Union Gospel Mission Center Enhances Support for Homeless Population

The Union Gospel Mission (UGM) is set to launch a new facility in Lewiston, Idaho, aimed at providing essential support and dignity to the homeless population. The center, located at 419 Snake River Ave, is scheduled to open on February 2, 2024, and will include 48 bunk beds designed for privacy and comfort.

On a recent weekday, the sounds of power drills filled the air as volunteers assembled bunk beds for the men’s dormitory. According to Jeremy Stevens, director of the center, each bed features a private entrance, a locker, and an electrical outlet for personal devices. “It brings dignity to the person,” Stevens stated. “They’re not just coming into a dorm room filled with beds.”

The facility will offer 96 beds in total, with the ground floor designated for men and the upper floor accommodating women and children. The second level will feature 12 beds for single women and 10 rooms for single mothers with their children, creating family units. The dormitory is strategically located between a chapel and a daycare center on one side, and a cafeteria and kitchen on the other, enhancing the communal experience.

This new center addresses a pressing need within the region. A national point-in-time count conducted in January indicated that 216 individuals were homeless in north central Idaho, alongside 77 in Asotin County and 12 in Whitman County. “If you think about it this way, if over 300 people are homeless in the region, we have a 96-bed facility,” Stevens noted, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

The UGM center will provide free meals, overnight lodging, educational opportunities, and social services, typically for a duration of around 90 days. As winter approaches, community advocates like Michelle King express hope that the center will prevent tragedies. King, a volunteer homeless advocate in Lewiston, pointed out that in the past five winters, there have been at least 20 documented cases of individuals perishing while unhoused.

The facility will accept mothers and children 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Intake hours for men and women will run from 07:00 to 21:00, with a requirement for all adults to pass a Breathalyzer test before entry. This protocol aims to maintain a safe environment for all residents.

Stevens explained that for many, the center serves as a refuge after escaping domestic violence or addiction. It also provides a transitional space for those recently completing inpatient treatment programs. While the center has strict admission criteria—excluding sex offenders and individuals convicted of homicide—others with criminal backgrounds may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The intake process includes sanitizing residents’ belongings to prevent pests, ensuring a clean and safe living environment. New residents will have a brief period to adjust before adhering to a structured daily routine. This includes waking up at 06:00, meals at designated times, and lights out between 21:00 and 22:00.

The center’s design promotes community and support, with high ceilings and ample natural light in living areas. An activity center and daycare will provide a nurturing environment for children while mothers engage in programs or seek employment. Residents will also participate in daily chores, fostering responsibility and a sense of home.

With a dedicated staff of around 20 and trained volunteers available around the clock, the UGM center aims to provide structure and accountability for its residents. “A lot of what our residents are coming from is a very unstructured, chaotic life,” Stevens remarked. “We help give them boundaries and provide them structure.”

As the opening date approaches, local leaders like Sarah Reaves, a Clarkston city councilor, emphasize the center’s importance while acknowledging that it is not a comprehensive solution to the homelessness crisis. “UGM will undoubtedly play a vital role in easing the homeless issue within the LC Valley, especially for those ready to go into immediate recovery,” Reaves stated.

The UGM center represents a significant step forward in addressing homelessness in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley. By focusing on privacy, dignity, and structured support, it aims to empower residents to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into the community.