Portland witnessed the celebratory ribbon-cutting of Union Gospel Mission's Angela’s House on Saturday, signifying a beacon of hope for women and children grappling with the harsh realities of homelessness, addiction, and abuse, according to KATU. The new establishment not only represents a fresh start for many but also marks a significant expansion from the organization's previous capacity, effectively tripling the number of individuals it can now serve.
The 53,000-square-foot Angela's House, located at 18555 NW Rock Creek Blvd, is more than just a place to stay. It's a comprehensive recovery and transition space, featuring 52 rooms for occupancy. Scheduled to welcome residents in early October, this modern space provides a much-needed sanctuary and support services. "We're standing in the courtyard of our brand new home for women and children," Union Gospel Mission Communications Director Courtney Dodds shared in a statement obtained by KATU.
Through the intentional, trauma-informed design featuring ample light and open spaces, the facility aims to provide not just shelter but a conducive environment for healing and personal growth. "This program provides long term holistic recovery and healing for women," Dodds further explained in an interview with KOIN. "It provides their housing, all their meals, their clothing, all the basic essentials. We also have mental health counselors on site that we provide," Dodds added.
Emblematic of the transformative impact such programs can have, Sarah Tijerina's testimony stands out. Recalling her time in UGM's LifeChange program, she told KGW, “It was at a place in my life where I desperately needed help and assistance and a different way of living.” Tijerina added, “I had found myself in a pretty dark place and didn’t know how to get out of it alone.” The new Rock Creek facility triples UGM’s capacity, offering housing for up to 80 women and children. After 30 days, women may apply to the year-long LifeChange program, which provides healing through classes and group studies that promote spiritual, emotional, and physical growth.
