UGM’s Shelter Safe Haven During Turbulence of COVID-19

VICE: Man and his son able to find shelter at UGM while becoming homeless for first time during pandemic

Mobile Mission Life-Line for those Living on Fringes of Cities During Pandemic

Vancouver Sun: UGM’s rescue vehicle seeing twice as many people due to COVID-19 concerns

Closing of Beloved Army & Navy Leaves ‘Gaping Hole’ for Low-Income DTES Residents

Vancouver Sun: UGM hopes repurposed space will continue to serve community

More Housing ‘Best Option’ for Homeless Vulnerable During COVID-19

CityNews/News 1130: UGM says more spaces needed for BC homeless to self-isolate

UGM Says Boston Shelter Testing Results Adds ‘Urgency’ to Housing Homeless

Global: Increased testing also helpful in DTES to prevent homeless from COVID-19

‘Tensions, Fears, Anxieties’ of Homeless Heightened During Pandemic, UGM Says

CBC: People living on streets wondering how much longer it will last with relief not coming fast enough

Formerly Homeless UGM Maintenance Worker ‘Hand of Hope’ during Pandemic

Daily Hive: Sanitizing UGM’s facilities so guests can be safe while coming for hot Easter meals

Easter Meal at UGM Adapted to Serve Hot Meals All Weekend due to COVID-19

CityNews/News 1130: UGM serving 1200 ‘to go’ meals out their doors

UGM Says Living Homeless During Pandemic ‘Taking a Toll’ on People

The Tyee: Seeing their services in higher demand as tensions rise

UGM Increasing Number of Meals Served as Need Increases

CBC: More demand for meals as other services have had to scale back, shut down due to COVID-19

UGM ‘Maskforce’ Assembling Hundreds of Handmade Masks for Frontline Staff

Global: Creative solution to communicate all safety precautions taken to protect community from virus

UGM Hopeful, Happy with New Government Measures to Help Homeless Self-Isolate

Vancouver Sun: Hopes to see an accelerated timeline, a ‘race’ to get these up and running as quick as possible

Increased Need in DTES Due to COVID-19 is ‘Completely Unprecedented’

The Tyee: UGM seeing long line-ups for food usually only seen for major meal dinners

UGM Says Homeless Have No Homes to Self-Isolate in During COVID-19

The Tyee: UGM serving meals ‘to go’ to help with social distancing and notices need increasing

UGM Keeping Essential Programs to Support DTES Community During Virus

CTV: Needing to balance safety protocols while continuing services for community most at risk

UGM Guests Would Be Hardest Hit in COVID-19 Outbreak

National Post: UGM launching their pandemic plan with safety measures to protect those at risk

Local Rapper’s Latest Song Inspired from Volunteering with UGM

Vancouver is Awesome: Written from perspective of addiction, C2B’s song taken from sharing hope with those in DTES streets

UGM Says Check on Homeless People Struggling During Cold Snap

News1130: Homeless seniors ‘battered,’ more at risk of getting sick during snowy weather

People ‘Scared of Dying’ or Getting Sick in Vancouver’s Snow

Vancouver is Awesome: UGM’s mobile missions providing survival gear to help in ‘life or death emergency’

Homeless Risk Dying in Vancouver Snow Storm & Freezing Temperatures

CTV: UGM worried that people sleeping outside not ‘ready’ to brave the elements

Formerly Homeless Man Brings Hope & Love to DTES on Christmas

Vancouver Sun: After finding freedom from addiction and pain at UGM, Indigenous man gives out 500 lunches and goodies

Formerly Homeless Veteran Giving Back at Christmas

Daily Hive: After getting help at UGM, former vet now reaches out to other homeless vets

UGM says Affordability Crisis Hits Women & Families Hardest

Daily Hive: People on low-income have ‘absolutely no buffer’ to live after paying rent in Metro Vancouver

Formerly Homeless Chef Serves 2500 Christmas Meals

Vancouver is Awesome: UGM chef gives back this Christmas to give others hope he once received

Canuck Jay Beagle Gives DTES Kids Once-in-Lifetime Experience

NHL Players Association: UGM staff impressed by how Beagle interacted with kids while playing road hockey

Canuck Jay Beagle’s Makes Kids’ Day

National Post: Road hockey game ‘eye-opener’ for Beagle to see work UGM does with DTES community

