At Yakima Union Gospel Mission, our commitment to serving individuals experiencing homelessness with compassion and purpose has never wavered. Today, we are taking bold and necessary steps to ensure that our services not only meet immediate needs—but lead to lasting transformation.
After seven years of operating under a purely low-barrier shelter model, we’ve taken time to reflect deeply on our impact. The data—and our daily frontline experiences—tell a complex story: while some lives have changed for the better, many of our guests remain caught in destructive cycles that prevent healing, growth, and long-term stability.
In response, we are transitioning to a tiered shelter model, rolling out progressively during Summer 2025, that allows us to better serve individuals based on their readiness to engage in the journey of change. This new approach includes two levels of low-barrier shelter and a high-barrier shelter—each offering a different degree of structure, accountability, and support.
As part of this shift, a few key adjustments will take place:
Our day space will be closed from 9am to 4pm, except for those who are medically vulnerable or have scheduled provider appointments. Our intention behind this decision is to encourage individuals to be in the community, working on their next steps towards wholeness. In cases of emergency weather, adjustments will be made to this plan.
Our outreach on North 1st Street will be reduced, allowing us to refocus staff energy on deeper, more intentional engagement with guests who are seeking transformation.
We will be evaluating our other client spaces in the Adult Shelter for a period to ensure that the services we are providing remain safe, and don’t allow for disruptive and unsafe behavior.
These changes reflect a renewed focus on stewardship—of our time, our resources, our people, and the dignity of those we serve. By prioritizing individuals who are ready to take the next step, we can invest more deeply in the kind of long-term change that brings healing to individuals, families, and our community as a whole.
We understand that transitions like these can feel difficult, especially when they involve changes to long-standing practices. But please know: our heart for this mission is as strong as ever. We are not walking away from people in need—we are walking toward them with a clearer strategy for hope, healing, and restoration as we follow Christ in helping people move from homelessness to wholeness.
And none of this would be possible without you. Your faithful support empowers us to make these bold moves, to care more deeply, and to build a safer and more sustainable future for everyone who comes through our doors.
Thank you for continuing to stand with us as we take this next step in the journey—together.
For questions, please reach out to our team at marketing@yugm.org or call us at 509-853-4332.
