Give to The Max Day 2024

Ashley's Journey: Finding Hope at The Mission

My name is Ashley and I am 36 years old; My husband and I became homeless when I was 31. We struggled a lot in the beginning because we didn't know about local resources like Union Gospel Mission. It wasn't until two years into homelessness that we found the Mission, and it could not have come at a better time. We were cold, wet, and starving - with the willpower to live almost beaten out of us by what comes with experiencing homelessness. When we saw the bright light of the UGM sign and smelled the food, I pulled my husband through the front door. 

Walking in, we were greeted and offered a hot lunch by a friendly staff member; I started crying. She wrapped her arms around my wet shoulders, told us to sit and eat while she gathered some dry clothes for us. Since then, we have visited the Mission not just for three meals a day, but for a place to rest, to stay warm and dry, and for anything we may need to help us survive.

The Mission will always be a special place to me, because the people who work there truly care. Without the friendships I've formed, and the positive, loving support I received from the UGM team, I would have given up entirely. Instead, I haven't given up on my life, and I’m currently in residential treatment and have been sober for 70 days. I am still fighting, and a big part of my success is owed to each of the UGM staff.