Surviving the Cold

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.

UGM has partnered for the last three years with Portland Central Nazarene Church to shelter nearly 50 houseless guests. Guests like Gary can now sleep in peace away from the constant noise and worry of the outdoors. Together with the help of volunteers and LifeChange residents, UGM provides a warm place away from the cold weather November through April. Trena, a long-time volunteer says, “I’ve volunteered at many different shelters around the Portland area, and UGM is the only shelter I know of that keeps their doors open for six months straight, during the winter.” Many shelters in the area only open their doors if the temperatures drop below 32 degrees.

Sarah Chapman, the Outreach Coordinator at UGM has been at the shelter since the beginning. She sees many fresh faces this year as well as a few returning guests. For Sarah, it is all about building relationships with the guests. She says, “If you get to know them well and hear their story, it can drastically change your outlook on homelessness, just because they are unhoused does not make them any less. They are just like you and me, made in the image of God.” One way we begin building relationships with individuals struggling with homelessness is through UGM’s Search + Rescue mobile outreach program.

Meeting needs through Search + Rescue is the first step we take to help the houseless community. The relationships we create often lead to a transition to our overnight shelter. Furthermore, guests who stay in our shelter can move on to stay at Agape Village. Agape Village is a small community of tiny homes run by Portland Central Nazarene Church that aims to help the houseless population by empowering life change. This program is not intended to be a long-term solution but instead, a stepping-stone to help them prepare for life-long success. By providing a safe environment for growth, our guests can transition into permanent housing and a healthier life.

“You may think that a pair of socks doesn’t make a difference until you are walking around with wet feet. You may think one hour isn’t enough time for a change, but if you sit with someone who is going through a trial that day, it makes a difference. So, no matter how much time is spent, how big or small a donation is, it is hugely impactful for the ones who are being served,” says Sarah.

If you know of someone battling addiction or homelessness and they are interested in a LifeChange, then contact Union Gospel Mission at 503-274-4483.