UGM President Dean Kurpjuweit shares a special announcement in the video below.
We have a secret dream here at UGM, and it’s this: that one day, we would work ourselves out of a job. We like to imagine a day where no one is facing poverty, homelessness, or addiction — a day where everyone has safety, community, and enough. It’s a beautiful thing to picture.
We’re not there yet. In fact, the latest statistics tell a story that suggests our communities are headed in the wrong direction: more people are struggling now than before the pandemic.
- Since 2020, homelessness has increased across Metro Vancouver by 32% — that's 4,821 people reported as being without safe housing in 2023.
- The drug toxicity epidemic continues to impact lives: by October of last year, 2,039 people in BC had died as a result of the toxic drug supply in 2023 alone.
For us, these stats confirm what our Outreach staff have been observing for months on end: people are hurting and the need for our services has increased greatly.
“I’ve been at UGM for a generation now, and this is the most dynamic, struggling season I’ve ever been a part of. The overdose crisis this past year has had me personally do over 20 funerals. That’s not a common number, and it’s heartbreaking.” — Candice, Director of Outreach & Intake
It’s clear that in order to respond — with care and effectiveness — to these hard realities, UGM has to change. The needs around us are ever-increasing, which means that UGM also needs to grow. But even though our approach to alleviating suffering might evolve, the identity of UGM will not change.
“Our essence is rooted in Christ, and in the belief that His love transforms lives. We are always asking ourselves ‘Is this the best approach to meet the needs God has called us to address?’” — Dean Kurpjuweit, President
That’s why, after much prayer, research, and deliberation, we are expanding UGM’s services this year. You’ll read more in the coming months, but we are thrilled to share that we are establishing a continuum of care in Victoria, beginning with a new women’s recovery home and Mobile Mission Outreach. We’re starting in Victoria because it’s one of the townships with the highest number of unregulated drug deaths — and a higher rate of homelessness per capita than even Vancouver. We are starting small to ensure that every step we take is considered, conscientious, and impactful.
We are continuing to dream. With God’s steady provision, and your support, we’ll keep on sharing the good news of the Gospel and welcoming people into abundant belonging. We look forward to transforming even more communities — one life at a time.
Have questions? We’d love to hear from you. Email us at communications@ugm.ca.
