Latest news with #UnionMission
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Union Mission's 10th annual ‘Raising Hope' gala raises awareness for homeless services
HUTCHINSON ISLAND, Ga. (WSAV) — A local nonprofit that has been changing lives across Savannah has a big night ahead on Tuesday. Union Mission is hosting its 10th annual Raising Hope gala as it works to end homelessness. WSAV spoke with Union Mission on their plans to end homelessness in the region and how they intend to celebrate a decade of hosting the Raising Hope gala. More than 800 guests will gather at the convention center on Hutchinson Island Tuesday night to celebrate a decade of transformation and support. The sold-out event is not just a gala – it's a celebration of lives changed and a powerful look ahead. Union Mission's Raising Hope event has become one of the most impactful fundraisers in the Savannah area. This year is its biggest yet. In 2024 alone, Union Mission helped transition more than 770 individuals from homelessness to stable housing, providing over 185,000 nights of shelter and 260,000 meals. Tonight's gala is focused on funding even more success through the organization's emergency housing and supportive services. This year's goal? To raise at least $150,000 – money that directly fuels Union Mission's frontline work. 'It's not just talking about it is doing it. This event enables us to be able to do what we need to do over the next year,' said Michael Traynor, the President & CEO of Union Mission. 'We're just excited to be able to tell our story and get the support that we need to continue to do the programs that we have and be able to move forward.' Looking ahead… Union Mission is transforming a former Family Dollar on West Oglethorpe into a new homeless resource center. This new place will be offering daily services, mental health support, and workforce development – all under one roof. Union Mission served over 1,300 individuals last year. What they share with WSAV today is not just about celebrating what they've done – it's about building what comes next. To get involved, volunteer, or donate to Union Mission, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New homeless resource center to open in Savannah
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – Friday, Union Mission announced its plan for the former Family Dollar building at 702 West Oglethorpe Avenue in Savannah. The announcement included a preview of the space for a new Resource Center focused on solutions for the area's homeless population. Union Mission partnered with the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) to help envision the interior and exterior design of the new 8,200 square foot Resource Center through the university's SCAD SERVE Design for Good course. This course includes students in interior design, architecture, graphic design, illustration, design management and other top-ranked degree programs. 'Our talented junior designers spent 10 weeks developing a unique and inviting space that would feel safe, accessible and welcoming for the unhoused community,' said SCAD SERVE Professor Scott Horner. 'While using industry leading technology along with knowledge and expertise gained from world-leading faculty, the students developed insights and innovations through collaboration and cross-pollination to create a space that not only met but exceeded the needs of the client.' SCAD SERVE Vice President Scott Linzey said, 'For multiple decades SCAD has been dedicated to using university resources to improve lives of citizens in our hometowns. SCAD SERVE Design for Good courses are a perfect manifestation of that as they provide focused innovation and strategic creativity to non-profit organizations who would otherwise not have access to the superior design thinking of SCAD students.' The expansion is the next step Union Mission's successful Day Center at Grace House with services that provide case management, mental health counseling, workforce development, engagement and many other wrap-around services that help the homeless address barriers to employment and housing. 'This expansion will provide space to increase Union Mission's impact,' said Michael Traynor, President & CEO of Union Mission. 'It will help us better collaborate and engage to offer a wide range of our own and partner services, providing holistic support that meets immediate needs and empowers people on their journey to self-sufficiency.' Union Mission opened its Day Center more than 28 months ago and has filled a critical community need. Homelessness was leaving many unhoused individuals with no place to go during the day. In partnership with the City of Savannah and the Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless, the Day Center provides support services and warm meals for men and women seeking respite six days a week. While initially planning to serve 50 clients daily, the Day Center now averages 119 per day, with a recent record of 144. Since its inception, the Day Center has served 1,551 individuals with more than 48,000 visits and 120,000 meals. The new Resource Center will include a Day Center, but the current center's growth requires a strategic expansion to increase solutions and better serve the communities dynamic needs. The new Resource Center will offer the following: An expanded Day Center to serve up to 150 attendees each day to include a serving kitchen, dining space, designated private space for nursing services and laundry services to address basic needs. Supportive services and enrichment opportunities to include counseling, support groups, visiting partner services and workforce training and placement. Intake, assessment and housing program navigation with case management, program intake and assessment, connections to benefits and resources and solutions to housing barriers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Parade officials help at annual Union Mission green breakfast
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – The events leading up to the Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade continue – as this year's parade Grand Marshal and his aides take time to give back to some of our community's most underserved residents. It was a true Irish setting at the Grace House this morning – as clients of Union Mission were treated to scrambled eggs, biscuits, bacon, sausage and of course, green grits! The event featured bagpipes from Limerick as well. The Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade committee served a special 'green' breakfast to Union Mission clients this morning. Officials shared that the event reflects the committee's commitment to giving back – honoring both their Irish heritage and faith. The breakfast aims to support Union Mission's ongoing efforts to provide shelter and services for the homeless in Savannah. Union Mission's Grace House offers beds for men experiencing homelessness, as well as transitional housing and support services. The organization helps clients with basic needs, mental health care, employment support, and more, with a goal to end homelessness. The Grace House serves 110 homeless individuals daily. 'I think we give back a lot throughout the whole year, but especially with St Patrick's Day, we want to emphasize that, you know, there's a lot of people that may be down on their luck and need a lift up or feel like they're loved. You know? And this is a way of us trying to help people out that are less fortunate than us,' said 2025 Parade Grand Marshal Jay Burke. The Union Mission was established in 1947. Union Mission's president, Michael Traynor, welcomed around ten members of the St. Patrick's executive committee early Tuesday morning at 7 a.m. Traynor shared some updated information on Union Mission's current achievements, including serving 400 people per night at all their locations all the way up to Statesboro. Grace House has 72 beds, and the program has been successful in helping 78% of men working with the program to obtain housing. Union Mission plans to create a transitional program for women as well to help boost the percentage for their demographic. Traynor shared that the green breakfast is a tradition that will continue for many years to come. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