Special Volunteer ‘Breathes Tiny Bit of Sunshine’ into Lives of Vulnerable Women

CBC: UGM long-time volunteer gives back, gives joy to women at Sanctuary

UGM Says Growing Number Homeless Seniors Concerning

Vancouver Sun: Seniors face more challenges to exiting homelessness than most

UGM Says More Housing and Support Needed for Homeless Campers

The Province: UGM reaches out to Oppenheimer Park neighbours to offer support

Thanksgiving is a Special Time for Formerly Homeless Woman

Vancouver Sun: Port Moody woman found connection and belonging at UGM last Thanksgiving

UGM Says Cold Weather Hardest for Homeless

CBC News: UGM’s Mobile Mission brings warm items to homeless sleeping out in cold

Safe Long-Term Housing ‘Crucial’ For Recovery Success

CBC News: UGM’s recovery program and supportive housing allowed BC man to recover from addiction

UGM Provides ‘Refuge’ For Oppenheimer Campers

News 1130/CityNews: UGM opens up shelter spaces for campers displaced from tent city home

Access to Phones Vital for Connecting Homeless

CBC News: UGM provides important phone access for homeless to counter unreliable mobile phones

UGM Gives Hope to Homeless at Massive Celebration

CTV Vancouver: UGM serves thousands of meals to those who would otherwise go without a summer holiday

Op Ed: Summer is No Holiday For Struggling Families

Vancouver Sun: UGM Op-Ed highlights need to support impoverished families

Homeless Count Increases Despite Modular Housing

Vancouver Sun: UGM says more needs to be done to help, as homelessness rises

UGM Breaking Ground on Largest Expansion in History

News 1130: Union Gospel Mission constructing new $35.5 million building for women and families

UGM Breaking Ground on lifesaving Women and Families Expansion

Urban YVR: UGM says new building will mean fewer children in poverty, fewer women on the street

UGM Breaks Ground On Historic Expansion

Daily Hive: New Women and Families Centre will ‘change the trajectory of thousands of families’

UGM Expands Rescue Vehicle into Fraser Valley

News 1130: New UGM van ‘first of its kind’ in the Fraser Valley

UGM serves 2500 Easter Meals

Vancouver Courier: How a moment on Easter helped a BC woman change her life

UGM Sees ‘Glimmer Of Hope’ from Modular Housing

Province Newspaper: UGM says ‘turnaways’ decreasing dramatically after modular housing

UGM Saves Lives During ‘Coldest February on Record’

News 1130: Union Gospel Mission Sees Surge in Need

UGM Responding to Cold Snap

Province Newspaper: Outreach Workers preparing to save lives

Vancouver Wants Donation Bins Removed Following Repeated Deaths

Toronto Star: UGM says bins should be made safe or sealed, after several deaths

Prisoners Helping Homeless In Surprising Way

Vancouver Sun: Prisoners Donating Work and Blankets to Serve Those on the Streets

UGM Calls For Donation Bins To Be Made Safe

CTV National: Fatal Incident sparks calls for safety updates

This Vancouver man’s Christmas tradition is a little different than most

Vancouver Courier: Former Child Soldier Gives Back In Unique Ways

Christmas Means More than Exchanging Gifts

Province Newspaper (Front Page): UGM Volunteers give back at Christmas

Formerly Homeless Woman Says Goodbye to Building that Changed Her Life

Province Newspaper: UGM Serves last Christmas Dinner in 37-year-old building, makes way for expansion

Students Step Up to Prevent Deaths

Vancouver Sun: Students respond after UGM calls for change

UGM Expands Rescue Vehicle As Need Increases

Province Newspaper Front Page: More people in need in the suburbs

Housing Crisis at ‘Boiling Point’

Toronto Star: Report from UGM and University of British Columbia shows women and families most at risk

Women and Families Hit Hardest By Affordability Crisis

CTV: Report from UGM and UBC shows housing crisis surging into suburbs

UGM Report Shows Housing Crisis Surging Into Suburbs

Globe and Mail: Report from UGM and UBC shows women and families being slammed by affordability crisis

UGM Serves 3,000 Thanksgiving Meals

Vancouver Sun: Downtown Eastside Survivor uses Thanksgiving to Help Others Around Globe

Former Child Soldier Shares Story

Vancouver Sun: UGM Outreach Worker writes book about his struggle as a child soldier, addiction as a result of trauma, escape from homelessness, and new life helping others.

