Yakima Union Gospel Mission (YUGM) is a faith-based, 501(c)3, non-profit organization serving the hungry, hurting, and hopeless in Yakima County. Learn more about what we do and why we do it on our About page. Below are some frequently asked questions regarding our recent Adult Shelter changes.
Over the past seven years, we have faithfully provided low-barrier shelter and outreach services. While some individuals have made progress, many have remained stuck in destructive patterns without moving toward stability. For context, in 2024 our Emergency Shelter served 728 unique individuals—of those, only 66 transitioned into our long-term recovery program. Our goal moving forward is to structure our shelter model in a way that encourages more individuals to pursue meaningful change.
No, the Mission is not closing nor are we pulling back from leading in homelessness solutions. We are strengthening our focus on helping people move from homelessness to wholeness and are expanding services by adding a new high-barrier shelter, while continuing to provide low-barrier shelter and emergency care.
The new model offers three phases of shelter based on an individual’s readiness for change:
A low-barrier shelter provides immediate access with very few requirements. At YUGM, this means people can come in off the street to find a safe place to sleep, eat, and connect with basic care—even if they are not yet ready to commit to change. Low-barrier shelter removes as many obstacles as possible so that people in crisis can get help quickly.
A high-barrier shelter, by contrast, is for individuals who are ready to take more intentional steps forward. Guests agree to higher expectations such as sobriety, participation in case management, or pursuing employment and housing goals. This option offers greater stability and structure, helping people move further along the path toward lasting wholeness.
Both types of shelter are important: low-barrier meets people where they are in the moment of need, while high-barrier provides the supportive environment needed for long-term change.
No one is being denied access to emergency shelter. Our low-barrier shelter will continue to be available nightly for those who need a safe place to sleep. However, ongoing support and more stable accommodations will focus on individuals willing to take steps toward life change.
The day space will close from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays to encourage clients to engage in next steps—such as meeting with providers, pursuing employment, attending classes, or accessing resources in the community. Guests will be provided with Case Management checklists to help guide their process in seeking services. The day space will remain open on weekends when most community services are closed.
Yes, we will continue to serve 3 meals a day. Guests will still receive breakfast and dinner as usual, with sack lunches provided daily for use while away from the Mission during the day. Sack lunches will be made available after breakfast.
Those who are medically fragile (as determined by Medical Clinic or case management) or have scheduled provider appointments will still be permitted to stay indoors during the day.
Yes, in cases of extreme heat (above 100 degrees), or cold (below 32 degrees), the day space will be open to ensure safety. Additionally, in cases of emergency weather (e.g., extreme heat or cold), the day space plan will be adjusted to ensure safety.
Several years ago, YUGM experimented with opening a space we called the Front Porch. It was designed for guests who were not yet ready to come inside the shelter to receive services. Located near one of our front entrances, the Front Porch offered basic necessities such as water, a cup of coffee, or a snack. The goal was to create a welcoming space where staff could connect and build relationships with guests, encouraging them to eventually take the step of coming inside.
Unfortunately, the front porch has become a hotspot for unsafe behavior, including drug use, drug dealing, and violence. Closing it helps improve safety for both guests and staff and allows us to focus staff energy where it is most effective—supporting individuals actively seeking transformation.
After significant reflection and evaluation, we have determined the practice of handing out meals at the checkpoint enabled negative behavior rather than promoting change. We do continue to serve 3 meals a day inside in which guests are welcome to come in and receive. With this change we have created a list of food banks and other meal services for those who choose not to come inside.
Yes, but with a more focused approach. Outreach will continue but at a reduced level, allowing staff to spend more time working intentionally with individuals who are receptive to life change while still responding to community needs and engaging with local businesses.
By reducing unsafe activity at the front porch, closing the day space from 9:00am-4:00pm during the week, and focusing on those pursuing transformation, we expect to reduce loitering, disruptive behavior, and related issues in the neighborhood while creating a safer, more positive environment for guests and staff alike. Additionally, we anticipate a greater focus on those pursuing change will result in more individuals getting off the street and into some form of permanent housing or supportive services.
Our mission is to follow Christ in helping people move from homelessness to wholeness. These changes place a greater emphasis on transformation, healing, and long-term stability—ensuring that compassion and accountability work hand in hand.
Absolutely not. We are taking a focused step forward—one that prioritizes outcomes over optics, and transformation over maintenance. We remain committed to walking alongside individuals experiencing homelessness, but we are shifting our approach to produce deeper, lasting results.
Community members can help by:
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 our Community Engagement team 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.
