The Thin Green Line

"No matter where we are in life, we are one medical bill, one misstep, one bad choice from becoming a resident living in a place like this..."

By now most of us have heard of the Thin Blue Line. It is our police protection which stands between a civilized society and anarchy. Today, I want to discuss another important line - the Thin Green Line. It is the line which keeps the least of us from falling through cracks in our society. And what is the Thin Green Line? Simply put - money.

Yesterday, my wife and I visited Union Gospel Mission (UGM), located in the heart of St. Paul. This is a private institution which has been around since 1903. When I say private, it does not take a penny from any form of government. These days, that can be particularly liberating. No strings, no forms, no intrusive oversight. Nearly 100% of their funding comes from people or organizations who decide to partner with this worthwhile charity. Last year, my wife and I decided to join that partnership.

UGM deals with people like you and me. People who have been dealt an unexpected setback due to a high medical bill, loss of a job, a costly divorce, you name it. Or it can be people who have lost just about everything due to poor life choices. Or it could be both. UGM deals with the hungry, the hurting and the homeless. Oh yes, we can throw in the addicted also.

The tour we took of the men's dormitory was impressive to say the least. They have enough beds to give hundreds shelter. Some just for one night, others for a longer stay. Those that are longer term guests are asked to contribute $6 a night. If folks can pay it, fine. If for some reason they cannot, nobody gets tossed out on the street.  UGM has a huge kitchen which serves hot meals three times a day, 365 days a year. All are welcomed to eat there.

We also toured their free dental clinic. That was a jaw dropper. It was as big, clean and modern as any I have seen. Dozens of dentists and technicians volunteer at the clinic. It is totally free to those who have no ability to pay. It is for sure the largest free dental clinic in Minnesota, might also be the largest in the region, or maybe even the country. Nobody knows for sure. Like I said, it is huge.

Finally, they also run a recovery center for the addicted. In patient or out patient. They practice the twelve step program with a bit of old time religion thrown in. They believe for many of the addicted, a 28 day program is not enough. Their programs last much longer. All free for those who cannot pay. 

There is a caveat however. UGM is a faith based organization. Has been since the beginning. The people who work and volunteer at UGM are very devoted to the Lord and practice the teachings of Mathew 26 (taking care of the least of us). But they don't push it on their guests. If the guests choose to attend daily chapel services - great. If they are not ready for that, or just plain choose not to, well that is also fine. They will still be cared for.

After the tour, on the way home we talked about little else. This is gritty ministry. Life saving and life changing ministry. I have never seen an organization which can stretch donated dollars further. We are proud to be partners to this organization. How much deeper can we go in supporting this organization? Stay tuned - we are about to jump in a deeper end of the pool.