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Purpose Summary & Frequently Asked Questions




Union Gospel Mission is a faith-based, 501(c)3, non-profit organization serving the poor and homeless in Spokane, Washington and North Idaho. UGM operates four shelters, three long-term recovery programs, three thrift stores, an automotive enterprise, a camp and after-school program for at-risk youth, and clean-and-sober housing for graduates of our recovery programs. 

This document focuses on the services available through our emergency shelters: The Crisis Shelter for Women & Children and the Men’s Shelter. The Men’s Shelter also has a long-term recovery program onsite. Both emergency shelters provide case management and programming to help individuals connect with additional resources and find employment and/or permanent housing. While we strive to have consistent policies across the ministry, the presence of children at our women’s facilities does require minor adjustments.

No Government Funding

Union Gospel Mission does not accept government funding. The ministry is made possible by financial and in-kind donations from the community. Recipients are not charged for food, shelter, or services. Operating without government funding also allows us to express our faith freely and function in accordance with our convictions. We are not here by government mandate but rather because our faith compels us to be here.

Faith-Based

UGM was founded, and continues to operate, as a Christian ministry. God’s love for the poor and people experiencing homelessness drives us to provide the services we do. Our operating decisions are heavily influenced by our faith, prayer, and scripture. We recognize that this atmosphere may not be the right fit for everyone who is seeking shelter.

High-Barrier Shelters

UGM recognizes the need for low-barrier shelters to keep people alive and appreciates that other organizations are engaged in filling that need. UGM’s role within the larger service community is to provide healthy, clean-and-sober living communities for people seeking long-term life change. We provide this through case management, addiction recovery, and referrals to other services throughout the community.

Safe-and-Healing Community

Providing a safe-and-healing environment for those in recovery and seeking life change is of paramount importance to UGM. Many of the people who come through our doors are suffering from various forms of trauma, sexual abuse, or addiction. Ensuring they feel safe is job one. 

Any individual who threatens the safety of the community through their behavioral choices including, but not limited to, violence, intimidation, sexual harassment (including flirtation), theft, alcohol or drug use, will be asked to leave UGM shelters. A return to UGM shelters would require an accountability meeting.

FAQs

UGM’s Top Priority


UGM seeks to create a safe-and-healing environment for individuals seeking life change. Individuals who threaten or compromise the safety of the community will be referred elsewhere.

UGM is only able to care for those who come through our doors because of the generosity and compassion of this community. If you are interested in linking arms with us, there are so many ways to get involved:

  • Donate goods or shop at UGM Thrift Stores.
  • Serve a meal or attend a volunteer orientation.
  • Become a monthly giver.
  • Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
  • Subscribe to the blog and share stories of life change.
  • Pray for residents, staff,  volunteers, and for those still on the street.


The team at Union Gospel Mission invites you to schedule a tour. We are excited to share how our generous community makes it possible for us to provide real, lasting change for our neighbors experiencing homelessness. Call 509.535.8510 to schedule a tour at any of our facilities.



The information presented on or through the Website, including the FAQ section, is made available solely for general information purposes. Nothing on this site creates an obligation on the part of UGM. UGM is not guaranteeing that it will provide treatment or services to any specific individual or under any particular circumstances.  To effectively provide services in rescue, restoration, and recovery we routinely adjust and adapt our policies and procedures. Accordingly, we reserve the right to modify our policies at any time without advance notice, which could affect the accuracy of the information provided on this website. We disclaim all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on such information by you or any other visitor to the Website, or by anyone who may be informed of any of its contents.