Every day, we see it.

A man walking down the street, and people cross to the other side.
A woman curled up on our sidewalk, and heads turn away.
A photo or article online of an encampment, and a derogatory comment.
A young person outside a store, and assumptions are made:
“They’re just lazy.”
“They made bad choices.”
“Not in my backyard”
“What a Bum, Junkie, Crackhead, Freeloader”

This is judgment—and it hurts.

It’s one of the heaviest burdens that people experiencing homelessness carry.
And unlike cold weather or hunger, judgment is invisible—but deeply wounding.

It strips away dignity. It silences stories. It makes people feel unseen, unwelcome, and unworthy. And it doesn’t just come from strangers. It can come from family, from community, from the systems that are supposed to help.

But here’s what judgment never tells you:

That man may have lost everything when his spouse died.
That woman might be fleeing years of abuse.
A senior struggling to pay the bills.
That young person may have aged out of foster care with nowhere to go.

People don’t end up homeless because they failed.
They end up homeless because the systems around them did.

And while the public may not always see the full picture, at the Upper Room Mission—we try to.

We see people fighting for their lives with courage most of us can’t imagine.
We see guests who are artists, builders, caregivers, parents, survivors.
We see the trauma. We see the pain. But we also see the humanity.

And more than anything, we see how judgment isolates. But compassion connects.

The Power of Being Seen

At the Mission, we provide more than meals.
We provide a place to belong. A place to rest. A place to be known. A place where hope can be rekindled.

For someone who’s been ignored for days—or years—something as simple as being acknowledged can be life-changing.

It says: You are not forgotten.
You are not a problem.
You are a person with worth, with potential, with a future.

What Can You Do?

Here’s the good news: you can help change the story in someone’s life.

The opposite of judgment is presence.
The opposite of shame is support.
And the opposite of walking past is leaning in.

Every meal served. Every pair of dry socks. Every shower, every moment of listening and prayer—all of it happens because of people like you.

Your generosity makes it possible for us to keep our doors open and our hearts wide.

Here’s how you can make a difference today:

• Give – Your financial gift helps provide food, clothing, laundry, showers, outreach, and safe shelter to those who need it most.

• Get Involved – Volunteer your time. Serve a meal. Sort donations. Offer your presence and kindness.

• Spread Compassion – Use your voice to challenge harmful assumptions. Speak with empathy. Encourage others to see people, not problems.

• Pray – For those struggling with homelessness, addiction, and poverty—and for the Mission team serving them every day.

At the Upper Room Mission, we believe in a community where no one has to carry their pain alone.
Where instead of judgment, people encounter grace.
Instead of being overlooked, they’re welcomed.
Instead of shame, they find belonging.

Let’s be that kind of community, together.

Support the Mission.
See people.
Choose compassion, belonging and hope.

Ever wondered what the Mission does or how we serve our guests, stop by for a visit—we’d love to show you what love in action looks like.

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Upper Room Mission | Vernon, BC
Rooted in the love of Jesus Christ. Serving with dignity and hope.