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"Reaching hearts
and changing lives
since 1938"
Union Gospel Mission
405 E Heron/PO Box 859
Aberdeen, WA 98520
360-533-1064
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Else Johnson &
Esther Sawyer,
early 1930's
The Union Gospel Mission
of Grays Harbor
was founded in 1938
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Who We Are & What We Do
Else Johnson and Esther Sawyer began the Lighthouse Mission on Heron and "F" Street in Aberdeen, in the early 1930’s. It was not long before the needs grew, and local area churches stepped in to help. The work was then named the Union Gospel Mission. Their intent was to feed and shelter the less fortunate and also share a better way of life.
The Union Gospel Mission then officially opened on January 24, 1938, at 500 East Heron in Aberdeen (now Zelasko Park). The Mission then moved to 405 East Heron in April, 1942, where the Mission remains today.
On opening day, two meals were served, and one man stayed overnight. Each day, local churches led Gospel services, coffee and stationary were given away, and ironing could be done. The first donation was five dollars.
During the last 70 years, we have seen many changes in the population we serve. Many years ago, our average client was the 50+ year old male. Now in the year 2008, we are seeing a younger male population in their 30's as well as many more homeless women and children, homeless families, the mentally ill, and teens living on their own.
From the Mission's beginning as a soup kitchen, we have now transitioned into numerous services to meet the growing needs of the homeless and hurting.
Services Provided:
- A 30-Bed Men's Shelter—our beds in both the men's and women's facilities were used more than 15,372 times during 2007.
- A 30-Bed Women & Children's Shelter (Friendship House)
- Feeding Programs—four meals are served daily Monday through Friday—breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a special youth meal (Youth Feeding Program). On Saturday and Sunday a brunch and dinner are served. Over 57,290 meals were served during 2007.
- Showers—available daily as well as personal hygiene items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, aftershave, and deodorant
- Two Clothing Banks—One for men and one for women and children
- Furniture & Household "Store"—provides household furnishings for the needy of our community.
- Basic Living Skills—Friendship House teaches basic living skills such as nutrition and budgeting to help each woman as she moves out on her own.
- Christian Discipleship Program (New Foundations)—for those wanting long-term help to break the destructive cycles in their lives.
- Holiday Outreach Programs—new toys and gift items are gift wrapped and distributed as Christmas gifts to as many needy families as possible each year.
We are able to continue to reach hearts and change lives because of the generosity of businesses, churches, organizations, foundations and people like you. If you'd like to help in this ministry, please consider a donation of your time, things, or treasure God has blessed you with.
Matthew 25:40-45 (NIV):
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
"He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'"
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