Why Year-Round Shelter Matters
Creating a Place of Belonging at the Upper Room Mission
At the Upper Room Mission, we believe that every person deserves to feel safe, warm, and welcomeâevery day of the year. Thatâs why weâre passionate about the importance of year-round shelter for those experiencing homelessness in our community.
For many, the word âshelterâ brings to mind a place to sleep during the coldest winter nights. But at the Mission, we see shelter as so much more. Itâs a launchpad for hope, a place of rest and recovery, and often the first step toward a better life.
The Need Doesnât End With Winter
Homelessness doesnât take a summer vacation. While emergency shelters often focus on the harshest months, the reality is that people are sleeping outside in every seasonâfacing not only weather extremes but also hunger, exhaustion, trauma, and isolation.
By offering shelter 365 days a year, the Upper Room Mission provides a consistent lifeline for those who might otherwise fall through the cracks.
More Than Just a Bed
A year-round shelter isnât just about a warm place to sleep. Itâs about dignity, connection, and care. Each guest is welcomed with kindness, offered a meal, and given access to essentials like clean clothing, hygiene supplies, and compassionate support from our team.
But it doesnât stop there.
Because when we operate year-round, our staff and volunteers are able to build real relationships with the people we serve. That trust creates opportunities for deeper transformationâconnecting guests with outreach support, mental health care, addiction services, and, when possible, longer-term housing options.
A Place of Belonging
For many who walk through our doors, the Mission is the first place in a long time where theyâve felt safeâor seen. Our goal is to provide not just shelter, but a sense of belonging rooted in the love of Jesus Christ.
Itâs in those moments of stabilityâsharing a meal, resting without fear, having someone remember your nameâthat healing begins.
Your Support Makes It Possible
Running a year-round shelter takes resources, commitment, and community support. Every meal served, every bed offered, and every act of compassion is made possible because people like you believe in this work.
When you give, volunteer, or advocate for the Mission, youâre not just providing shelterâyouâre creating a place of hope.
Be the Change:
Support the Upper Room Mission
Homelessness in Vernon affects us all, but together, we can make a difference. At Upper Room Mission, we provide hot meals, shelter, and vital support services to help people take steps toward stability. But we can’t do it without you.
Here’s How You Can Help:
Donate
Every dollar provides meals, shelter, and life-changing resources.
Volunteer
Serve meals, sort donations, or lend a helping hand. [Join Us]
Advocate
Contact the City of Vernon and urge them to support the creation of more affordable housing in our community. [Advocate].
Together, we can break the cycle of homelessness and build a future where everyone in Vernon has a place to call home. Will you help?
