The Union Gospel Mission is nearly ready to open. Work crews are putting the final touches on the facility, but most of it is ready to go. There are 96 beds. Half for men and half for women and mothers with children.
We got an early tour with director Jeremy Stevens. He says the difference between the Mission and many other facilities is that they help the homeless get back on their feet by instilling life skills like cleaning, cooking, and other chores.
It’s a requirement. If you’re here, you should contribute. Not only do we see that as a philosophy of how God made us, and that is dignity-building, but also it helps us in the community piece of moving them back into society. This is how we live in normal, everyday living.
Union Gospel Mission is a Christian organization, but Stevens says the beliefs of people who need help is not a barrier to getting help.
We want to provide them access and knowledge to the gospel of Jesus Christ, but that does not mean they have to conform to our way. It’s always an invitation, it’s never something we push on people.
The facility is locked, gated, and completely sober. If you’d like to see the facility, you can stop by the open house tomorrow. Self-guided tours start at 10am and there’s a dedication ceremony at 3pm.
