Day 297: Union Gospel Mission Orientation

It took about three months before I made it to an orientation. My friend wanted to come with me. The orientation is only on Tuesdays. In July and August our schedule didn't jive to attend the orientation session. Finally we made it tonight.

We parked about 20 feet about the entrance to the building. Like usual, there is a line up outside the building. We went through the front doors and they directed us to the third floor. We went pass the second floor and it said 'do not enter'. Because it was of secrecy, we were more intrigued to find out what was on the second floor. We got there early and just hung out outside till it was time to sit down. We went into a small room with theater style seating. The seats are quite comfortable. It seemed like they were custom made because they had the table extension on them. The orientation was 1.5 hour long. There was a pamphlet on the table and they explained the information the pamplet.


I do understand that they have to clear out the weirdos as volunteers. There are pretty strict rules to follow. One of the guidelines is 'do not give out your address, email address, phone number or invitations to join Facebook to clients'. I understand about the address, email and phone number thing. It's a safety precaution in case they are weirdos. But the 'invitation to join Facebook'? Is a homeless person really a person I would like to add as a friend on Facebook? Will they respond to my 'friend request' or check my status to see what I'm up to? I do know they have access to the internet for free at the library. It's a sign that companies these days are aware of the impact of Facebook in our lives. Facebook is a form of communication like email or phone.

There are so many UGM locations with various activities at each one. They have locations from Mission to the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. Their services include drop in services, lunch meal, dinner meals and alchohol and drug addiction recovery programs. There is also a Mobile UGM. It's a van that drives around the Lower Mainland and provides homeless people with food and socks and other goodies. They also have special dinners where they need volunteers.

To be a general volunteer, you need to attend the orientation seminar, fill out an application form, go to an interview and sign an agreement form. This process is very extensive. There is also a 3 month probation period. It's like a job!