SEATTLE - When people have no place to go, they come to Seattle's Union Gospel Mission, where people in need can find a warm bed, a warm meal and a warm welcome.
Andrew Tapia knows just how vital the faith-based nonprofit organization is. Tapia is a former homeless addict, who has turned his life around, thanks to this organization.
"In 33 years I hadn't seen two weeks clean and sober and now I'll be 21 months clean and sober next week," he said. "I recommend this program to anybody who needs it."
But the programs are struggling. New Union Gospel Mission President Jeff Lilley has to figure out how to make up a $300,000 shortfall, on top of a budget that was already cut by 10 percent.
"But even then just trying to make the assessment of where is the greatest need; it's a tough decision when you're dealing with somebody's life," he said.
"Let me give you an idea just how many people need help," said Lilley. "On any given night nearly 500 people will access one of the facilities at Union Gospel Mission. On top of that they will serve nearly half a million free meals every year."
Union Gospel Mission provides transitional and long-term housing plus educational classes and programs for the homeless, services that could go away if donations don't come in soon.
The mission doesn't just need money. Volunteers are also a vital part of its success.
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