Union Gospel Mission

09/02/2026

What does responding to an overdose look like?

For UGM Outreach Workers, responding to overdoses is a difficult daily reality of caring for our neighbours. Our frontline teams are trained in overdose response and regularly respond when someone is experiencing an overdose.

This video offers a glimpse into what one those responses can look like – including the urgency, focus, and care involved in supporting someone through a medical emergency.

This video is intended for awareness and education about the work of our frontline teams. It is not a step-by-step tutorial nor is it a substitute for formal overdose response training. Naloxone is available for free at pharmacies across B.C. If you carry a naloxone kit, make sure it is current and you know how to use it.

08/29/2026

“When you want to make a change, we’re here.”

The work of responding to the overdose crisis doesn’t begin only in moments of emergency.

Sometimes it starts with a cup of coffee. Learning someone’s name. Inviting them to UGM for a meal. Those small moments are part of building trust and letting neighbours know support is there when they are ready.

Everyday, at Union Gospel Mission, we witness the profound impact of overdose — a crisis that touches countless lives and leaves deep scars on families and communities. On August 31st, we honour those we’ve lost, support those still struggling, and commit to creating a world where overdose is no longer a devastating reality.

08/27/2026

“No one grows up wanting to be an addict.”

For UGM Outreach Workers, that means meeting neighbours where they are, building relationships, and reminding people that their circumstances do not erase their potential for a different future.

In recognition of international Overdose Awareness day on August 31, we’re taking time to recognize the lives and communities affected by overdose and the importance of compassionate, consistent care in the midst of an ongoing crisis.

08/26/2026

Behind every conversation about overdose is a person. A son. A sister. A brother. A family member. A neighbour.

As we approach International Overdose Awareness Day, we’re remembering the people behind the statistics, challenging the stigma surrounding addiction, and recognizing the grief carried by families and communities.

At UGM, building genuine relationships is an important part of how our team comes alongside neighbours. Trust can take time, which is why continuing to show up matters. Because there is always hope.

08/20/2026

What can a meal do?

At this summer’s UGM New Westminster BBQ, we caught up with a family who has been part of our community for years.

For Luke’s dad, it started with finding a place to get a meal when he was experiencing homelessness. Along the way, UGM staff came alongside his family, caring for his son and building relationships that have made a lasting impact.

Today, at just 15, Luke is already teaching martial arts and dreaming even bigger for what comes next. 💪

Sometimes, a meal is just the beginning. 💙🩵💚

08/14/2026

A cup of cold juice on a hot day might seem like a small thing, but it can open the door to something much bigger. ☀️

During periods of extreme weather, UGM's Outreach Teams head into the community with cold drinks, water, sunscreen, and other essentials to help neighbours stay safe. These interactions with our neighbours go beyond providing immediate relief from the heat, they also create opportunities for connection. 🤝

As Liam shares, hot weather initiatives often lead to new relationships, deeper community connections, and opportunities to connect people with additional supports, including housing and recovery.

Learn more about how you can help provide care during the extreme heat: https://bit.ly/4xovWRE

08/12/2026

We're taking you behind the scenes into what it's like planning a UGM Summer BBQ! ☀️

What starts as months of planning becomes a day of connection, community, and a lot of moving parts. From setup and coordinating volunteers to troubleshooting on the fly, there's plenty happening behind the scenes before the first guests arrive.

This year's Summer BBQ at Oppenheimer Park welcomed thousands of neighbours and families for a day of summer fun. The event began with a Land Acknowledgement from Elder Dr. Roberta, a prayer from Ryan, one of our VPs, and welcoming remarks from our friends at Gordon Food Service.

Serving 3,150 meals in just four hours took an incredible team effort. More than 180 volunteers worked alongside staff, donors, and partners like Gordon Food Service to help make the day possible. 🍴

As music filled the park and neighbours connected with one another, we were reminded that resilience isn't the whole story of the Downtown Eastside. There's also joy, belonging, laughter, and community. 💙🩵💚

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year's Summer BBQ possible!

We would also love to give a huge thanks to Keystone Environmental, Axiom Builders, BakerTilly WM (Vancouver), City Wide Mortgage, JSA Sales, Knight Piesold!

08/06/2026

Hear from Liam, one of our Outreach Workers, about how UGM responds during hot weather and why these efforts matter. ☀️

When temperatures rise and wildfire smoke fills the air, so does the risk for people living outdoors or in poorly ventilated housing. 🌇

Without safe shelter, our neighbours face increased risks from dehydration, heat-related illness, and poor air quality. Many of them also have pre-existing health conditions that are worsened by rising temperatures and extended time in the heat and sun. 🌡️

That's why UGM's Outreach Team hits the streets with cold water, sunscreen, hats, and other essentials to help neighbours stay safe during extreme heat. Community members are welcomed into our Drop-In space to find relief from the heat and poor air quality, with a safe place to rest and rehydrate.

Learn more about UGM’s hot weather efforts: https://bit.ly/4xovWRE

08/05/2026

UGM's Outreach Team is suiting up... or should we say, vesting up? 😎

These new vests help our team be easily recognized when they're out in the neighbourhood. During their street walks, our team connects with neighbours, builds relationships, and offers support where it's needed most.

During hot days, they're also out distributing essential supplies to help people stay cool and safe in the summer heat!

Stay tuned to hear more about how we are supporting our neighbours during the hot weather this week! ☀️

A huge thank you to Seaspan for sponsoring UGM’s outreach vests for the next two years, helping our team stay visible and accessible to community members across Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, and Victoria!

07/30/2026