Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission is a staple in the City of Seattle, helping and caring for the homeless community since 1932. The Mission recently celebrated 90 years of service and Colvos Construction is proud to support their incredible work in the community.

Colvos Construction’s relationship with The Mission has flourished throughout the years. It originated as a recommendation from our friend George Ward, President of Aldrich Construction and member of the SUGM Board of Trustees. From renovating the Spanish Showers in 2020, today it’s flourished to over 60,000 square feet of new and renovated space within five facilities throughout King County.

Project Manager Tanya Johnston first began working with the Mission as a Project Engineer and now oversees for all Mission projects. Johnston has called their relationship “organic,” noting the trust that Colvos has built with the Mission throughout the years on the various projects, thus receiving continued opportunities to work together.

Project Engineer, Elli Zatezalo, preparing for the Search and Rescue Night.

Project Engineer, Elli Zatezalo, and President, Devin Page, preparing for the Search and Rescue Night.

In 2022, the Mission provided more than 340,000 meals, 28,000 blankets, 900 hot showers, 10,000 counseling sessions and 40,000 bible studies. They hold a 63% graduation rate from their program and provide countless services, support and assistance to those in need.

Colvos believes in the Mission and its work, and has committed to supporting their needs. Each December, Colvos host the PB&Jammies Drive, accepting donations of new pajamas, unopened peanut butter, and funds. Last December, Colvos raised over $17,000, helping hundreds of people in the process.

Most recently, Colvos President Devin Page, Vice President Anders Bjorn, Project Engineer Elli Zatezalo, Superintendent Josh Ziembicki, and Johnston attended a Search & Rescue night, delivering food, clothes, and blankets to those in on the streets.

“Being able to be apart of such an amazing program truly has been a blessing for us and I think they appreciate that Colvos is so willing to be such a big proponent of theirs by continuing to support their cause,” Johnston remarked of the evening.

In terms of projects, Colvos Construction recently completed a major update to the Men’s Shelter in downtown Seattle, renovating spaces for emergency nightly shelter and for program participants. Both programs get people off the streets and into a safe environment. This emergency resource provides a pathway to the long term program that helps with housing, employment, food, clothing, and sustainable life skills. The Mission provides physical, mental, and spiritual healing.

“The work they do for our communities is amazing, genuinely needed and appreciated, because they are literally saving lives,” Johnston praises.

Colvos Construction and Seattle Union Gospel Mission team members.

The relationship between Colvos Construction and the Mission continues to grow. On April 6, Colvos sponsored and attend the Mission’s Catalyst event, where over $1 million was raised to maintain and increase outreach services.

“I value the personal relationships we have built more than any other professional work we’ve done. Both sides know we can count on each other.” Johnston notes that she looks forward to many more projects and volunteer missions with the Mission for “as long as they’ll let me.”