Founded by Christian businessmen, Union Gospel Mission glorifies Jesus Christ through the evangelization and regeneration of the urban poor while worshiping with acts of mercy. The Mission provides a Christ-centered environment, food, clothing, shelter, many essential items, and a recovery program. The Mission’s facility near downtown Sacramento includes a Worship Center, Dining Room, and Kitchen that serves approximately 8,600 meals per month, clothing closet, showers, a dormitory, and transitional home. Sixty beds are for overnight stays, and 24 are for participants in the nine-month Men’s New Life Drug and Alcohol Recovery Program. “The men in our Recovery Program attend classes, counseling, assigned jobs, and vocational training. With a Christian curriculum, it is life-changing, breaking the grip of addiction, restoring broken lives to creating new beginnings,” explains Pastor Tim Lane, Director of the Mission. The Mission also provides Chapel Services and dinner every night of the year, homeless services, food boxes for families and seniors, a Women’s Clothing Closet, and a Warming Center for those without beds to stay warm overnight through the winter. |
With no government funding, the Mission relies completely upon financial contributions and donations of goods. “Heading into winter, we especially need blankets, sleeping bags, coats, warm socks, and shoes – things the homeless need just to stay alive,” notes Pastor Lane. “We also need facility improvements with our older buildings, and help to renovate our outdoor gym.” This union of Christians sharing the gospel while doing the work of a mission has already inspired many strong community connections. Steve Ayers, a principal with the Elks Tower Casino and Event Center, says, “We’re proud of our strategic alliance with the Union Gospel Mission to address mental health issues in our community.” “There are people among our homeless population living in horrible conditions, even dying on the streets,” concludes Pastor Lane. “Please help us to save them in mind, body, and soul.” To learn more about our history, please go to: Thanks to God, Who sustains this Mission and brings people, such as yourself, to support us financially, with volunteer services, and with all kinds of donations. We are making an impact on our homeless and poor neighbors with the gift of Christ! This article was originally published in this years Comstock Magazine’s 23rd Annual Capital Region Cares Edition.
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