UPDATE: The Union Gospel Mission (UGM) is set to officially open its new rescue center in Lewiston on February 2, 2024, aimed at addressing the urgent needs of the region’s homeless population. With construction underway, dozens of volunteers are busy assembling 48 new bunk beds designed to provide privacy and dignity for residents.
Located at 419 Snake River Ave, the center will feature separate dormitories for men, women, and children, addressing a critical shortage of safe accommodations. UGM Director Jeremy Stevens emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming environment: “Each bunk bed has a private entrance and a locker. These features help restore dignity to those who come here.”
As winter approaches, the need for shelter is dire. Recent data revealed that over 300 individuals in north central Idaho are homeless, with significant numbers also in neighboring Asotin and Whitman Counties. “We have a 96-bed facility opening that could accommodate a third of those in need,” Stevens highlighted, pointing to the stark reality of homelessness in the region.
The new UGM center will offer essential services including free meals, overnight lodging, education, and social support for individuals, typically for periods of about 90 days. This initiative comes as part of a broader response to the area’s homelessness crisis, with UGM being one of at least five projects aimed at improving living conditions for the unhoused population.
Volunteers, including local advocate Michelle King, are hopeful about the impact of the center. “I am hopeful that this winter no one freezes to death,” she stated, recalling the tragic loss of at least 20 individuals in previous winters due to exposure while living on the streets.
The facility will operate 24/7 for mothers and children, while men and women can check in daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.. All adults must pass a Breathalyzer test before entering, ensuring a safe environment for everyone. “This center will provide a lifeline to those ready to enter recovery,” said Sarah Reaves, a Clarkston city councilor.
Stevens noted that the center aims to help residents transition from unstable living situations, whether fleeing domestic violence or recovering from addiction. While it will not accept sex offenders or those convicted of homicide, it will evaluate other applicants on a case-by-case basis, focusing on their willingness to change.
The facility’s design emphasizes community and structure. The layout includes high ceilings and ample natural light, promoting a welcoming atmosphere. An activity center and daycare will also be part of the facility, allowing mothers to focus on their recovery while their children are cared for.
UGM is committed to providing not just shelter, but a pathway to independence. The daily schedule will include meals, chapel services, and chores, fostering accountability and a sense of normalcy for residents. Stevens remarked, “We help give them boundaries and provide them structure. That’s part of the accountability piece of what we do.”
As the opening day approaches, community members and volunteers remain optimistic about the center’s potential to significantly reduce homelessness in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley. With winter looming, the timing could not be more critical. Residents and advocates alike are ready to see lives transformed as UGM opens its doors to those in need.
