Union Gospel Mission Opens Doors for 96 Homeless Residents

UPDATE: The Union Gospel Mission (UGM) in Lewiston is set to open its doors on February 2, 2024, providing shelter for up to 96 homeless individuals in a new facility designed to promote privacy and dignity. Dozens of volunteers are currently assembling 48 bunk beds at the 419 Snake River Ave. location, where the need for support is critical.

Jeremy Stevens, director of the center, emphasized the facility’s focus on dignity. Each bunk bed will feature a private entrance and a locker, equipped with electricity for charging personal devices. Stevens stated, “It brings dignity to the person. They’re not just coming into a dorm room filled with beds.”

The facility will include two men’s dorm rooms on the ground level, while the second level will cater to women and children, offering 48 beds for families and single women. This expansion is a vital response to the alarming number of homeless individuals reported in the region, which includes 216 individuals in north central Idaho and 77 in Asotin County.

As winter approaches, the center’s role becomes even more urgent. Local advocate Michelle King expressed hope that this winter, “no one freezes to death,” referencing the tragic history of homelessness in the area. In the last five winters, at least 20 documented cases of deaths among the unhoused in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley have occurred.

The UGM center will provide free meals, overnight lodging, and access to education and social services for approximately 90 days. However, Stevens cautioned that the shelter operates with strict requirements: individuals must be drug- and alcohol-free and will undergo Breathalyzer tests upon arrival.

Stevens noted the center’s potential to assist those escaping domestic violence or battling addiction. “For some, it will be a place to regroup,” he said, adding that the center will not accept sex offenders or individuals convicted of homicide. Admission will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, focusing on the seriousness of past offenses and the individual’s willingness to change.

The facility will also implement rigorous hygiene measures, including heating residents’ belongings to 150 degrees to eliminate pests. Residents will adhere to a structured daily schedule, which includes meal times, chores, and mandatory chapel services three times a week.

With a dedicated staff of 20 members and trained volunteers on-site 24/7, the center aims to create a stable environment for its residents. Stevens emphasized the importance of providing structure to individuals emerging from chaotic living situations.

The UGM center stands as a beacon of hope for the region’s homeless population, addressing a significant unmet need as winter weather sets in. The community eagerly anticipates the launch, which promises to not only offer shelter but also a pathway to recovery and stability for those in crisis.

As the opening date approaches, local officials and advocates are closely watching the impact of this vital resource in the fight against homelessness in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley.