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Mission Stories to Inspire You — April

Seattle's Union Gospel Mission - April 01 2025
New shelter opening
Crystall’s journey | Clarissa’s story | President's message 

Celebrating 1 year at our new shelter!

You’re who we give thanks for! Thanks to your support and God’s faithfulness, just this last year, we opened the doors to our brand-new Women and Children’s Shelter.

Women and mothers with children are walking through our doors from off the streets to find hope for a new life. Many of these neighbors are escaping painful circumstances. They’ve lost homes or jobs. They’re fleeing abusive relationships and addictions they’re unable to overcome on their own. They feel isolated and all alone. Offering more than simply a place to stay, your support of our Women and Children’s Shelter is investing in loving and safe relationships where hope for a changed life can take root and blossom.

Consistent, comforting care

Immediate care — through nutritious meals, a warm bed to sleep in, showers, and clean clothes — reassures women and children that their basic needs will be consistently met. From there, case management, mental health services, employment assistance, and resources for stable or permanent housing provide people with help to break the cycle of homelessness.

A safe place for children

One of the more comforting aspects for families coming into this new shelter is our expanded programs for children. Bible, teen, and homework clubs; family activities; school support; and youth game nights give kids restored stability and a place to belong when life has held uncertainty. Through this supportive and nurturing atmosphere, you’re providing women and children with a pathway to a brighter future. Thank you!

At our new Women and Children’s Shelter, Crystall’s sharing hope.

At our new Women and Children’s Shelter, Crystall’s sharing hope.

Crystall’s journey is showing women they’re not alone

Crystall knows what it feels like to carry the scars of pain and trauma. She was abandoned by her mom and dad, who were both active in addiction. Crystall was then placed in a foster home, but she didn’t have family to turn to when she aged out. “I had some deep-rooted traumas. Throughout the years, I would just use drugs to escape from them.”

After spending time in Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission’s recovery program for women, Crystall’s found true freedom. “I was able to face my trauma and get healing. I received freedom from that and from my drug use.”

Today, Crystall feels called to use her story to help other women who are broken. Working at our new Women and Children’s Shelter provides her an opportunity to do just that.

“I’m excited to serve the Lord and help other women and children get to a higher place. I want to share my experience to help somebody.”

Crystall’s now giving hope to others so that they can find a new life too!

Clarissa’s finding hope for a new life

Before walking through the doors of our new Women and Children’s Shelter, Clarissa’s life had reached a dark place.

“I got married at 19. I’ve been married for five years to this very abusive person. I didn’t see any hope at all. I started feeling really depressed. I wanted to die, honestly.”

When Clarissa learned about our recently opened shelter just for women, she had hope for the first time. “I was literally the first one that came in here when they had just opened that day.”

Initially, Clarissa struggled with fear, especially after spending the last five years trapped in domestic violence. But as time went on, she began to feel safe. 

“The staff are amazing here. You can talk to them about anything. I wanted to give up on myself, but people are here to pray for you and support you.”

Clarissa felt lost, but you’re helping her find the love and support she needs!

 

Clarissa
President Scott Chin serving on Search + Rescue

President Scott Chin serving on Search + Rescue

President's message

With your support, Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission is responding to our city’s homelessness crisis as the Lord leads. God has expanded our ministry in ways our founders would’ve never imagined.

Today, more is known about the root causes of homelessness and how trauma, addiction, and mental health can be real barriers to recovery. More is understood about the importance of building right relationships with God, one another, and with our local churches.

In spite of any challenges faced, one thing is certain. God is using His people — compassionate people like you — to help those who are hopeless discover hope for a new life as lost neighbors become found.

The hope is that God continues to use the Mission, with your partnership, to bring healing to men and women from their pasts while changing their present and, most importantly, their eternal lives.

We marvel at what God has done with our new shelter for women and mothers with children. And we look forward to what He will do in the coming days, months, and years all for His glory!

— Scott Chin, President

Help others like Crystall and Clarissa find hope and healing!

Few would argue against the fact that the greater Seattle area is one the most beautiful regions in the world. Deep emerald trees layered against the sparkling Puget Sound take your breath away. But even more beautiful than the landscape are the people who call this city home — people like you who care for their neighbors. People who want to see every man, woman, and child thriving!

Your gift will help rescue a man, woman, or child experiencing homelessness. You’ll help deliver food, shelter, recovery services, AND hope that leads to physical and spiritual restoration.

This is the life-changing care our neighbors need to move from surviving to thriving! Thank you for your compassion and generosity.

 

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