Jenessa Chan
Volunteers: Backbone of Overcoming Poverty, Homelessness, and Addiction
M
ike Gosling credits an unexpected tap on his shoulder for changing the trajectory of his life.
UGM’s Mobile Mission is a fully outfitted rescue vehicle that travels to areas in Metro Vancouver where people struggling with homelessness might reside, such as under bridges, local parks, and concealed alleyways. Recently expanded to go out 5 days per week, the vehicle is stocked with resources like blankets, clothing, winter survival gear, and premade meals.
He felt powerless on his own to overcome a 30-year addiction to alcohol and drugs. “I was circling the drain and had no idea how to get out of it,” sighs the 56-year-old. Mike had been desperately homeless for 5 years, sleeping in an abandoned Richmond shed and collecting bottles to survive—until he felt that tap on his shoulder.
Mike put down his beer, left his bike, and climbed inside UGM’s white Mobile Mission van to begin a journey that would transform his life.
“It was a Union Gospel Mission Outreach Worker who asked if I wanted to get sober,” he remembers. “I had already been thinking there must be more to life.” Mike put down his beer, left his bike, and climbed inside UGM’s white Mobile Mission van to begin a journey that would transform his life.
Photo credit: Andrew Taran/UGM
The rescue vehicle has a spare seat, inviting individuals like Mike to go back to UGM on East Hastings—1 of UGM’s 7 locations—to receive further care, such as an Emergency Shelter bed or entry into their live-in Alcohol & Drug Recovery program. In essence, the Mobile Mission serves as a gateway into UGM’s life-saving programs and it hinges on volunteers.
Mike
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“Volunteers are critical, but they’re in such high demand,” says Joanne Anderson, Volunteer Resources Manager. “The more hands we have helping, the more change we can enact in our communities.” Giving back at UGM is more than volunteering. Because the charity offers a range of life-giving programs The Society of Notaries Public of British Columbia
like Alcohol & Drug Recovery, Career Development, and Affordable Housing, volunteers play an active role in someone’s lifelong transformation. “I see people grow confident, independent, and better able to make life decisions,” shares Sandy, a Women & Families volunteer. While volunteer opportunities range between helping the Mobile Mission and the Thrift Store, Joanne notes UGM’s urgent need for professionalized volunteers to help guests file taxes and complete forms to get a British Columbia ID (BCID). “People come in needing to catch up on multiple years. Those steps are crucial in helping re-build their life,” says Joanne. Joanne says anyone can apply by visiting ugm.ca/take-action or by emailing volunteers@ugm.ca. Several studies indicate that volunteering increases life satisfaction and longevity. Mike knows both sides of this story well. “When UGM picked me up, they gave me my life back. They taught me the tools I needed.” Today, Mike is housed, 9-years sober, and determined to help others out of homelessness and addiction— giving back the same way he was saved—by volunteering with UGM’s Mobile Mission. s
Jenessa Chan is Communications Writer for UGM. Volume 27 Number 4 Winter 2018
