In the spirit of Thanksgiving, Union Gospel Mission of Portland served up more than just a big meal for residents in need. As per tradition, the Mission prepared and distributed 450 hot meals to people experiencing homelessness or those simply in need of food and community on the holiday. According to KPTV, this act of service is part of the nonprofit’s long-standing commitment since 1927 to provide sustenance and a sense of belonging during the festive season.
The food service included around 100 turkeys, 300 pounds each of mashed potatoes and stuffing, and 50 gallons of turkey gravy. Union Gospel Mission's efforts extended well beyond Thanksgiving Day, as they continued to serve meals throughout the following week. In a report by KATU, Courtney Dodds from UGM emphasized the importance of the event for those who are "alone on the holidays".
These efforts come at a time when some, like a guest named Alex, feel the holiday generosity even more acutely. Alex, whose food stamps were halted during the government shutdown this fall, explained to KPTV, "Out here, food is kind of hard to come by, and for someone like me who has hypoglycemia, it’s pretty important." He described the meal as life-saving and showed gratitude, not just for the food but also for his companion, Bubba the Chihuahua mix, who got his share of turkey, too.
The demand for meals and services at Union Gospel Mission has steadily increased. Executive Director Matt Stein told KOIN that their programs have seen a 60% rise in usage over the past two years, based on the recent point-in-time count. Volunteers like Curtis Bogan spend their Thanksgiving helping others, recognizing that many in the community may not have family to share the holiday with. Union Gospel Mission, which is situated in Old Town Portland, relies heavily on the support of volunteers and donations to carry out its mission.
