If you have questions that this website hasn't been able to answer, please send us a note. We'll do our best to respond to your query as soon as possible.
1. How much does it cost to feed a person?
$3.29 is the average cost to feed one person a meal. This includes the cost of the food, and time spent preparing it.
2. How many meals do you serve each day? Each year?
On average UGM serves about 704 meals per day. Yearly, UGM serves about 240,600 meals to those in need. UGM also serves meals to staff, however those number are not reflected here.
3. How do I become a Volunteer at the Mission?
Each potential volunteer at Union Gospel Mission attends one orientation session, which is held monthly. The potential volunteer completes an application form, is interviewed and matched to a position that best meets the needs of the volunteer and Union Gospel Mission. The Volunteer Department strives to match the desires of individuals who want to volunteer their services in a wide variety of roles. We are so thankful to each of the more than 5,000 volunteers who donate time and talents each year at UGM. They are, without question, a very valuable resource. Volunteers work alongside the staff in each area of service; doing many things for those we serve. Check out our Volunteers page to learn more.
4a) Where does UGM get its funding?
UGM programs and services are funded by individuals, churches, schools, businesses, service clubs and community groups. We value the support of everyone in the community. In addition, profits made from our two thrift stores provide additional monies.
4b) Is UGM government funded?
UGM neither seeks nor receives government funding for the annual operational budget. However, UGM Housing Societies has an arm's length relationship with various government agencies such as BC Housing, the City of Vancouver, and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to provide affordable housing for lower income families and individuals. These include the Orchard, a 75-unit townhouse complex in Surrey, B.C., and Maurice McElrea Place, an 81 unit drug and alcohol free housing complex in Vancouver, B.C.
5. How is UGM spending broken down?
At Union Gospel Mission we seek to put as much money into our programs as possible. We therefore spend 76% of our total budget on programs and 15% on fundraising and development. We spend 9% on general and administration. Union Gospel Mission’s programs and services—meals, chaplaincy, drop-ins, family services, outreach, alcohol and drug recovery, employment and education services—are entirely funded by our generous donors. Thank you for supporting our continuum of care, bringing hope to the hungry, hurting and homeless!
For more information, visit the Our Finances page.
6. How many are employed at Union Gospel Mission?
Each year the number of staff continues to grow as Union Gospel Mission reaches out into the communities to meet the needs of those less fortunate. At present there are approximately 120 full and part-time staff working in twelve satellite ministries. In addition, we rely upon thousands of volunteers whose help is invaluable to Union Gospel Mission, by freely giving of their time and talents.
7. What Denomination is UGM?
Union Gospel Mission is a non-profit, interdenominational, Christian organization providing emergency services and long-term solutions to poverty, addiction, and homelessness.
8. Are people required to sit through a Gospel service before receiving a meal?
There is a chapel service that occurs in advance of every meal served, but UGM will never turn anyone away who wants a free meal. Most people come specifically to UGM to relax, hear an encouraging word and eat some good food. Sharing the Good News of the Bible is an essential part of our ministry at UGM. The Mission wants to help the whole person physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.
9. Where do we get our food?
UGM receives thousands of dollars worth of donated food items through out the year from individuals, churches, businesses and schools. In addition, UGM purchases food and supplies to ensure we provide proper nutritious meals to our guests.
10. What happens to clothing that is donated by the public?
Thousands of dollars of donated clothing items are given away free to the needy.
Most of the donations are sent to our Thrift Stores, sold at very reasonable prices and the net proceeds help fund UGM programs. Also monies generated by our thrift stores helps provide employment for former UGM residents and customers are able to purchase quality goods at very low prices.
11. People frequently designate that donations be given to a specific charity in lieu of flowers when a loved one dies. How does UGM accept and people acknowledge Memorial Gifts?
Union Gospel Mission is always honored and appreciative when it is selected to receive memorial gifts. At the request of the family of the deceased, a representative of the UGM will sit at a small table at the funeral or memorial service and receive the gifts. Memorial gifts can also be sent directly to UGM. Just be sure to mention it is a memorial and identify the deceased and next of kin. A special card acknowledging the names of all who gave a memorial donation will be sent by UGM to the family of the deceased.
12. Is there a way I can leave a part of my estate to Union Gospel Mission?
Yes, Union Gospel Mission* is very appreciative when its supporters choose to include UGM in their will. Those interested in leaving part of their estate to Union Gospel Mission can contact Carey Bornn, Principal and Planned Gifts, at 604.215.5441 x 328 or cbornn@ugm.ca to arrange a meeting with someone knowledgeable in the area of planned giving.
*Note that Union Gospel Mission is our legal name.