Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities (UGMTC) opened its doors more than 120 years ago to feed, shelter, and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with Saint Paul dock workers, laborers, and lumberjacks. Through the years, our programming evolved to meet the changing needs of men, women and children experiencing homelessness, hunger and addiction.
Our emergency shelter provides guests with food, shelter and vital care—including mental health services. Once immediate needs are met, our staff walk alongside residents for up to two years, providing Bible study, professional counseling, group therapy, education, mentorship, job skills training, and financial literacy instruction needed to thrive and live successfully in the community.
Impact-At-A-Glance
for those in need |
pounds of food donated |
 pounds of clothing donated |
 Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter meals served and delivered |
 resident bag lunches prepared |
 Mental Health Services appointments held on-site |
 volunteers in 2022 |
 Support Services case management appointments |
 men given emergency shelter and transitional housing |
 beds available on Men’s Campus |
 men found healing and recovery using biblical principles |
 women and children found hope and safe shelter |
History-At-A-Glance
- 1902 The Mission opens its doors at 414 Jackson Street in Saint Paul.
- 1910 Rescue Home opens for unwed mothers.
- 1930 Saint Paul Boys Club opens in downtown Saint Paul; land purchased for Gospel Hill Camp.
- 1940 Ober Community Center dedicated (Frogtown area).
- 1942 Daycare nursery installed for mothers during “war emergency.”
- 1958 First year for Thanksgiving basket give-away program.
- 1959 Workman’s Pool organized for job placement.
- 1965 Free dental clinic opens with volunteer dentists.
- 1972 Shoreview alcohol/drug recovery center opens.
- 1980 New Men’s Campus opens in Saint Paul, along with the Mission Thrift Store; Christ Recovery Center expands drug and alcohol programs.
- 1991 Discipleship Program/ACTS Training Program begins.
- 1992 Naomi Family Program opens for women and women with children experiencing homelessness.
- 1994 LifeNet Learning Center opens for men and women.
- 1997 Child Development Center opens.
- 2001 WorkNet career development program starts.
- 2005 Hmong ministry, Family & Youth Advancement Services, Inc., joins Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities.
- 2018 Mental Health Clinic opens to serve guests and residents.
- 2020 Pam Stegora Axberg steps in as the Mission’s first female CEO.
- 2022 Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities celebrates 120 years of reviving hope, restoring dignity, rebuilding relationships, and transforming the lives of those in need.
Click here for a creative look at UGMTC’s historical timeline with many photos!
Give to extend our impact.
These numbers and rich history would not be possible without the generosity of donors. As a Mission, we rely on financial gifts to provide the holistic care that leads to life transformation. Consider giving today to increase our reach and impact in the lives of those in need.