SERVING AS A GROUP
We welcome groups of all kinds to join us on our mission to change lives! We make it easy for groups of any size to make a difference while learning about Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities (UGMTC) and the people we serve. Our volunteers enrich the Mission by giving of their time and talents so that our guests and residents feel welcomed and their individual needs are met.
To begin, you can register here to fill out a group volunteer application. Businesses, churches, schools and other groups have been supporting the Union Gospel Mission since 1902. Without committed volunteers from the community, we would not be able to reach as many people with essential services. Please look below for information on how to partner in the following ways: Learn. Give. Serve.
Small Groups
If your group is eight or fewer and you have volunteered with us before, log in to view our Opportunity Calendar to find a date and time that works for you. If you have difficulty signing up, please email volunteers@ugmtc.org.
Large Groups
If your group is more than eight or you have not volunteered with us before, we would love to have a conversation so we better understand what you are looking for with your experience. Please email volunteer services at volunteers@ugmtc.org.
Learn
Watch or share a video. Share one of our videos on UGMTC’s YouTube channel in small group settings, during church announcements or on your social media pages. You will find a variety of stories including what to do when you see someone who is homeless, how someone survived winter homeless, and many more.
Tour the Mission. Visit UGMTC in-person at your convenience to learn about what we do and why. Contact us to schedule a time.
Attend our next event. Attend our next UGMTC event—like Breakfast with a Resident or Celebration of Hope.
Invite us to speak. Invite a UGMTC resident or staff member to speak at your next gathering about homelessness in the Twin Cities and the ways UGMTC is at work to bring holistic and lasting change.
Serve
Serve meals. UGMTC serves meals three times a day at two campuses. Groups of eight or less are welcome to join us. Open to children age 12+ (with adult supervision) through adults. One-time or come regularly.
Host Chapel services or Bible studies. UGMTC has offered a Chapel service and Bible studies for our guests and residents every day since 1902. This is a wonderful opportunity for church groups to share the grace of Jesus. One-time or come regularly.
Seasonal opportunities. There are many ways to serve seasonally throughout the year, from our Thanksgiving Grocery Bag Distribution to gardening to the WCCO Radiothon and more.
Item drives. If you’d like to organize an item drive with your group, visit our Donate Goods page for a list of commonly needed items. Groups have organized drives for everything from underwear to feminine hygiene products. We love to see your creativity! Before you publicize your item drive, please contact us to coordinate the collection and drop-off. One-time opportunity.
Pack and hand out Bags of Hope. Bags of Hope are UGMTC-branded cinch sacks. Host an event where you pack them together. Fill them with personal care items, small Bibles and a Ticket of Hope from UGMTC that provides information about mealtimes and life-changing programs at the Mission. Participants can keep the bags in their car and hand them to someone experiencing homelessness or addiction. This is a great opportunity for a large group. One-time opportunity.
Mentoring. Adult mentors invest in the lives of our adult residents. They establish relationships and share life together. Training is available. Mentors are supervised by program staff, who match volunteers with residents based on personality and skills. This is a special opportunity for a volunteer to model healthy, positive relationships for our guests and residents. Ongoing opportunity.
On-site group projects. Help deep clean the dining room, emergency shelter or other areas of the Mission. Do some landscaping or gardening. Help sort sheets or laundry items. Contact us for current on-site needs. One-time opportunity.
Give
Financial gifts. Your gifts provide meals and holistic care that includes mental health support, addiction recovery, education, job-skills training and so much more. Just $2.27 provides a meal for someone who is hungry. You can make an impact in the lives of those experiencing homelessness, poverty and addiction. Give financially here. Visit our Accountability page for stewardship information.
Corporate giving campaigns and employer matching grants. Many businesses donate to organizations where their employees volunteer or offer matching grants. Check with your employer to see how they can partner with you and the Mission.
Professional & pro bono services. Do you have a particular skill that would benefit our guests and residents? We would love to have you volunteer to directly serve our community. Examples of this include legal help, financial services, tax help, health care, etc.
