helps keep our neighbors warm and safe during the harsh winter months. Together, we're making a tangible impact on the lives of those experiencing homelessness in Southeast Portland. A huge thank you to Central Nazarene Church for their continued support in serving our community!

Our 2nd Operation Overcoat distribution was a huge success! We distributed backpacks filled with winter clothing to help people stay warm during the cold months ahead. We couldn't have done it without the amazing volunteers from St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. Thank you for your time, support, and generosity. We're so grateful for the community coming together to make a difference.

Tara’s story is a testament to the life-changing power of a simple meal. 🍽️

Imagine struggling on the streets, feeling alone and hopeless. That was Tara’s reality. She faced the harsh elements, the constant fear, and the overwhelming sense of isolation that comes with homelessness. Without the support of the Mission, she might not have survived.

The meals she recieved not only provided nourishment but also a sense of belonging and hope. 'The kindness and grace I got from people at the Mission restored my faith in humanity,' she says.

This Thanksgiving, let's continue to make a difference in the lives of those in need. Your donation will help us provide meals to people facing hunger and hardship. Every $2.33 feeds one person. Together, we can make a lasting impact.

Donate today: ugmportland.org/donatesocial

Huge congrats to Michael on reaching a new milestone in his LifeChange recovery journey! We're incredibly proud of his hard work and dedication. This is a big step forward, and we're excited to see what's next. Let's celebrate Michael's progress together! 🎉

Thanksgiving Volunteers Needed 🦃🥧

Are you looking for a way to make a difference this Thanksgiving?
Join us for a special event as we serve a Thanksgiving meal to our neighbors downtown at the Mission. Whether you have a few hours to spare in the morning or afternoon, your time and energy will make a significant impact on the lives of many.

Here's how you can get involved:
• Thanksgiving Setup & Meal Prep: (Thu November 28, 8 AM - 11 AM)
• Thanksgiving Meal Service & Cleanup: (Thu November 28, 9:30 AM - 1 PM)

By volunteering, you'll not only be providing a much-needed meal but also fostering a sense of belonging and community for our homeless neighbors. It's a wonderful opportunity to give back and spread some holiday cheer.

Sign up today and be part of something truly special!: ugmportland.org/volunteer

Had an incredible day at Plumper Pumpkin Patch with the amazing women and children from LifeChange! We had a blast shooting apples from a cannon, watching pig races, exploring a corn maze, riding a hayride, and indulging in all the pumpkin donuts we could eat. What a perfect way to kick off the fall season together! 🎃🍂

This past weekend, we held an Operation Overcoat event downtown, a day dedicated to supporting our homeless neighbors as they prepare for the colder months. It was a heartwarming success thanks to the dedication of our incredible volunteers!

Here's how we made a difference: ❤️
We served over 300 meals and distributed 200 backpacks filled with winter essentials to our guests downtown. The impact of Operation Overcoat goes beyond these numbers. It's about offering a helping hand and a sense of community to those experiencing homelessness. These relationships are key to helping individuals find a path off the streets.

Looking Ahead: 🎒
We have additional Operation Overcoat events scheduled throughout October. With hundreds of backpacks remaining, there's still much to be done.

Today is World Homeless Day. Let's break the cycle of homelessness together. The Union Gospel Mission Portland is dedicated to providing life-changing support to those struggling with homelessness, hunger, addiction, and abuse. By raising awareness, we can help shed light on the urgent needs of Portland's homeless community. All people are created in God's image and deserve our compassion and support. ❤️

We are thrilled to announce that Union Gospel Mission Portland was awarded accreditation by Citygate Network at this years Evergreen District Conference! 🎉

Citygate Network Accreditation is a program that recognizes rescue ministries that are well-managed and demonstrate a commitment to excellence in all of their activities. This accreditation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and volunteers who are committed to serving our community.

We are grateful for the Citygate Network's recognition and look forward to continuing to provide hope and help to those in need.

Thanksgiving is coming up, and we're gearing up to serve 1,000 special meals to those in need, but we can't do it alone!

Your gift of just $2.33 can provide a delicious holiday meal for someone who might not have one otherwise. Help us spread love and joy this Thanksgiving. Together, we can make a difference. ❤️

Make your gift today: ugmportland.org/donatesocial

Thank you Beaverton Police Department's Ladies in Blue for inviting our LifeChange women to your clothing closet! The women enjoyed shopping for clothes, jackets, shoes, shirts, and belts. Some of their children got to shop as well. Thanks for supporting our community!

