Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities first opened in 1902 and their mission is to “help people rebuild their lives by providing safe shelter, nutritious food, medical and dental care, and a broad variety of life-changing programs for children and adults.” They now provide a variety of services such as discipleship, education, healthcare, food, shelter, addiction services and programs for youth.
Temperatures this week are expected to be some of the coldest Minnesota has had in the last 25 years. Windchill is expected to drop to -55 degrees and frostbite can occur under such conditions in less than 5 minutes. “no one can take the chance of living outside or even in their car,” said Brian Molohon, vice president of development at Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities.
The organization decided to open up additional space at their Mission Men’s Campus to provide for homeless men in the Twin Cities during this time of dire need. This campus is located at 435 University Avenue Southeast in St. Paul. “Lives are in danger and we want to alert the public to bring individuals to the Mission to be in a safe, warm environment over the next three days” Molohon reiterated.
“We never turn anyone away in this cold weather” Molohon told Alpha News. Their work doesn’t end with just providing shelter as they also “work to address all of the various issues going on in somebody’s life that caused them to end up in a shelter” and help that person “live a sustained self-sufficient life” Molohon said.
Megan Olson
Megan Olson is a 2020 graduate of the University of Minnesota with degrees in political science and history. She works in public affairs in addition to serving on the Legislative Advisory Council for School District 196. She is also on the school board for FIT academy, a charter school in Apple Valley.