Union Gospel Mission will be visiting homeless camps distributing water and blessing bags Tuesday, June 24 beginning at 1 p.m., due to the hotter temperatures. As they visit, they will be conducting wellness checks and reminding individuals of the need to stay hydrated.
The Union Gospel Mission is needing the community’s support of donated water, sports drinks, snacks, and sunscreen. Volunteer teams will be distributing water and blessing bags to the community’s unhoused neighbors as temperatures remain in the upper 90’s. Staying hydrated is often a challenge for the homeless population and is essential when temperatures rise.
“We will be caring for our unhoused neighbors by loading up bottles of water this afternoon and roaming areas around the downtown and in homeless camps distributing these to make sure all are staying hydrated,” states Rev. Jon Rector of The Union Gospel Mission.
Also, as temperatures rise in the Tennessee Valley, so do the overall expenses for The Union Gospel Mission. Those who have nowhere to call home, find respite and restoration at The Union Gospel Mission. During the high temperatures, it costs more to keep the facility cool and the men hydrated. Many residents work outside in the dangerous heat and need to keep hydrated and cooled.
“Moving into the summer is always a tough time to make ends meet since more resources are needed to care for the basic needs of our men,” states Rev. Jon Rector, Executive Director of The Union Gospel Mission. “We often see a dip in donations and hope the community will be generous and donate a little more this summer.”
The Union Gospel Mission needs help with donations of monetary support and water and sports drinks. Monetary support can be given by visiting www.theuniongospelmission.org or by mail to PO Box 983, Chattanooga, Tn., 37401. In kind resources can be brought to The Union Gospel Mission located at 124 Signal Hills Boulevard, Chattanooga, Tn., 37405, gift cards to Walmart and Food City are also accepted.