Union Gospel Mission

Meal program: ugm's primary program is its meal program. Lunch is served monday through friday, and dinner is served monday through thursday. Meals are offered to anyone seeking support, regardless of residency. The Mission serves an average 175-200 guests per meal. Food rescue: to reduce costs, each weekday ugm travels throughout duluth rescuing surplus food from local grocery stores. Rescued food that cannot be utilized in meals is still made available to guests via shelves, fridges and freezers in the dining hall. Project joy program: while subsidized weekday breakfasts and lunches remain available at select schools throughout summer months, many weekend children meal programs are paused during summer break. In hopes of filling this gap, ugm packs and distributes drawstring bags filled with easy-to-open, easy- to-prepare food for children to utilize on the weekends. To avoid accessibility barriers, ugm delivered bags weekly to various youth summer programs. 1,905 bags were distributed throughout the summer of 2023. Housing: ugm operates the Mission height's housing complex, located upstairs of the dining hall. The Mission heights complex provides twenty deeply affordable, private bedrooms to people of all different backgrounds. Ugm often work with individuals who have been declined by alternative housing options due to background issues. Upon arrival, residents are provided with a new bed and bedding, a personal mini fridge, a shared fully stocked kitchen, free laundry and more. Supportive services: ugm provides a host of additional supportive resources. Guests visit ugm to access free apparel, household necessities, or personal hygiene essentials. Additionally, doors remain unlocked weekdays from 9am-5:30pm, allowing guests the opportunity to utilize a bathroom, access free grocery items, or simply enjoy a cup of coffee away from the outside elements.