ENGAGE YOUR CHURCH
In 1927, UGM was founded by a group of 40 local churches committed to loving their homeless and hurting neighbors living on the streets of Portland. Nearly 100 years later that mission is more vital than ever, and local churches are a critical part of making it happen.
Live out love for your neighbors in greater Portland by engaging your church community in compassionate service through Union Gospel Mission. We believe that this work only happens through the transformative power of Jesus Christ, so it’s critical that local churches join the mission in greater Portland.
Serve together
Operation Overcoat:
Operation Overcoat is our annual campaign to make sure our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness have the resources they need to survive the winter. Every fall UGM distributes backpacks with winter gear and a meal to our downtown guests, on our Search + Rescue mobile outreach, and at partner locations with churches and organizations in the metro area.
Our goal each year is to provide 800 people with a backpack. The backpacks are filled with warm clothing, blankets and hygiene items. Please partner with us to spread the love of Jesus and make this our best Operation Overcoat ever!
To sign up please click on the button below and follow the directions to sign up as a volunteer.
Serve a Meal:
Join us downtown in providing warm, nourishing meals to our neighbors in need. By serving together, we can create a welcoming space where individuals experiencing homelessness feel valued and supported.
Beyond providing nourishment, each meal offers a chance to connect with our neighbors, build relationships, and identify individuals ready to take steps toward a brighter future.
Your church can make a profound impact by offering hope, compassion, and a tangible expression of our community’s care. Together, we can create lasting change for those experiencing homelessness.
To sign up please click on the button below and follow the directions to sign up as a volunteer.
Hygiene Kit Assembly:
Partner with Union Gospel Mission to assemble hygiene kits filled with essential items like shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other toiletries. These kits offer more than just basic hygiene products; they provide a simple act of kindness with a significant impact. Imagine the difference soap and a clean toothbrush can make for someone experiencing homelessness. These kits can help restore a sense of dignity and normalcy, a small comfort that can go a long way.
It's a chance to put our faith into action and show compassion for our neighbors in need. Whether you donate supplies, help assemble the kits, or simply spread the word, every contribution makes a difference.
Other Opportunities:
Not seeing an opportunity that fits? There are many ways to get involved with UGM. Check out our volunteer page for more information.
Give
Monthly giving:
You or your church community can become a regular financial supporter, making it possible to serve our neighbors every day.
The Journey Home Campaign:
Give to our campaign to build an incredible new home for homeless women and their children.
Request a Speaker
Would you like to have a representative from UGM come and inspire your church community to love their homeless neighbors?
We can visit your church to share about how followers of Jesus in Portland can serve the people facing homelessness in our city, alongside personal testimony to the transformative work that’s happening in people’s lives through UGM.
Still have questions about getting your church engaged?
Reach out to Luke Cirillo, lukec@ugmportland.org