URGENT UPDATE: The Union Gospel Mission (UGM) is set to unveil its new rescue center in Lewiston, providing immediate support for the region’s homeless population starting February 2, 2024. This facility aims to combat the dire need for safe housing as winter approaches, where over 300 individuals are currently without shelter in the area.
On a recent weekday, the sounds of power drills echoed as volunteers assembled 48 bunk beds designed with privacy and dignity in mind. UGM’s center, located at 419 Snake River Ave, will feature private entrances, lockers, and electrical outlets for each bed. “They’re not just coming into a dorm room filled with beds,” said Jeremy Stevens, director of the center, highlighting the emphasis on personal space.
The center will serve as a lifeline for those struggling with homelessness, including mothers and children. It will house 48 beds for women and children on the second level, with specific accommodations for single mothers. “If you think about it, we have a 96-bed facility for a region with over 300 homeless individuals,” Stevens explained, underscoring the urgent need for these services.
UGM’s new facility will provide free meals, overnight lodging, and social services for up to 90 days, requiring residents to be drug- and alcohol-free. Each adult must pass a Breathalyzer test upon entering and anytime after 9 p.m.. This strict policy aims to create a safe environment for all residents, many of whom are escaping domestic violence or battling addiction.
According to local advocate Michelle King, the center’s opening is a crucial step in addressing homelessness in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley. “I am hopeful that this winter no one freezes to death,” King stated, referencing tragic past winters where at least 20 individuals perished while unhoused.
Sarah Reaves, a Clarkston city councilor, noted that while UGM will significantly aid those ready for recovery, it cannot solve the entire issue. “It is not a complete and total fix,” she warned, emphasizing the need for additional services for those who do not meet the shelter’s criteria.
The center will accept mothers and children 24/7, while intake for men and women occurs from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.. The facility’s design promotes community and healing, featuring high ceilings, ample natural light, and activity areas for children. Residents will follow a structured daily schedule, with required chores and regular chapel services.
Stevens explained that the intake process includes sanitizing new residents’ belongings to prevent pest infestations, ensuring a clean and safe living environment. “We help give them boundaries and provide them structure,” he added, emphasizing the facility’s role in helping residents reintegrate into society.
As UGM prepares for its grand opening, the community is urged to share this vital information. The center represents hope and a chance for a fresh start for many in the Lewiston area, and its impact will be felt as winter temperatures drop.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
