Union Mission Ministries and the Military

A Partnership Serving the Least of Our Society

The Union Mission Ministries has served the poor and homeless in the Hampton Roads community since 1892. In addition to providing food, clothing, shelter, job and life skills training for the homeless, the ministry has a children’s home, a summer camp for needy children, an assisted living facility, a radio and television ministry and a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. We have never received any state or federal funding but rely solely on the generosity of individuals, businesses and other organization.

Located near the largest naval facility in the world, Norfolk Naval Base has provided us with thousands of volunteers over the years. Ships such as The George H. W. Bush, The Dwight D. Eisenhower, The Theodore Roosevelt, The Wasp and The Harry S. Truman have sent volunteers to help us provide for the neediest people in our society.

Completing a variety of tasks from sorting donations, preparing food boxes for needy families, serving meals and to doing yard work on the Missions 24 acre campus our military volunteers have been the most dedicated, hardworking and efficient volunteers we see.

Peter Amoah from The Truman said, “It’s a way to give back. If you help someone else out it boosts their morale and helps them to care about themselves.”

Katherine White also from The Truman said, “I’ve been broke before. It’s good to see people getting together to help people less fortunate.”

Shea Martin, a Union Mission client served 4 years in the Navy as a machinists mate. He used his experience in the military to get similar jobs in his home state of Oregon. He moved to Norfolk when his ex-wife, also in the Navy, was transferred here. They had three daughters. In one week marriage problems caused him to lose his family, job and home. With nowhere else to go, he turned to the Union Mission. Shea joined the Mission’s Discipleship and Training Program. In May, the Mission staff helped him enroll in college to earn an Associate’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. His goal is to have a good job to support his family and a home where he can bring his children. Shea says, “Without my military training and the help of the Mission, I would be on the streets and into drugs.”

Over 36% of the homeless are veterans. The Union Mission Ministries works closely with the Veterans Administration to access benefits and other services as well as helping them become productive citizens once again.

To help continue the work of the Union Mission Ministries, designate your gift to CVC #3526.

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