“God’s Sunrise will break in upon us, shining on those in the darkness, those sitting in the shadow of death, showing us the way, one foot at a time, down the path of peace,” Luke 1:78-79, The Message.

In the dark and cold of East Sprague Avenue, the Union Gospel Mission Crisis Shelter for Women and Children brings much needed light and warmth.  Patricia, a recent guest, would be the first to tell you that in her desperate search for love and acceptance, she has lived a life of darkness. She ran away from an abusive home as a pre-teen. Now 39, she has a felony record and four children by four different fathers, all of whom declined to accept responsibility, one of whom committed suicide. Of her four children, she has custody of one – 10-year-old Colby.

Patricia first stayed at the Crisis Shelter three years ago.  While she stayed for only two weeks before returning to the familiar comfort of darkness, the light made an impression on her, and when she recently found herself in yet another destructive situation, she fled – straight toward the only light she knew – the Crisis Shelter.

The staff, who remembered her and were thrilled to discover that she was alive and well, ran out to greet her. Because of people like you, the light has broken in upon Patricia and Colby once again, and they are moving, one step at a time, down the path of peace. 

According to the One Day Count, there are over 900 women and children in Spokane like Patricia and Colby who don’t have a bed to call their own.  That is the reason the Union Gospel Mission opened the Crisis Shelter for Women and Children in 2007.  It provides a safe place, food and beds for up to fifty women and children each night.

The Good News is that Jesus conquered the darkness.  The power of His light shines for you and me, and we can help spread its glow to the darkest of places.  A night’s lodging at the Crisis Shelter – complete with three meals – costs $14.58 per person or $29.16 for a mom and her child. With your help, we can bring light into the lives of homeless women and children throughout the year.