For Immediate Release Contact: Courtney Dodds
September 18, 2020 971-275-2334 (cell)
Union Gospel Mission’s Operation Overcoat Reinvented Due to Pandemic
Portland, Ore., - For over 20 years Union Gospel Mission has hosted a block partly the last Saturday in September to serve up to 1,000 people who are experiencing homelessness or in need. The event provides winter gear, hygiene items, and a BBQ meal. With new restrictions and challenges due to the pandemic they had to get creative. Operation Overcoat will look different this year, but the commitment to come alongside those in need remains the same.
This year UGM will move their efforts from one big downtown event and provide winter survival gear to those experiencing homelessness through church and non-profit partnerships in addition to distribution from their downtown location. The effort will take place over a month at various locations throughout the city.
The first distribution will be Saturday, September 19th from 12pm-2pm put on by St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church 8101 at a camp in St. Johns.
The downtown distribution will take place Friday, October 2nd the time is to be determined.
Operation Overcoat provides backpacks with shoes, coats, pants and other vital winter supplies for those experiencing homelessness and in need.
Union Gospel Mission is seeking donations of new or gently used sleeping bags, boots, coats and new underwear. Items can be dropped off at 3 NW Third Avenue, Portland.
To support Operation Overcoat financially donations can be made online at www.ugmportland.org or call 503-274-4483.
Interview and video opportunities available, Contact Courtney Dodds 971-275-2334 for locations and times.
About Union Gospel Mission: Union Gospel Mission’s purpose is “Feeding the hungry, restoring the addict and loving our neighbor.” Union Gospel Mission has been serving Portland since 1927. Union Gospel Mission provides meals and care for those experiencing homelessness and operates LifeChange -- a transformative recovery program for men, women and children. Contact Union Gospel Mission at 503-274-4483 or ugmportland.org and @ugmpdx.
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