Union Gospel Mission

08/20/2026

What can a meal do?

At this summer’s UGM New Westminster BBQ, we caught up with a family who has been part of our community for years.

For Luke’s dad, it started with finding a place to get a meal when he was experiencing homelessness. Along the way, UGM staff came alongside his family, caring for his son and building relationships that have made a lasting impact.

Today, at just 15, Luke is already teaching martial arts and dreaming even bigger for what comes next. 💪

Sometimes, a meal is just the beginning. 💙🩵💚

08/14/2026

A cup of cold juice on a hot day might seem like a small thing, but it can open the door to something much bigger. ☀️

During periods of extreme weather, UGM's Outreach Teams head into the community with cold drinks, water, sunscreen, and other essentials to help neighbours stay safe. These interactions with our neighbours go beyond providing immediate relief from the heat, they also create opportunities for connection. 🤝

As Liam shares, hot weather initiatives often lead to new relationships, deeper community connections, and opportunities to connect people with additional supports, including housing and recovery.

Learn more about how you can help provide care during the extreme heat: https://bit.ly/4xovWRE

08/12/2026

We're taking you behind the scenes into what it's like planning a UGM Summer BBQ! ☀️

What starts as months of planning becomes a day of connection, community, and a lot of moving parts. From setup and coordinating volunteers to troubleshooting on the fly, there's plenty happening behind the scenes before the first guests arrive.

This year's Summer BBQ at Oppenheimer Park welcomed thousands of neighbours and families for a day of summer fun. The event began with a Land Acknowledgement from Elder Dr. Roberta, a prayer from Ryan, one of our VPs, and welcoming remarks from our friends at Gordon Food Service.

Serving 3,150 meals in just four hours took an incredible team effort. More than 180 volunteers worked alongside staff, donors, and partners like Gordon Food Service to help make the day possible. 🍴

As music filled the park and neighbours connected with one another, we were reminded that resilience isn't the whole story of the Downtown Eastside. There's also joy, belonging, laughter, and community. 💙🩵💚

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year's Summer BBQ possible!

We would also love to give a huge thanks to Keystone Environmental, Axiom Builders, BakerTilly WM (Vancouver), City Wide Mortgage, JSA Sales, Knight Piesold!

08/06/2026

Hear from Liam, one of our Outreach Workers, about how UGM responds during hot weather and why these efforts matter. ☀️

When temperatures rise and wildfire smoke fills the air, so does the risk for people living outdoors or in poorly ventilated housing. 🌇

Without safe shelter, our neighbours face increased risks from dehydration, heat-related illness, and poor air quality. Many of them also have pre-existing health conditions that are worsened by rising temperatures and extended time in the heat and sun. 🌡️

That's why UGM's Outreach Team hits the streets with cold water, sunscreen, hats, and other essentials to help neighbours stay safe during extreme heat. Community members are welcomed into our Drop-In space to find relief from the heat and poor air quality, with a safe place to rest and rehydrate.

Learn more about UGM’s hot weather efforts: https://bit.ly/4xovWRE

08/05/2026

UGM's Outreach Team is suiting up... or should we say, vesting up? 😎

These new vests help our team be easily recognized when they're out in the neighbourhood. During their street walks, our team connects with neighbours, builds relationships, and offers support where it's needed most.

During hot days, they're also out distributing essential supplies to help people stay cool and safe in the summer heat!

Stay tuned to hear more about how we are supporting our neighbours during the hot weather this week! ☀️

A huge thank you to Seaspan for sponsoring UGM’s outreach vests for the next two years, helping our team stay visible and accessible to community members across Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, and Victoria!

07/30/2026

07/29/2026

Way to go, Isaiah! 🚲⁠
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This year, he took on an incredible cycling challenge and turned it into an opportunity to support neighbours experiencing homelessness in Vancouver. Along the way, he raised awareness, pushed his own boundaries, and showed what it looks like to love your neighbour in a tangible way. 💙🩵💚⁠
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His fundraiser finishes this Friday, July 31 and there's still time to help him cross the finish line strong. 🏁⁠
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Every gift helps provide meals, safe shelter, and life-changing support for people in our community.⁠
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Feeling inspired? You can make a difference too. Start your own fundraiser and become a Community Champion! We'd love to cheer you on! ⁠
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Isaiah’s fundraiser ends this Friday! Click the link to support: https://bit.ly/4h37GzQ

07/24/2026

Why is summer camp so important for kids? 🏕️☀️

We’re well into the summer now so we thought we’d give you an update from one of the summer camps you helped make possible!

Summer camp is so much more than time away – it’s a chance for kids to experience adventure, build confidence, make friends, and simply be kids. These moments of connection can have a lasting impact, and they’re only possible because of generous donors like you!

A special thank you to Fraserway RV for their ongoing support in helping send children to summer camp year after year. Thank you for creating opportunities for kids to grow, belong, and make memories that last a lifetime. 💙🩵💚

07/22/2026

Over the next 36 hours, temperatures are expected to reach up to 32˚C inland, feeling as high as 38˚C with the humidex. 🌡️

During periods of extreme heat, people experiencing homelessness face increased health risks. Many are exposed to the heat for extended periods without access to air-conditioned spaces, while underlying health conditions, dehydration, and substance use can make it more difficult for their bodies to regulate temperature.

In the Downtown Eastside, where there is limited shade and green space, temperatures can feel 5-10°C hotter than in other parts of Vancouver. UGM’s outreach team is increasing its presence in the neighbourhood to help ensure vulnerable community members have access to information about cooling centres, hats, sunscreen and other hot weather supplies they need to stay safe.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4pAhDH6

07/19/2026

As we near the end of the World Cup, we’re reflecting on the joy and connection witnessed over the past five weeks at our UGM watch parties in New Westminster. ⚽️

These photos capture the excitement of the semi-final matches, when community members enjoyed banana splits and ice cream floats while cheering on their teams and celebrating together. 🍨

While the matches brought people through the doors, it was the sense of connection that made these gatherings meaningful. For many of our neighbours experiencing homelessness, poverty, and addiction, opportunities to gather, build new relationships, and simply enjoy a shared experience in a welcoming environment can make a real difference. And while the watch parties are coming to an end, UGM will continue to provide a welcoming space for our neighbours.

A special thank you to the City of New Westminster for making these watch parties possible and creating opportunities for our neighbours to come together in community. 💙🩵💚