URGENT UPDATE: The Union Gospel Mission (UGM) is set to open a new rescue center in Lewiston, Idaho, on February 2, 2024, aiming to provide essential services to the region’s homeless population. As volunteers hustle to assemble 48 bunk beds at the new facility located at 419 Snake River Ave, the urgency to address homelessness in the area has never been greater.
Director Jeremy Stevens highlighted the center’s innovative design, which prioritizes privacy and dignity for residents. Each bunk bed will feature a private entrance, locker, and access to electricity, ensuring that individuals have a personal space to call their own. “It brings dignity to the person,” Stevens stated.
The new facility will accommodate 48 beds for men and an additional 48 beds for women and children, including rooms for single mothers. This expansion is vital, as a recent national count revealed that there are at least 216 homeless individuals in north central Idaho, with another 77 in Asotin County and 12 in Whitman County. The need is staggering, and UGM aims to meet a significant portion of it.
“Over 300 people are homeless in the region, and our 96-bed facility can serve a third of them immediately,” Stevens remarked. The center will be a lifeline for those escaping domestic violence or battling addiction, offering free meals, overnight lodging, and social services for up to 90 days.
As winter approaches, the potential for tragedy looms large. Activist Michelle King emphasized the urgency, recalling that in the past five winters, at least 20 individuals perished while unhoused. “I am hopeful that this winter no one freezes to death,” King said.
UGM’s center will operate 24/7, welcoming mothers and children around the clock. Men and women will be admitted from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., but all residents must pass a Breathalyzer test to ensure a drug- and alcohol-free environment. Stevens noted that the intake process includes a thorough review for individuals with past criminal records, ensuring safety while promoting rehabilitation.
Inside the center, residents will follow a structured routine designed to facilitate their reintegration into society. Daily schedules will include meals, chores, and mandatory attendance at chapel services. The facility will also feature a day care center to support mothers while they participate in programs or seek employment.
With a dedicated staff of 20 paid employees and trained volunteers on-site around the clock, UGM is poised to make a significant impact in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley. “We help give them boundaries and provide them structure,” Stevens explained.
As the center prepares to open, community leaders are optimistic yet realistic about the challenges ahead. Sarah Reaves, a Clarkston city councilor, remarked that while UGM will play a crucial role in addressing the homeless crisis, it cannot solve all issues. “For those ready to go into immediate recovery, it’s a blessing and lifeline,” she stated.
The opening of the Union Gospel Mission center marks a crucial step forward in the fight against homelessness in Idaho. With its focus on dignity, structure, and support, this initiative could transform lives as winter approaches.
Stay informed as we continue to monitor developments surrounding UGM and the broader efforts to combat homelessness in the region.
