FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
– November 18, 2024 –
Young Woman Finds Hope with the Help of UGM’s Mobile Mission in Vancouver
As winter approaches, Mobile Mission outreach is a necessity.
(Vancouver, B.C.) – Kristy Ransome’s life has been dramatically transformed through a seemingly small but incredibly powerful intervention by Union Gospel Mission’s (UGM) Mobile Mission van. Once living on the streets of Abbotsford, isolated, in an abusive relationship, and struggling with addiction and homelessness, Ransome now shares a story of hope and recovery.
Ransome, who had been living in the woods for some time, was barely getting by when she encountered the Mobile Mission van. Initially, the team provided her with survival supplies, including food, clothing, a sleeping bag, and perhaps most importantly, a listening ear.
"It felt like a miracle when the van showed up," Ransome says. "I was in such a dark place, and I didn’t know where to turn. They didn’t just give me stuff—they listened, they talked to me, and they made me feel like I mattered. It was the first time in a long time that I felt seen."
UGM’s Mobile Mission vehicles, which travel throughout BC’s Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, and now the Greater Victoria regions, travel to areas where people experiencing homelessness are harder to reach. The goal is simple: address acute need with immediate aid and do it with dignity, care, and respect. Each team distributes food, hygiene products, warm clothing, and survival gear, all while building relationships that can lead to long-term support.
Nicole Mucci, UGM Spokesperson, affirms that stories like Kristy’s are a testament to the life-saving power of the Mobile Mission, eventually leading people towards UGM’s comprehensive continuum of care — and with cold weather rapidly approaching, the Mobile Mission vehicles are needed now more than ever.
"Homelessness is a complex issue and each person’s journey is unique. It takes more than just a roof over someone’s head to rebuild a life," Mucci said. "The impact is not just about survival; it’s about giving people like Kristy a path forward—a path that leads to recovery, housing, and hope."
Kristy’s story is a powerful example of the transformative impact of the Mobile Mission. After her first encounter with the van, she was referred to UGM’s outreach services, where she received the support she needed to start her recovery journey. Today, Kristy is in stable housing and working toward long-term stability.
"I'm still on my journey, but I have hope now. I’m not just surviving; I’m starting to live again," Kristy said. "The Mobile Mission didn’t just provide for my immediate needs—they gave me a chance to get back on my feet."
MEDIA DETAILS
Date: November 19th
Time: Kristy & Nicole are available for interviews between 7 AM & Noon
Where: On location at 601 E Hastings, or in studio
CONTACT
Sarah Chew
Media Relations Specialist
604-996-1417
schew@ugm.ca
Nicole Mucci
Media Relations & Communications Manager
604-290-8268
nmucci@ugm.ca
ABOUT UNION GOSPEL MISSION
Union Gospel Mission has been feeding hope and changing the lives of men, women, youth, and children for more than 80 years. Through its ten locations in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and Victoria, UGM provides emergency shelter, meals, outreach, career development counselling, education, safe and affordable housing, addiction recovery, and much more to those struggling with poverty, homelessness and addiction. The heart of UGM is to demonstrate God’s transforming love, ease the burden of those who are vulnerable, and come alongside people who feel cast aside. To learn more, visit www.ugm.ca.