UGM Expands ‘Rescue Vehicle’ Outreach

Province Newspaper: Union Gospel Mission expands outreach further into suburbs

Climate Change Hits Poorest the Hardest

Star Metro: UGM says low income Canadians are most affected by extreme weather

Homeless at Risk of Heat Exhaustion, Heat Stroke

CBC: UGM responds as Vancouver’s first 2018 heat wave hits the homeless

UGM Taking Extra Steps to Protect Homeless During Heat Wave

Star Metro Vancouver: extreme heat puts homeless at risk, according to advocates at UGM

Op-Ed: Stigma a Silent Killer on the Street

The Province Newspaper: “Close your eyes and picture your last moments of life…”

Death of Homeless Man at Tim Horton’s Sparks Housing Outcry

The Guardian: UGM says homeless man’s tragic death is a symptom of Vancouver’s housing crisis

Homeless Death Indicates Widening Front Line: UGM

Province Newspaper: Union Gospel Mission says Ted’s death was not an isolated incident

UGM Advocates for More Action on Homelessness Following Death

Star Metro: After a homeless man in his 70s passed away alone in a Tim Horton’s, UGM calls for greater action

Moms in Downtown Eastside Get Family Portraits

CBC: Happy Mother’s Day! Moms and Babies Given Free Professional photos by UGM

UGM Provides Free Family Portraits For Mother’s Day

Global BC: Moms and Babies in the Downtown Eastside Given Precious Photos

Homelessness on the Rise In Vancouver

Star Metro: UGM Meeting Greater Need as Homeless Population Grows

NBA Star Serves Vancouver’s Homeless

National Post: Jeremy Lin Surprises Homeless in Time of Need

Formerly Homeless Woman Helps UGM Serve Thousands

News 1130: Union Gospel Mission Sees Surge in Women Asking For Help

UGM Sees Record Need During Homeless Count

Vancouver Sun: Union Gospel Mission taking extra measures to keep people safe

Homeless Count Expected to Exceed Last Year

Global BC Morning Show: UGM working to help the homeless during season of extreme need

UGM Rescue Vehicle Hitting The Streets

CBC: Twice each week, UGM’s mobile mission searches out people in Metro Vancouver who don’t have a home

Extreme Cold Puts Homeless At Risk

News 1130: UGM Offering Help to the Homeless During Extreme Cold

UGM Announcement a ‘Game-Changer’ for Women and Families

Vancouver Courier: Union Gospel Mission Expansion ‘Biggest in 75-Year History’

UGM to Construct New Building for Women and Families

CTV: Union Gospel Mission Building to Serve the Most Vulnerable

Charities Say Donations Change Lives Year ‘Round

News 1130: UGM says Year Long Donations Save Lives Long-Term

New model allows Christmas hamper recipients to shop for their family

Vancouver Metro: UGM Hamper Program with Focus on Choice and Dignity at Christmas

UGM feeds body and soul at 77th annual Vancouver Christmas dinner

Vancouver Sun: Close to 3,000 Christmas Meals Served in Metro Vancouver

UGM Meal Helps Save a Life

CBC: Former homeless man credits UGM Christmas dinner with saving his life

UGM Sends ‘Street Proof’ Backpacks to Fraser Valley

CBC: Union Gospel Mission, Wolfe Auto Group, and Citypak Project Partner to Expand Program

UGM Opens Extra Shelter Spaces

Vancouver Metro: Union Gospel Mission Brings in New Staff To Help Homeless

Formerly Homeless Artist Challenges Stigma

News 1130: UGM says homelessness is touching all corners of Metro Vancouver

Thousands Served Thanksgiving Meal

News 1130: UGM says needs of women & children consistent or growing

UGM Serves 3,000 Thanksgiving Meals

CBC: ‘There’s People Around That Care’

Unique Escape Room Draws International Attention

Province Newspaper: UGM’s Encounter escape room could move to Seattle, San Francisco

Escape Room Illustrates Obstacles to Overcoming Homelessness

Vancouver Sun: UGM designs innovative advocacy campaign to counter homelessness

Union Gospel Mission Responds to Record Heat

Vancouver Sun: Air quality advisory complicates heatwave

UGM Helps Homeless During Heatwave

CTV: Help For homeless during record-breaking heat

UGM Grills 5,000 Meals for the Homeless

Vancouver Sun: UGM gives taste of summer holiday to the Downtown Eastside

UGM Helps During Heatwave

Global News: Union Gospel Mission helps homeless during summer heat

44 Organizations Band Together to Help Homeless

Roundhouse Radio: UGM’s Summer Connect helps men and women connect to crucial services

UGM Helps Men Hike Out Of Homelessness

The Province (front page): Union Gospel Mission program used the healing power of nature to help men overcome homelessness and addiction.

