Homelessness is often misunderstood, and those who experience homelessness are plagued with negative public opinions. Too often, they are shunned and looked upon as disposable. But not a single person created in the image of God is disposable. Here at Yakima Union Gospel Mission, we see these men and women as neighbors in need. We are all God’s children, whatever our circumstances. By looking for what brings us together, we can look past what separates us and work toward building healthy families, thriving neighborhoods, and stronger communities.
Social scientists understand the root causes of homelessness and adult addiction are greatly impacted by childhood traumas. It is extremely common to find that individuals living on the street experienced multiple Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) when they were kids. These include such traumas as domestic violence, incest, mental illness, crime, neglect, and substance abuse. Experiences these abuses as children exponentially increases the likelihood of being dysfunctional in society and ultimately leading to homelessness. Adults who never achieved basic societal skills because of these issues are the men and women we see living on the streets.
YUGM was founded in 1936 to help those experiencing homelessness receive the help and resources they need to transition to wholeness. This is accomplished through providing a safe place to live, food to eat, and community support to develop interpersonal growth. While at the mission, we help our clients build healthy relationships and habits, and we share the hope and love Jesus Christ offers. In striving to serve the underserved Yakima community, we hope to give others the same opportunities that God has graciously given to us.
With continued support from our community partners and volunteers, we continue to expand our services and programs to more effectively reach the growing needs in the Yakima Valley.
The sacrificial, all-consuming love of Jesus Christ is our guiding light and it’s that nurturing love we strive to share with all those we meet.
We combine that love with professional training to effectively help adult survivors of severe childhood trauma. Our staff receives training in mental health first aid and trauma-informed care. The majority of our executives have post-graduate degrees in social work, and share over 60 years of experience working in the field. Continuing education in this area is required of our staff to continue developing the best care for our clients.
This leads us to exemplary results for those we serve. We rigorously measure all of our programs for quality and effectiveness. Our recovery graduates have a long-term sobriety rate that is five times the national average of other drug treatment programs. God has given us the passion and the desire to continually improve our services. As there are lives and souls in the balance, we cannot afford to overlook any way to increase the success rate of our programs or introduce new services.
Yakima Union Gospel Mission has designed a 5-phase model that effectively addresses the barriers that keep an individual homeless. First, we send outreach teams to the streets to connect those in need with shelter options and provide necessities. In the next stage, we focus on building relationships of trust that enable clients to seek out personal change and participate in our recovery programs. Those who graduate move to the next phase of entering the job market and building their financial independence. Finally, once a person is stable, they can move into a place of equity that allows them to become contributors in the community and invest in the lives of others.
Homelessness and poverty take a community to overcome. The Yakima Union Gospel Mission is here to help. Please join us!
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YUGM Stores have quickly become some of the most popular thrift stores in Yakima. They are clean, beautifully decorated, and are full of wonderful merchandise! You never know what you’re going to find, from designer clothing to beautiful gently-used furniture and decor. Our stores are a treasure hunter’s paradise.
But there’s more! Everything that is donated and sold at a YUGM store helps us with our singular mission of bringing people from homelessness to wholeness! By shopping with us, you are changing people’s lives by supporting and funding the incredible work and programs at the Yakima Union Gospel Mission! So while you are getting great things, you are also GIVING great things to those in need right here in our valley!
Our recovery program is a trauma informed, faith based residential program that helps our clients move from homelessness to wholeness. We use a relational, experience-oriented system that focuses on replacing unhealthy relationships and experiences with loving and healthy alternatives. Through this process, self-destructive patterns of addiction, abuse, neglect, shame, and isolation are replaced with improved coping skills, healthy relationships, and the confidence to live a new life.
Contact our Recovery Services Team via email, or call 509-248-4510.
Families experiencing homelessness can come to Yakima Union Gospel Mission for food, safe and secure shelter, clothing — and much more. We strive to surround hurting guests with loving care and support, and to impart a sense of security and trust so healing can begin. Families with children can feel safe in a secure part of campus specifically designed with a family’s needs in mind.
Contact our Family Shelter via email, or call 509-853-4330.
When someone comes to Yakima Union Gospel Mission, their first stop is at Emergency Services to have their immediate physical needs met. Here, they can sign up for overnight beds, eat three meals a day, take showers, get haircuts, pick out fresh clothes, and receive medical care.
Counseling from our staff is available to discuss options for entering our recovery programs or finding assistance at other service providers in the area.
Contact our Adult Shelter via email, or call 509-853-4343.
Established 1995, the YUGM Medical Care Center remains one of only a few clinics that provide free medical, dental, and mental health care services to the most impoverished people in and around Yakima.
The clinic averages more than 9,000 patient visits each year made possible by over 200 volunteer medical professionals.
Contact our Care Center via email, or call 509-853-4327.
The medical clinic is often the only facility that can care for the complex and myriad health
needs associated with poverty. Whatever medical condition a homeless or poverty-stricken
person presents, our licensed doctors have the expertise and resources to provide for their
needs.
Dental care is a key piece to overall health and restoration, yet most individuals we see have
neither the insurance nor finances to afford vital services. Our Dental Care Center is stepping in to fill this void. With the help of a faithful group of local dentists and volunteer professionals, we provide full dental services to low-income individuals in our community
Help support the efforts to overcome poverty, homelessness, and addiction by becoming a voice for those who have none. By becoming an advocate for the poor and homeless in Yakima, you can help educate and influence our civic and cultural leaders to support resources and enact legislation to help our cause.
Contact Chelsea Snograss for more information at 509-853-4346.
There are a number of opportunities at the Mission for your church, civic group or workplace to get involved. These include immersive experiences, team building exercises and opportunities to learn more about homelessness and how we address the root causes at the Mission.
Host a drive, volunteer as a group, hold a seminar for our clients, invite a guest speaker from the Mission to present training on Yakima’s homeless and impoverished neighbors . . . the options are many!
For more ideas, questions or information, reach out to 509-853-4346 or send an email here.
One of the most practical and impactful ways you can partner with us in loving and serving our neighbors is by hosting a drive with your church, your neighborhood, your place of work, or any other community group!
Your collected and donated food, blankets, clothes, health products, and other practical supplies allow us to serve those experiencing homelessness more effectively and efficiently.
Your financial gifts make a profound difference in the lives of countless families and individuals experiencing homelessness. We are truly grateful for your compassion and partnership in creating a brighter future for those in need.
When your company matches gifts to Yakima Union Gospel Mission, everyone benefits! Maximize your tax-deductible giving and multiply your impact.
Thoughtful gift planning can significantly reduce your tax burden, create income in your retirement years and create a legacy that lives beyond your lifetime, impacting the lives of future generations.
Donating stocks can provide a significant tax benefit while making an immediate and lasting impact for our homeless neighbors here in the Valley.
We gratefully accept donations of whole goods, food, toys, clothing, and other top-quality products.
Make a real difference in your community! YUGM offers a variety of volunteer opportunities where you can directly impact the lives of those in need. Whether you’re passionate about serving meals, supporting families, offering street outreach, or assisting in our medical care clinic, we have a place for you. Give the gift of your time and skills, and experience the profound satisfaction of helping those experiencing homelessness.
To serve at YUGM, please click the button below to complete an online volunteer account with Community Connect. This will be where you can view and sign up for opportunities and keep track of your volunteer hours. Your account will include waivers to sign for a background check to be conducted. Only when your account is approved, you may sign up for opportunities. (Those with criminal infractions can be considered on a case-by-case basis. However, sex offenders or those who have a history of crimes against children are prohibited from serving on any YUGM campus).
For questions or more information, please email us here.