Union Gospel Mission began as a street ministry in 1949 when a group of Christian businessmen took to the streets of Dallas telling the poor about God’s love for them. Through the 1950s, the Mission operated out of two rented buildings on Ervay Street, south of downtown. With the help of volunteers, we offered food and clothing to those in need.

In 1962, we opened our first homeless shelter on Park Avenue, sheltering up to 75 men and 30 women. When Bill Thompson became Executive Director in 1988, he formalized our 4-phase, faith-based rehabilitation program that has transformed countless lives through God’s redemptive love, spiritual counseling, and job training. At UGM Dallas, clients who graduate from our program are referred to as “Disciples.”

By the 1990s, the shelter was extremely overcrowded, with up to 150 men sleeping on the floor. Expansion was necessary. In 1993, a generous one million dollar donation allowed the purchase of what is now our men’s shelter and administrative offices at 3211 Irving Boulevard. In 2000, a HUD-owned property in the Parkland Hospital District was secured and became our new women and children’s shelter. The Center of Hope Women and Children’s Shelter opened in 2002.

In the fall of 2010, the Mission purchased a 34-unit apartment complex in Lake Highlands to become a shelter, with a recovery program, for single women without children. The new facility opened in January 2011.

In 2015, we expanded our vocational training offerings. We continue to establish partnerships with businesses in both training and employment opportunities.

Although times have changed, our mission and focus has remained the same. We will continue to provide a safe and healthy environment for homeless men, women, children, and veterans.

In 2024, we will celebrate 75 years of service.