A Home for Help and Hope
For more than 130 years The Union Mission Ministries has compassionately served men, women, and children without a home and with nowhere else to turn.
The Union Mission was founded in 1892 by a group of Methodist businessmen who had a vision to provide for the physical and spiritual needs of those who were poor or homeless. From that vision, the original Union Mission opened its doors, and to this day continues to provide help and hope for homeless people in our community.
In 1956, Rev. Theodore A. Bashford, became our Executive Director. For more than 50 years, “Brother Ted” led and guided The Union Mission, strengthening our relationships with local churches and city officials and expanding our outreach capacity.
His daughter Linda Bashford Vaughan succeeded him as Executive Director after he passed away in October 2008. Having worked alongside with her father for years, Mrs. Vaughan ran the day-to-day operations until February 2016. She now serves as Executive Director Emeritus.
Rev. John W. Gray, Jr., our current Executive Director, served under both Rev. Bashford and Mrs. Vaughan.
Over the years, the Men’s and Women’s Shelters moved five times until 2009 when a permanent campus was established on Virginia Beach Blvd. in Norfolk. The Union Mission Ministries have included numerous resources for and outreaches to the South Hampton Roads, Virginia community. As our region’s needs have changed, so have The Union Mission’s ministries. We continue to look for the most effective ways to share the love of Christ with those in need and to serve those experiencing homelessness in our community.
Rev. John Gray, Jr., Executive Director
