The city of trees has grown up in recent years, and its favorable climate, parks and waterways, explosion of new restaurants, and the revitalized downtown attract more and more people every year.

Unfortunately, rising costs of living are the inevitable result of growth, and for many, particularly the working poor, this phenomenon can have a devastating effect.

Grace Haven, a remodeled house located a short distance from the mission site, has become a place of refuge for Union Gospel staff members. This wonderful facility is available for mission staff members who simply can’t afford to pay housing costs in Sacramento. This facility is made available to full time workers without cost, and allows them a degree of financial freedom. Over the years, many graduates of the Union Gospel drug and alcohol rehabilitation program have become part of the mission’s staff. These men, whose lives have been changed forever, have chosen to spend their lives working with men battling the same problems they did. They work as cooks, laborers, drivers, program directors, a ranch manager and even assistant director of the mission.

Steve Jarrett, a 20-year staff member and assistant director of the mission says, “The Union Gospel Mission saved my life. This is where I found hope again.”

Delivery driver David Lynch, age 73 and a graduate from the program in 1993 says, “I’ve never worked anywhere that has given me the peace and satisfaction that I feel here. This is where I was delivered from alcohol and I’ll never forget it. I want to work here till I die.”

Program director and seven-year staff member Mike Pope says, “Without the Union Gospel Mission I would not have a relationship with my family today. I would either be in jail or dead.” Since graduating from the program in 1998, Mike has secured a college degree, was the vice president of his college class, and is today an ordained minister serving God full time at the Union Gospel Mission.

Not all staff members have the need for assisted housing. Many are married, own houses, and manage their households without assistance. Other men stay at Grace Haven for a period of time while they regroup, and prepare for life independently. Still others such as David Lynch, have spent their entire career at Grace Haven and are content to stay there permanently. Each man has different needs and desires, and what a blessing it is to have such a comforting refuge as Grace Haven.