We need $131,000 to provide safe shelter for the growing number of homeless people in our community who now find it impossible to meet their most basic needs from one day to the next.

Six months ago, in the dead of winter, we turned the chapel at our men’s center into an emergency cold-weather shelter in an effort to keep the homeless from freezing to death on the streets. Since then, we have been overwhelmed with so many requests for overnight beds that we’ve decided to open up our chapel year-round for those lacking a place to sleep.

This has put additional strain not only on our facilities, but also on our limited budget. Thankfully, giving to the Mission has held steady. But with the need skyrocketing, it’s been a challenge to make the necessary adjustments — on top of helping so many people with food, clothing, and shelter each day.

That’s why we started Operation Safe Shelter. And why I’m praying that compassionate people like you will dig deep to help your neighbors who have no place to sleep tonight.

With God’s grace and your generosity, I just know we can keep hundreds from losing hope.

We knew the tragedy was coming. Why aren’t we ready?
When the economic downturn began two years ago, we knew the poor would be among the hardest hit. But this time, the recession was deeper — and lasted longer — than anyone predicted. The result: More people lost their jobs, were evicted from their homes, and, with social services overwhelmed, couldn’t find help.

How did we get to this point?
Homelessness in the Twin Cities has been a serious concern for years. Somehow, through resourcefulness, community cooperation, and the generosity of our friends, we’ve always been able to adequately care for our less-fortunate neighbors.

But this economic downturn has tested our limits. First, the number of homeless people swelled as people lost their jobs, then their homes. Everyone felt the pinch, so many cut back on their giving — or stopped giving entirely. Overwhelmed by the sudden surge in need, government programs could no longer keep up. And though the Mission has kept up — so far — our men’s facilities are now in need of important updates.

The improvements we’ve been putting off cannot wait any longer, for comfort as well as for safety reasons.

Just how bad has it gotten?
Not long ago, we held a fire drill and the people on the third floor of our men’s shelter had a difficult time hearing the alarm go off. In the event of a real emergency, we want to make sure everyone gets out safely!

Updating our fire safety system — including installation of push bars on our exterior doors — is just one of the most critical of the many needs we have. Here are some others:

• Many of the men who come into our overnight shelter need prayer, guidance, or just someplace they can talk with us privately. Right now, that happens within earshot of a dozen other men because our chapel is one big room. We need to add a couple of small meeting rooms so these men can feel free to share what’s on their hearts, and receive healing.
   
• The old crank-style windows in our chapel/ emergency shelter are drafty, which means we need to run our heating and air conditioning more than normal.
   
• Although it still runs, the elevator in our men’s shelter no longer meets building code standards. City officials tell us it needs extensive repairs.
   
• With our shelter filled to capacity nearly every night, sheets, blankets, and even the mattresses are wearing out quicker and need to be replaced. So do many of our chairs, beds, and other furnishings, which are now in poor condition.
   
• Bigger crowds each night also mean more requests for clean underwear and socks, now in short supply.

The long-term benefit to our community
At a time when thousands continue to lose their unemployment benefits, foreclosures are up, and job prospects are stalled, the Union Gospel Mission stands ready to do whatever it takes to adequately care for our homeless neighbors.

This is especially important because many social service agencies have reduced their services — or closed their doors altogether.

We have programs that change people’s lives, as our graduates can attest. There’s no greater testimony to God’s transforming power than seeing men and women restored to wholeness, then using what they’ve learned to help others find hope.

How you can get involved
When you send your gift today, you are not only helping provide safe shelter for homeless people; you are giving them back their dignity.

This is our chance to show them God’s redeeming love in a very practical way, not only lifting their worries but lifting their spirits as well.

What a wonderful way to put your own faith into action, fulfilling one of God’s greatest commands: “Love your neighbor as much as you love yourself.”