Seattle's Union Gospel Mission has a history that dates to the Great Depression. Founded in 1932, it began as a small soup kitchen created by a group of local businessmen who were concerned about the growing number of unemployed and homeless individuals in the city due to the challenging economic times.
Unlike other kitchens, the founders sought to address both the physical needs of those suffering from poverty and the spiritual void they believed existed in the lives of those trapped in their circumstances.
This approach is stated on the Mission’s website with a declaration of faith. “We take seriously His command to feed hungry people, clothe those who are naked, and provide shelter for those who are homeless.” [1]
Over the years, the Union Gospel Mission expanded its services as the needs of the community evolved. By the 1940s and 1950s, it had added a chapel, a shelter, and a rehabilitation program. In the decades that followed, Union Gospel Mission continued to grow, offering a variety of programs aimed at recovery, education, and job training.
Each Thanksgiving, they provide over 2,000 meals to men, women, and children while continuing to offer long-term support. [2]
Hot Thanksgiving Meals Served to Those in Need Since 1989
The first official Thanksgiving meals were served in 1989, although the kitchen and shelters would provide resources for nearly 60 years before then. About 1,500 are served at their Vancouver location in addition to what is handed out in Seattle.
Photos Courtesy of Seattle's Union Gospel Mission Facebook Page
“It’s amazing how the path to recovery and a new life often starts with something as simple as a meal this Thanksgiving season," said Scott Chin, president of the Mission.
In 2020, Mission spokesperson Nadia Tchoumi noticed a significant increase in personal needs during the COVID pandemic. “Homelessness has become acute these days,” she said. Some days, the line to grab food was a few blocks down the street because there was nowhere else to get a meal. [3]
Nicole Mucci noted in 2022 that more people were connecting with their mobile mission rescue. “We’re seeing younger and younger folks, and folks who have children, which isn’t something we’ve seen a lot of before,” she said. [4]
Each year, Union Gospel Mission works to secure another 1,500 turkeys they can distribute to families across Western Washington and Southern British Columbia.
The entire Thanksgiving experience includes breakfast and dinner. The morning meal includes ham steaks, hash browns, fried eggs, fruit, oatmeal, and other items. In the evening, turkey with all the trimmings is on the menu, including pumpkin pie.
The Goal Is To Help the Lost Become Found
According to Norm Hummel, Food Service Director for Union Gospel Mission, the need is greater than ever. “We are extremely blessed to live in city that loves and cares for our homeless neighbors and those who are hurting,” he said. “Some families will be reunited for the first time in years this holiday season because of the recovery programs we offer.”
This vision is straightforward. Union Gospel Mission wants to see every homeless neighbor be beloved, redeemed, and restored.
Although a turkey dinner provides immediate relief, Hummel says the goal is to go beyond the short-term results of satisfying daily hunger. “We focus on long-term solutions to addiction and homelessness,” he said. “That includes programs for youth, legal aid, medical care, and services tailored to the needs of women and children.”
In 2022, they fell about 500 turkeys short of their overall goal. “A thousand families are going to have turkeys on the table, so you have to look at the cup half-full,” he said.
You Can Find Union Gospel Mission in the Heart of Pioneer Square
This location is significant because Pioneer Square is one of the city's oldest neighborhoods, often associated with a higher population of homeless individuals and a rich history of social service organizations. [5]
(Photo Courtesy of Seattle's Union Gospel Mission Facebook)
The area that would become Pioneer Square began to take shape in the mid-19th century when the Denny Party, often recognized as Seattle's first European settlers, established a settlement there in 1852. The site was initially named "Duwamps," but it was later renamed "Seattle" after Chief Si'ahl of the local Duwamish and Suquamish tribes.
Many of the wooden buildings were destroyed during the Great Seattle Fire in 1889. Residents quickly rebuilt the area, using stone and brick, and many of those structures still stand today.
Union Gospel Mission operates several shelters throughout the city while staffing multiple program sites. Their facilities are strategically placed to serve the most people possible while staying within their operating budget.
These operations are often tucked into areas where you can also find professional sports, art galleries, and entrepreneurial offices. It is a genuine melting pot where the area’s unique character comes to life.
If you’d like to contribute to Union Gospel Mission’s Thanksgiving effort, you can donate directly on their website. For those in the area, you can also donate turkeys and other items. Hummel also mentioned that they look for beef donations at this time of year for their Christmas meal.
References:
[1] https://www.ugm.org/about-us/statement-of-faith/
[2] https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/union-gospel-mission-opens-once-again-thanksgiving/VJ5FHSLWOFBKBJGDUG3J4JYLIU/
[3] https://vancouversun.com/news/union-gospel-missions-annual-thanksgiving-dinner-means-so-much-to-so-many#:~:text=Since%201989%2C%20the%20mission%20has,with%20poverty%2C%20homelessness%20and%20addiction.
[4] https://globalnews.ca/news/9189268/thanksgiving-meal-ugm-indoor-pandemic/
