UGM Old town
Union Gospel Mission’s LifeChange Center in Old Town
UGM Old Town is home to the LifeChange recovery programs for men and UGM’s Homeless Services, which provide essential care and pathways out of homelessness for people in the Portland metro area.
LifeChange Programs
Men come to Union Gospel Mission from a variety of backgrounds that may include drug addiction, abuse, poverty, homelessness, and incarceration. Through LifeChange, they begin a residential recovery journey that leads toward a restored and thriving life.
Testimonials
New Life
New Life is an initial 30-day program designed to help men stabilize so the fog can begin to lift and they can see their next steps more clearly. Immediate needs are fully met:
A warm and safe bed
Clothing
Nourishing meals
Support navigating their practical needs
During this time, men will connect to the LifeChange community through classes, work therapy, relational support, and dedicated time with staff and volunteers.
LifeChange
LifeChange is the core 18-month residential recovery program at UGM. Participants receive support for holistic recovery, including:
200+ hours of individual and group counseling
Work therapy and skills development
Connection to a local church community
Personalized educational and practical support
Clearly defined plans for meeting recovery benchmarks
AfterCare
Graduates of LifeChange transition to AfterCare, where they receive up to two years of continued support that includes:
Coaching toward living-wage employment
Ongoing recovery support
Financial management
Housing placement
Continued spiritual growth and community connection
Men may live on-site for up to one year following graduation as they transition into independent living.
Homeless Services
Homeless Services at UGM provide compassionate Christ-centered care to people experiencing homelessness and critical pathways off the streets. We seek to build consistent, personal relationships with our homeless neighbors, which builds trust and makes a new life seem possible.
OUR SERVICES
Meals
Each year, Union Gospel Mission provides more than 220,000 meals across our programs. Five days a week, we serve lunch to guests experiencing homelessness in Old Town and in neighborhoods throughout the city through Search + Rescue. We also offer on-site dinners several nights a week, creating consistent points of care and connection for our guests.
Emergency Shelter
In partnership with Agape Village, UGM operates a year-round emergency shelter at Portland Church of the Nazarene. With capacity for up to 100 guests each night, the shelter offers a safe, warm refuge from the streets, especially during severe weather.
Search + Rescue
Search + Rescue is our mobile outreach to neighbors experiencing homelessness across Portland. Most nights, our team stops at preset locations to distribute food, hygiene supplies, and other essential items. Critically, these regular visits help us build trust and offer pathways off the streets for those ready to take next steps.
Mobile Showers
Our mobile showers bring hot, private showers to locations throughout the city. A simple shower restores dignity and often opens the door to deeper conversations and connection to services that can help someone move forward.
Operation Backpack
Through Operation Backpack, we distribute hundreds of backpacks stocked with cold-weather clothing and essential supplies each year. Every October, our Burgers & Backpacks event in Old Town provides a meal and backpacks directly to homeless guests at UGM Old Town.