A Pathway Forward
Pathway Forward is an initiative by Union Gospel Mission, Chum and Damiano to commit to closer collaboration, eliminate duplication of services, improve service delivery for people experiencing homelessness, and alleviate pressure on the downtown community. Concerned with creating an optimal environment for all, this new arrangement will see some realignment of programs across the three organizations over several years.
The planned changes to UGM, as well as Chum and Damiano, will be seen in various ways. UGM will construct a new Mission Engagement Center to serve as a point of entry for those experiencing hardship in the community, along with serving as a 24/7 drop-in and overnight warming center. Damiano will absorb Chum’s current drop-in and overnight shelter on their third floor. Chum’s 2nd Street location will shift, blending the best of emergency shelter and transitional housing operations.
Together, these three agencies will ensure a clear path to stable housing for those experiencing homelessness. Needed resources in the community will be added in addition to location shifts, such as mental health services, employment navigation, amongst many others.
Union Gospel Mission will, now and always, remain true to its mission of provide a safe, caring environment for building up, with dignity and compassion, hope for our neighbors in need.
FAQs
Are the three organizations merging?
No. The three organizations will continue to function as their own entities. Pathway Forward is an effort to shift services to meet community needs in a more efficient manner.
Will staff lose their jobs?
While job roles may shift slightly to accommodate for changes in programming and services, no jobs will be lost. Additional jobs will be added as services and programming increase.
How will this help people experiencing homelessness?
The collaboration between Union Gospel Mission, Damiano Center, and Chum will ensure that programs are not being duplicated, and that staff, resources, time, and energy are used to their fullest efficiency to maximize programming, services, and care. People experiencing homelessness will move through a pathway of care, in a manner that best suits their needs and circumstance.
What does this mean for downtown?
We are hoping that Pathway Forward is a first step in continued collaboration with Duluth’s nonprofits, businesses, and community. It will alleviate the stressors our downtown neighbors are experiencing. For example, streamlined services from new locations between second and fourth street will reduce guests travelling between organizations in search of services.
