18 churches from the Lewiston-Clarkston region have agreed to partner with us through hosting a “UGM Sunday” in May and June. This is a greater response than we anticipated! UGM Sundays typically include a special offering dedicated to the Mission. All funds received will go to the Union Gospel Mission LC Valley Expansion.

Also, great news! The appeal that was made against the City of Lewsiton’s approval has been overturned. We have all green lights.

We continue to pray for God to provide the remaining $1.65 million that will make the Union Gospel Mission, LC Valley Expansion possible. The next few months will be crucial in our fundraising efforts, as we strengthen connections with local churches and launch our public campaign. We will also be taking our building plans to bid, selecting a contractor, and applying for a few key grants.

The most intense phase of fundraising begins with great momentum: of the $7 million needed for the project, we have only $2 million left to raise. As we extend the invitation to local churches in coming months, we have high expectations of not only nearing our funding goals, but expanding and deepening our connections within the community.

Also, we’d like to announce that we’ve hired our new Shelter Director, Jeremy Stevens.

As of the start of 2023, we have raised over $800K of the $3M we’re asking from the Valley. The architectural plans are progressing well, we will soon select our builder, and we have scheduled a full calendar of fundraising and informational events starting in March! 

As of July this year, we’ve been granted a conditional use permit, and we’ve been given a date! We must break ground on the property no later than July 2023. As of September 20, our thrift store on that property is permanently closed in preparation. 

At the recent Lewiston City Council meeting, council members signaled they are now willing to consider raising the capacity limit for (high-barrier) homeless shelters from 50 to 100 beds.