Union Gospel Mission

Union Gospel Mission: holistic help in British Columbia

Union Gospel Mission (UGM) is a Christian charitable organization based in Vancouver, British Columbia, with an 80-year history dedicated to feeding hope and transforming lives. Its work focuses on serving people facing poverty, homelessness, and addiction, offering a continuum of care that ranges from immediate street-level help to recovery programs and supportive housing.

Programs and services

The organization structures its assistance in several key areas:

• Community outreach: street-level outreach teams providing direct support and distributing essential items.
• Meals and shelter: daily meal service and emergency shelter, with access to showers, laundry, and overnight storage.
• Recovery programs: residential and pre-recovery initiatives for men and women seeking to overcome addictions.
• Workforce development: training and employment support services.
• Social and affordable housing: housing solutions for people in vulnerable situations.
• Services for children and families: programs specifically for families and minors.

Geographic presence

UGM operates in various areas of British Columbia, including Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and Vancouver Island. Its facilities include drop-in centres, shelters, live-in recovery homes, and transitional housing, among other spaces. The organization maintains administrative offices and a distribution centre in Vancouver, as well as resource centres and programs in New Westminster, Mission, and Victoria.

Context and social need

According to data the organization itself manages, the need for help in Metro Vancouver and Victoria is growing. Overlapping opioid, housing, and health crises are pushing more people into poverty. In 2025, 6,981 people were experiencing homelessness in Metro Vancouver and Greater Victoria; 80% of Downtown Eastside families live at or below the poverty line, and 2,253 British Columbians died from opioid overdose in 2024.

History and mission

With eight decades of activity, UGM defines itself as a faith-driven organization that seeks to demonstrate the love of Christ while transforming communities. Its mission includes meeting people's whole needs, offering compassionate care that promotes deep healing and hopeful futures.

Ways to get involved

The organization channels community support through donations, volunteering, and item donations. Financial contributions go toward providing meals, shelter, and outreach programs. Businesses, churches, and individuals can get involved in various ways to expand the impact in the community.

Locations and premises

UGM Vancouver & Administrative Offices Location: 601 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 1J7

UGM Distribution Centre Location: 8346 St. George Street, Vancouver, BC V5X 3S7

UGM Vancouver | The Cornerstone | Emergency Shelter Location: 601 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 1J7

UGM Women & Families Centre Location: 616 East Cordova Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 1L9

UGM New Westminster Resource Centre Location: 658 Clarkson Street, New Westminster, BC V3M 1E1

UGM Women & Families Centre | The Sanctuary Pre-Recovery & Recovery | Housing Location: 616 East Cordova Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 1L9

UGM Vancouver | Men's Recovery | Housing Location: 601 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 1J7

Cedar Haven | Women's Recovery Location: Langley, BC

Arrow Home | Women's Recovery Location: Victoria, BC

Maurice McElrea Place | Housing Location: 361 Heatley Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6A 4J9

UGM Thrift Store Location: 671 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 1R2