UNION GOSPEL MISSION INC

MEAL PROGRAM UNION GOSPEL MISSION'S PRIMARY PROGRAM CONTINUES TO BE ITS COMMUNITY MEAL SERVICE. LUNCH IS SERVED MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY AND DINNER MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY, OFFERED TO ANYONE SEEKING SUPPORT-NO RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS. IN FYE25, THE MISSION SERVED 99,219 HOT MEALS AND 27,843 CEREAL BOWLS, AVERAGING 200-250 GUESTS PER MEAL. FOOD RESCUE TO REDUCE COSTS AND MINIMIZE FOOD WASTE, UGM'S TEAM TRAVELS DAILY THROUGHOUT DULUTH RESCUING SURPLUS FOOD FROM LOCAL GROCERY STORES AND FOOD VENDORS. IN FYE25, THE MISSION RESCUED 201,186 POUNDS OF FOOD. ITEMS NOT USED IN MEALS ARE MADE AVAILABLE TO GUESTS THROUGH OPEN SHELVES, REFRIGERATORS, AND FREEZERS LOCATED IN THE DINING HALL. SUMMER FOOD BAG PROGRAM EACH SUMMER, UGM FILLS WEEKEND FOOD GAPS FOR CHILDREN WHEN SCHOOL MEAL PROGRAMS PAUSE. THE PROJECT JOY INITIATIVE PROVIDES DRAWSTRING BAGS FILLED WITH EASY-TO-OPEN, EASY-TO-PREPARE FOOD ITEMS. IN SUMMER 2025, THE MISSION DISTRIBUTED 4,130 FOOD BAGS TO YOUTH ACROSS THE NORTHLAND THROUGH DIRECT PARTNERSHIPS WITH LOCAL SUMMER PROGRAMS AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS. MISSION HEIGHTS HOUSING UGM OPERATES MISSION HEIGHTS, A TWENTY-UNIT, DEEPLY AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAM LOCATED ABOVE THE MISSION'S DINING HALL. THE PROGRAM PROVIDES PRIVATE, FURNISHED ROOMS TO INDIVIDUALS OFTEN DECLINED BY OTHER HOUSING OPTIONS DUE TO RENTAL OR BACKGROUND BARRIERS. RESIDENTS RECEIVE A BED AND BEDDING, A PERSONAL REFRIGERATOR, ACCESS TO A SHARED FULLY STOCKED KITCHEN, FREE LAUNDRY, AND ONGOING STAFF SUPPORT TO PROMOTE LONG-TERM HOUSING STABILITY. SUPPORTIVE SERVICES UGM OFFERS A VARIETY OF ESSENTIAL RESOURCES BEYOND FOOD AND HOUSING. GUESTS VISIT DAILY TO ACCESS FREE APPAREL, HOUSEHOLD GOODS, HYGIENE ITEMS, AND BUS PASSES TO HELP THEM ATTEND APPOINTMENTS, INTERVIEWS, AND SERVICE CONNECTIONS. THE MISSION'S DOORS REMAIN OPEN ON WEEKDAYS, OFFERING A SAFE, WELCOMING SPACE TO REST, USE RESTROOMS, OR ENJOY A CUP OF COFFEE. ADDITIONALLY, UGM'S OUTREACH TEAM PROVIDES ON-SITE SUPPORT AND INDIVIDUALIZED CASE MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE-HELPING GUESTS NAVIGATE HOUSING APPLICATIONS, SECURE IDENTIFICATION, AND CONNECT WITH MEDICAL, RECOVERY, AND SOCIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS. THROUGH THESE COMBINED EFFORTS, UGM FOSTERS DIGNITY, STABILITY, AND CONNECTION FOR THOSE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS OR CRISIS.