As temperatures across the Tennessee Valley climb into the upper 90s later this week, the Union Gospel Mission is preparing to care for Chattanooga's unhoused neighbors and is asking the community to help by donating bottled water, sports drinks, individually packaged snacks, sunscreen and financial support.

Volunteer teams will be distributing bottled water and blessing bags throughout downtown Chattanooga and local homeless encampments to help those living outdoors stay hydrated during the dangerous heat. 

"For many experiencing homelessness, access to clean drinking water is limited, making hydration a daily challenge and an urgent need during extreme temperatures," officials said.

"We will be caring for our unhoused neighbors by loading up bottles of water each afternoon and visiting areas throughout downtown and local homeless camps to distribute water and help ensure everyone stays hydrated," said Rev.

Jon Rector, executive director of the Union Gospel Mission.

"The summer heat also creates additional challenges and expenses for the Mission itself," officials said. "While serving men experiencing homelessness through its residential recovery and transitional housing programs, the Mission faces significantly higher utility costs to keep the facility cool while providing additional water and hydration supplies for residents. Many of the men in the program work outdoors throughout the day and return needing relief from the intense heat."

"Summer is always one of our most challenging seasons," Rev. Rector said. "As temperatures rise, so do the costs of caring for our residents and those living on the streets. At the same time, we often experience a seasonal decline in donations. We're asking our community to consider giving a little extra this summer so we can continue meeting these very basic but critical needs."

The Union Gospel Mission welcomes donations of:
- bottled water;
- sports drinks;
- individually packaged snacks;
- sunscreen;
- Walmart and Food City gift cards; and
- financial contributions.

Monetary donations may be made online at www.theuniongospelmission.org or mailed to:

Union Gospel Mission
P.O. Box 983
Chattanooga, Tn. 37401

In-kind donations may be delivered to:

Union Gospel Mission
124 Signal Hills Blvd.
Chattanooga, Tn. 37405

For more information about how to help, visit www.theuniongospelmission.org or call 423-752-4998.