Frequently Asked Questions

What are long-term solutions to homelessness? 

A safe place to live is just the beginning. Lasting change takes healing from trauma, support through recovery, and the chance to rebuild your life with dignity and purpose. At the Mission, we walk with people every step of the way — because true life change is found in relationships, faith, and the power of God’s love. 

What’s the best way to help someone who is homeless? 

Start by seeing them — really seeing them — as someone made in God’s image. Offer kindness. Share a snack or hygiene kit. And if they’re open to it, connect them to our helpline at (206) 501-HELP (4357) or gethelp@ugm.org. We go directly to camps and sidewalks to build trust and invite people off the streets into long-term recovery. 

What does Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission do? 

Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission cares for people facing homelessness in the Greater Seattle Area by meeting their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. From hot meals and safe shelter to addiction recovery, mental health counseling, and job readiness, we walk with people every step of the way toward a changed life. 

How does the Mission help people struggling with homelessness? 

We believe true recovery goes beyond housing. Our programs address root causes like addiction, trauma, and mental illness through long-term, Christ-centered care. Whether someone connects with us through outreach, a shelter stay, or a recovery program, we offer the relationships and resources needed to rebuild a life. 

How is the Mission different from a shelter? 

We meet urgent needs like food and safety, but we also walk with people into lasting change through recovery, discipleship, job training, and mental health care.  

Does the Mission help with mental health or trauma? 

Yes. Many of our homeless neighbors carry deep wounds — abuse, loss, PTSD, or mental illness. Our mental health team offers time-rich, trauma-informed care through one-on-one support, counseling, group work, and connection to professional services.  

How long is the recovery program at the Mission? 

Our long-term recovery program typically lasts 12 months. During that time, men and women live in community, receive counseling, build life skills, and have opportunities to grow in their faith. It's not easy — but it works. Many graduates leave the program sober, employed, and connected to a church or healthy support system, and over 70% maintain these changes two years after graduation, showing the program produces lasting change. 

How can I donate to Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission? 

You can give online, by phone, or by mail. Every gift helps provide meals, shelter, and a path to recovery for someone in need. Your generosity can be the first step toward a changed life. 

Phone: We accept major credit cards by phone. Call our Donor Relations Team at (206) 723-0767 x428

Mailing address:
Seattle's Union Gospel Mission
P.O. Box 202
Seattle, WA 98111-0202

Learn about even more ways to give.

Where does my donation go? 

If you're like most people, when you entrust an organization such as ours with your money, you want it to be used wisely and you want it to make a lasting difference in the lives of people who need it most. We want the same. Not only that, but we want you to be confident that we appreciate and value you as an interested, and deeply-invested, partner in our mission.

When you give to the Mission, you will provide for short-term physical needs and long-term solutions for those in need. Your gifts help men, women, and children who have lost so much find a path to changed lives and a hopeful future. 

In efforts to remain transparent to our donors and others, we welcome you to look through our financial documents

How can I volunteer at the Mission? 

Volunteers are a vital part of the Mission family. From serving meals to mentoring — there’s a place for you to make a difference. Get started today.

What do I do if someone I know needs help right now? 

If someone is in crisis, they can call our helpline at (206-501-HELP (4357) or email gethelp@ugm.org. We’ll meet them with compassion, provide resources and referrals, and invite them to take the next step toward lasting change.  

Is Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission a Christian organization? 

As a non-profit Christian ministry, Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission bases its work on the teachings of Jesus Christ. We take seriously His command to feed hungry people, clothe those who are naked, and provide shelter for those who are homeless. We consistently combine our faith with action by serving those in greatest need regardless of their religious beliefs, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity. 

Is the Mission a nonprofit? 

Yes, Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to serving people experiencing homelessness and addiction in King County. 

Are donations to the Mission tax-deductible? 

Yes. Donations to Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. We provide receipts for all gifts.