Union Gospel Mission Men's Shelter

The Union Gospel Mission Men's Shelter and Chapel in Salem, Oregon, expands the organization's ability to serve individuals experiencing homelessness by replacing aging facilities with a modern campus designed for shelter, recovery, and community support. The new 57,000-square-foot men's shelter increases capacity to 300 beds and provides dining, bathing, classrooms, counseling, and medical support spaces, while the adjacent chapel serves both Mission residents and the broader community.

Mass Plywood Panels (MPP), manufactured by Freres Engineered Wood, are incorporated throughout the project, including the chapel ceiling and the roof structure of the bicycle storage pavilion. The MPP system provided a durable, efficient structural solution while creating warm, inviting spaces that complement the Mission's focus on dignity and restoration. The project demonstrates the versatility of mass timber in community-serving facilities, supporting both functional performance and long-term resilience.