URGENT UPDATE: The Union Gospel Mission (UGM) is set to open its new rescue center in Lewiston on February 2, providing essential services to combat homelessness in the region. This facility will feature 48 beds designed for privacy and dignity, addressing a critical need for the local community.
As construction progresses, UGM’s director, Jeremy Stevens, highlighted the innovative design of the new center. Each bunk bed will include a private entrance and a locker, equipped with electricity for personal devices. “It brings dignity to the person. They’re not just coming into a dorm room filled with beds,” Stevens emphasized.
The center will house separate dormitory rooms for men and women, with 48 beds for women and children on the second level. This expansion is vital as recent data shows that 216 individuals in north central Idaho are currently homeless, alongside another 77 in Asotin County and 12 in Whitman County.
Stevens stated, “If over 300 people are homeless in the region, we have a 96-bed facility. That’s a third of the people who could come in right away.” The center will not only provide shelter but also free meals and essential services for up to 90 days.
This facility is one of at least five projects aimed at improving the lives of the unhoused population as winter approaches. Local advocate Michelle King expressed her hopes that the center will prevent tragedies during the cold months, citing that in previous winters, there have been at least 20 documented cases of individuals perishing while unhoused.
The center aims to support those escaping domestic violence or substance abuse, with a strict policy requiring all residents to be drug- and alcohol-free. Men and women can access the center from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and all adults must pass a Breathalyzer test upon entry.
Stevens noted that the center’s mission is to help residents transition back into stable lives. “We really hope to see that as people come in, they don’t go back to whatever environment they came from,” he said.
New residents will undergo a thorough intake process, including a unique method for pest control. Their belongings will be treated in a hot box room to prevent infestations, ensuring a clean environment.
The daily routine will provide structure, with wake-up calls at 6 a.m. and scheduled meals throughout the day. Residents will also participate in chores, fostering a sense of responsibility.
UGM’s facility promises to be a beacon of hope for many, but local leaders recognize it won’t solve every issue. Sarah Reaves, a Clarkston city councilor, noted the center’s limitations, stating, “It is not a complete and total fix… For those who do, it’s a blessing and lifeline.”
With a dedicated team of 20 staff members and trained volunteers available around the clock, the UGM center is poised to offer a much-needed refuge in the heart of Lewiston. As winter approaches, the community eagerly anticipates the opening, hoping it will significantly alleviate the struggles of the unhoused population.
Stay tuned for ongoing updates as the Union Gospel Mission prepares to welcome its first residents.
