Union Gospel Mission - Duluth

OUR STORY

The Union Gospel Mission opened its doors in Duluth on November 1, 1922. At that time, twenty-two churches of different Christian denominations came together with one unified goal... to provide food, shelter and hope to our Northland neighbors in need. 

UGM’s primary program is its meal program. Lunch is served Monday through Friday, and dinner is served Monday through Thursday. Meals are offered to anyone seeking support, regardless of residency. A breakfast station is also made available to guests each weekday morning. The Mission served 80,136 nutritious, hot meals during the 2024 fiscal year, and an additional 8,500 bowls of cereal.

To reduce costs, each weekday UGM travels throughout Duluth rescuing surplus food from local grocery stores. In 2024, 206,240 pounds of food were rescued, sorted and distributed through UGM doors. Rescued food that cannot be utilized in meals is still made available to guests via shelves, fridges and freezers in the dining hall. 

UGM introduced a pilot program to the Northland in the summer of 2023. While subsidized weekday breakfasts and lunches remain available at select schools throughout summer months, many weekend children meal programs are paused during summer break. In hopes of filling this gap, UGM packed and distributed drawstring bags filled with easy-to-open, easy-to-prepare food for children to utilize on the weekends. To avoid accessibility barriers, UGM delivered bags weekly to various youth summer programs. 4,325 bags were distributed throughout the summer of 2024.

In addition to its food programing, UGM operates the Mission Height’s housing complex, located upstairs of the dining hall. The Mission Heights complex provides twenty deeply affordable, private bedrooms to people of all different backgrounds. UGM often work with individuals who have been declined by alternative housing options due to background issues. Upon arrival, residents are provided with a new bed and bedding, a personal mini fridge, a shared fully stocked kitchen, free laundry and more.

UGM provides a host of additional supportive resources. Guests visit UGM to access free apparel, household necessities, or personal hygiene essentials. Additionally, doors remain unlocked weekdays from 8:30am-5:30pm, allowing guests the opportunity to utilize a bathroom, access free grocery items, or simply enjoy a cup of coffee away from the outside elements. An Outreach Coordinator is also on site to assist guests with accessing resources.

Today, we build partnerships and deep community relationships because we know we’re stronger together. We fill gaps so no one falls through them. And we serve our guests in a way that preserves pride and inspires belief in a better tomorrow. Because shelter fills a need, and food fills stomachs — but hope fills the soul.

For more information visit www.duluth-ugm.org.