Union Gospel Mission ‘Blown Away’ by #ChrissySentMe Support

Vancouver Sun: Acts Of Goodwill Inspired by Canadian Killed in London Terror Attack

Interfaith Memorial To Honour Overdose Victims

Metro: Hundreds Will Gather to Honour Victims, Families, and First Responders

UGM Volunteer says goodbye after 61 years

Global News: Jack Summerfield honoured after staggering 6 decades of volunteering

Former Homeless Man Helps Others at Easter

Vancouver Sun: Hope (and coffee) served at UGM’s Easter Meal

UGM Serves 3,000 Easter Meals

CKNW: Annual Easter Meal Comes Amid Growing Need

More than 3605 Homeless in Metro Vancouver

Vancouver Metro News: UGM seeing spike in demand amid homeless surge

Homeless Population Surges 30% in Metro Vancouver

CKNW: UGM discusses whom the homeless crisis is hitting hardest

Homeless Count Gathers Crucial Data

Vancouver Sun: UGM volunteers amoung thousands working in this year’s homeless count

Homeless Count Starts Today

News1130: UGM Says Lack of affordable housing pushing people to the street

Metro Vancouver Homeless Count Begins

CKNW: UGM says low vacancy rates and rising affordable rents are driving up homelessness

Solving Affordability Crisis Requires Rethink of Housing Policy

Vancouver Courier: UGM serving more seniors and young families as people ‘lose capacity’ in the face of surging prices

Innovative Housing Program ‘Piece of the Puzzle’

National Observer: UGM welcomes new mobile ‘shipping container’ affordable housing

‘A big blow’: bankruptcy ends DTES shoe exchange

CBC: Hundreds of Downtown Eastside residents hope another company will step up.

Toques, Turkey handed out Amidst Cold Snap

CBC: UGM Serves Heaping Portions of Hope to Those In Need

UGM prepares for extreme temperatures

Arctic Outflow Warnings Spark Concerns For Homeless

‘Street proof’ bags handed out to Metro Vancouver homeless

More than 750 bags distributed across Metro Vancouver, featuring anti-theft measures and built-in rain gear.

‘Streetproof’ backpacks help homeless fight off weather, theft

Union Gospel Mission and Citypak Project partner to distribute 700 bags across Metro Vancouver.

UGM Speaks About Overdose Risk

Rain Rolls Into November

UGM on alert as record rains continue

Did the Abbotsford stabbing suspect fall through the cracks of our mental health system?

UGM helps offer insight into the mental health challenges facing Metro Vancouver

We’re Teaming Up to Find Fresh Solutions for Homelessness

Vancouver organizations are coming together to solve the homeless crisis.

Shelter From The Storm at UGM

Union Gospel Mission goes ‘above and beyond’ to protect people during series of storms.

Vancouver Sun: Report Outlines Grim Reality of Homelessness in Vancouver

Union Gospel Mission and University of Victoria study suggests Vancouver’s housing crisis is pushing people into homelessness and preventing others from escaping homelessness.

Globe and Mail Op-ed: The Link Between Affordability and Homelessness

Report from Union Gospel Mission and University of Victoria shows unaffordability pushing people into homelessness and preventing them from getting out.

Hungry and Homeless Offered Thanksgiving Meal Monday

Former homeless woman helps others on the street.

Former Homeless Woman Gives Back at Thanksgiving

Last fall, Jenna was homeless in the woods near Squamish. This Thanksgiving, she helped serve more than 3,000 meals to others in need.

UGM Mom Thrilled to Meet Royal Couple

Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside residents excited for weekend’s royal visit

Alberta’s migrant workers flooding B.C.’s social services

Record breaking heat wave putting Metro Vancouver’s homeless at risk

‘I would never want to reduce people’s dignity,’ says DTES tour guide accused of poverty tourism

UGM speaks about the need to safeguard the Downtown Eastside community.

Tours of the Downtown Eastside: ‘Poverty pimping’ or compassion building?

UGM speaks out on a controversial tour operating in the Downtown Eastside.

Woman stuck in donation bin rescued by firefighters

Why a new trend has UGM concerned and how you can help.

Why are job seekers from Alberta ending up in Vancouver shelters?

Organizations like Union Gospel Mission are seeing a surge in people coming from out of province.

More out of province homeless people in Vancouver: Global News

Downtown Eastside needs supplies to deal with soaring temperatures

Vancouver shelters overflow, Increase in out-of-province shelter seekers reported; many out of work oil patch workers

UGM To Serve 5,000 Meals in Downtown Eastside

Union Gospel Mission hosts 17th annual Summer BBQ.

