January 11, 2021

Michael Traynor, formerly the publisher of Savannah Morning News, has been named the president and CEO of Savannah-based Union Mission. Traynor will begin his new role Feb. 15. The current executive director, Pat Youngquist, recently announced her retirement effective in the spring of 2021. A long-time Savannah resident, Traynor has always been deeply involved in community organizations. He has served on the Union Mission Board of Directors for more than nine years, including board chair for 2018 and 2019, and serving on the executive committee from 2014 to 2020.

                                                                                   Read the Savannah Now article

Leaders of faith communities in Savannah, such as Rabbi Haas and Pastor Roberson, feel deep compassion for our homeless neighbors. These are the communities who honor the mandate to treat our homeless neighbors as members of our own communities. We appreciate leaders of local congregations speaking out on behalf of the homeless people and their commitment to support the work of Union Mission in ensuring that all of our neighbors dwell in dignity.

Homelessness in 2021: Five Factors to Watch

As the nation emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, homelessness will continue to be a national crisis. Although the number of people experiencing homelessness is still lower than it was in 2007, homelessness has been increasing since 2016. It is likely that the consequences of the pandemic, a national recession, and deep economic disparities will drive further increases.

Despite these obstacles, there will be important opportunities in the year ahead for the mission to end homelessness. The National Alliance to End Homelessness offers the following assessment of the key factors that will affect this work.    READ MORE

Our Annual Christmas Meal provided our neighbors in need with hot to-go lunches and an opportunity to do a little Christmas shopping at our outdoor Clothing Closet.  Our wonderful volunteers were busy preparing and serving meals, setting up tables and spreading Christmas cheer. We thank all of the volunteers, staff and sponsors such as Sodexo and Gulfstream for making this event possible.

Children from families struggling with hunger are more likely to repeat a grade in elementary school, experience developmental impairments, and have more social and behavioral problems, according to Feeding America, a nonprofit that addresses hunger in the U.S.

Partnering with people to end their homelessness through housing and supportive services.