We are excited to introduce you to our new Executive Director, Matt Stein. Matt is a lifelong Oregonian who has spent his career in ministry and the nonprofit sector. A natural collaborator and exhorter, he is ready to work together to make a deep impact on the city.

Homeless camp in Old Town Portland--2023

“There is a woman over here who has OD’d and needs help!”

Adam (UGM Homeless Services Director) and Evaristo (LifeChange resident) were in Old Town doing outreach, heard the cry for help and hurried over. They found a woman in a tent, passed out, blue and not breathing. Adam asked a lady in the tent next door to call 911.

Evaristo entered LifeChange at Union Gospel Mission last fall after spending months without work, living in his car and struggling with a growing drug addiction. He said, “I started to use drugs every month, then every 15 days, then every week. I thought the drugs could help me not feel depression or sadness.”

A simple shower. That may not seem like much but for Michael who was struggling with addiction and living on the streets, a shower helped him get into recovery and a new life. Here is his story.

Karina grew up in a home filled with alcoholism and drug abuse. She was often left alone while her mother worked multiple jobs to support the family. By age 12 she found herself at a house party where she was introduced to marijuana and methamphetamine. Karina became a mother at age 16. Determined to build a better life for her children, Karina decided to attend a local college. While in college Karina fell back into old habits and eventually dropped out. “Each time I relapsed, things got worse and worse.”

Gary is a veteran who served during Operation Desert Storm. Like many veterans, Gary now struggles with homelessness. He deals with PTSD which often leads to insomnia. His anxiety levels increase as the noises of the city keep him awake. “It’s not easy sleeping on the streets when you still have shell shock!” says Gary. During the winter months, Gary does not have to sleep on the street. He takes the train Northeast to Union Gospel Mission’s overnight shelter.