We are in need of some items for our guests, particularly men’s underwear – sizes large and x-large. An easy way to support those on the streets is to shop our Amazon Wish List.

Check out my list on Amazon

💜 October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. At Union Gospel Mission, we stand with those who have faced unimaginable struggles. Our commitment is to provide a safe haven, support, and resources for individuals escaping domestic violence. Together, we can raise awareness and create a community of healing and hope. If you or someone you know needs help, reach out. You are not alone.

What an incredible morning we had at our Vision Breakfast! On September 27th, we gathered to share our vision for the future of the Women's LifeChange Center.

We kicked off our event with delicious coffee and treats, followed by inspiring talks from our Executive Director, Matt, and a courageous graduate of the program. Hearing her story of transformation and hope is the reason why we are building this new home to help more women and children!

The highlight was tour of our new center, currently under construction, which will provide healing home for up to 80 women and children escaping homelessness, addiction, and domestic violence. Seeing the progress firsthand was a powerful reminder of the difference we can make together!

Thank you to everyone who joined us. Your support fuels our mission to open life-changing pathways to those in need. Together, we're building a brighter future!

TOMORROW is Operation Overcoat Collection Day!🧥

Help us keep our community warm by donating new or gently used winter coats, sleeping bags, boots and other winter clothing items Saturday September 28th from 10AM to 12PM at the Embassy Suites Washington Square off Hall Boulevard.

Address:
9000 SW Washington Square Rd. Tigard, OR 97223

Let’s make a difference together! ❤
For more information visit: ugmportland.org/ooc

This winter, many of our neighbors will face the harsh reality of inadequate clothing and supplies, leaving them vulnerable to the cold. Operation Overcoat provides backpacks filled with warm clothing and supplies to our homeless neighbors. More than just essential items, these backpacks are a symbol of hope for those facing difficult times.

Lori, who experienced homelessness last year, says: "I almost froze to death last year! Having warm winter items means everything to me. It's like a lifeline."

Join us in making a difference!
Volunteer or donate to Operation Overcoat.
Visit ugmportland.org/ooc to learn more.

Help keep our neighbors warm this winter! ❄️

Operation Overcoat Collection Day is right around the corner. We will be collecting new or gently used winter items to distribute to those in need. Most needed items include: Coats, Pants, Underwear, Sleeping bags, and Boots.

Saturday, September 28th: 10AM - 12PM
Embassy Suites Washington Square off Hall Boulevard
9000 SW Washington Square Rd
Tigard, OR 97223

Let's spread some warmth this winter!

Nathan and Jeff are out with our shower trailer in Old Town today. Every Wednesday morning we bring the shower trailer to to our downtown location. Marty, one of our shower guests today said about being able to shower, "It's a little bit of respect."

Thrift with a purpose!

Your purchases help fund our LifeChange program and provide valuable work therapy for those in recovery. When you shop at or donate to Union Gospel Mission’s Thrift Store you get great bargains and help people change their lives.

Donate: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4:30pm
Shop: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm

With winter just around the corner, most of us are preparing our wardrobes for the frigid months ahead. Yet, for too many, the essentials we take for granted are out of reach. For many of our homeless neighbors, the absence of winter essentials could mean the difference between life and death this season. ❄️

Will you help by giving an Operation Overcoat gift to provide backpacks filled with winter essentials to our neighbors on the streets? Each $29 YOU give will provide one backpack filled with winter essentials to survive the cold. Each backpack provides our team a chance to personally share God's love and build connections that can put individuals on the path off the streets.

🎒 Give a backpack. Save a life @ ugmportland.org/donatesocial

Five amazing men from our LifeChange program were baptized this week, marking a new chapter in their faith and recovery. We're incredibly proud of their dedication and excited to see what the future holds. Congratulations, gentlemen!" 🎉❤️

Operation Overcoat Volunteers Needed!🤝

"It's really rewarding... to be able to connect with them spiritually and to pray with them, to give them some type of hope," shares Angela, a dedicated volunteer at Operation Overcoat.

Join Angela and others who are making a tangible difference in the lives of homeless individuals. By volunteering at Operation Overcoat, you can provide much-needed support, from distributing essential supplies to offering a listening ear. Together, we can show God's love to our community by offering a lifeline of compassion and support to those facing hardship.

If you are interested in joining us for our Operation Overcoat Distribution event, you can sign up by visiting our volunteer page: ugmportland.org/volunteer.