Saskatchewan policy on busing homeless to B.C. ‘ridiculous’, says Vancouver councillor

Saskatchewan government releases report after two men were offered emergency shelter at Union Gospel Mission.

UGM in urgent need of spring/summer clothing.

The mild weather in Vancouver has led more people to use the clothing room at Union Gospel Mission. Many of the clothes have been handed out leaving their clothing room severely short on shorts, jeans and any summer clothing.

Secret video captures confrontation between Surrey bylaw officers and homeless women

A video secretly filmed my a now former city of Surrey worker is raising questions about how bylaw officers interact with the homeless. After viewing the video the Union Gospel Mission says a better strategy is needed for city staff who are dealing with homeless people. UGM spokesperson Jeremy Hunka says while the video doesn’t tell the whole story the woman and her belongings should have been treated with more dignity.

Many homeless people in Vancouver have jobs

One of the key findings in a new report out this week on the homelessness rate in Vancouver may surprise you. It turns out some people staying in shelters are actually employed. In many cases, Jeremy Hunka with Union Gospel Mission says, those people are having to work longer to save up just to get into the housing market.

Record number in emergency shelter beds pointing to a surge in city’s homeless

The beds at the UGM have been at capacity since the City of Vancouver asked them to open 20 additional beds – normally used in extreme weather conditions – on a nightly basis. Now, there are 72 shelter beds with 20 extra beds set up in their drop in centre.

Vancouver shelter seeing unprecedented demand for services

Throughout January and into February Union Gospel Mission had record breaking demand for their emergency shelter and are seeing more and more people asking for help.

Courage to Come Back: Time to change, he said, when he woke up to find his friend dead of an overdose

Knowing he wanted out  Jemal came to Union Gospel Mission and asked to enter the rehab program, an act of surrender that changed his life forever.

Courage to Come Back: Former Ethiopian child soldier helps addicts on Downtown Eastside

Overcoming a crippling addiction to alcohol and drugs to now become the pastor of a local church. Jemal Damtawe spends his time in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside helping others overcome their addictions.

Extended interview: Courage to Come Back award winner Jemal Damtawe

Former child soldier Jemal Damtawe talks about how he started abusing alcohol and drugs, and the frightening moment that forced him to turn to Union Gospel Mission for help.

Courage to Come Back: Life’s trials led to a mission

Jemal knew instantly that he wanted out. He literally ran to the Union Gospel Mission and asked to enter the rehab program, an act of surrender that changed his life forever.

UGM to feed thousands at their annual Easter feast

For the 27th straight year Union Gospel Mission opened its doors for an Easter feast. The dinner included 2,500 pounds of ham with 270 litres of pineapple sauce along with 900 pounds of scalloped potatoes.

UGM serves up thousands of meals for Easter

Union Gospel Mission served Easter dinner to more than 2500 people in the Downtown Eastside, and for one volunteer, it was a chance to see old friends

Union Gospel Mission serves up Easter dinner to thousands

Union Gospel Mission served Easter dinners of ham, scalloped potatoes and frozen vegetables to more than 2500 people on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. The holiday meal is an annual tradition that brings together more than 200 volunteers to help serve these meals.

Union Gospel Mission’s Easter meal is the first step in rebuilding broken lives

For Chad his first encounter coming to UGM was for a hot meal and it was a turning point for him. Either die or get help Chad came to UGM and today he’s eight years sober and is giving back by helping service Easter meals.

Two homeless men arrive from Saskatchewan after being put on bus by social services

Two homeless Saskatchewan men given one-way bus tickets arrived safely in B.C. and were received by Union Gospel Mission and a Vancouver City Counsellor who will be helping them settle in Vancouver.

Homeless men bused from Saskatchewan to B.C. offered jobs by high school dropout turned CEO

After receiving a one way bus ticket from Saskatchewan to Vancouver Charles Neil-Curly and Jeremy Roy have been overwhelmed with the support they’ve received. UGM is continuing to work with them to make sure that they achieve their goals and find a stable place to call home.

Homeless men from Saskatchewan given one-way bus ticket arrive in Vancouver

Charles Neil-Curley and Jeremy Roy arrived at Vancouver’s Pacific train and bus terminal after they were given one-way tickets from Saskatchewan to Vancouver. Union Gospel Mission welcomed them to Vancouver and connected them with the needed services, including shelter.