Union Gospel Mission Inland Northwest

Partnering with the Inland Northwest to reach the poor with the love and power of the gospel so they may become God-dependent, contributing members of society.

The Union Gospel Mission is a Christian non-profit organization passionate about breaking the cycle of homelessness, abuse, and addiction in the Inland Northwest. By partnering with the community, we are able to offer food, clothing, and shelter to homeless men, women, and children, plus the opportunity through our recovery programs to get back on their feet and become contributing members of society.

In 1951, Albert Arend, a business owner and Christian leader, called together 16 fellow businessmen and asked former alcoholic James Wahlbrink to tell his story. Wahlbrink related how God had miraculously rescued him from a hopeless existence through the ministry of a gospel mission. Deeply moved, all of Arend’s guests enthusiastically committed themselves to organizing such a mission in Spokane.

“Our aim is not free meals, but freed persons; not free beds, but free beings.” –Albert Arend, founder of the Union Gospel Mission Association of Spokane

From that foundation, the Union Gospel Mission has grown to include four shelters in Spokane and Coeur d’Alene, two thrift stores, an automotive department and a camp for at-risk youth, but our purpose has not veered far from the original intent of those 16 men.

At UGM we believe that God calls us to care for the poor, homeless, abused, and addicted and that doing so brings peace to our community. In 2014, we served more than 377,000 meals and provided 119,954 nights of shelters for over 4,000 men, women, and children. We’re grateful for a generous community that links arms with us in reaching those in need and in breaking the cycle.