[Updated November 29, 2017]

[Updated November 29, 2017]
On a recent visit I observed that some of the UGM policies that seemed designed to make things harder on the guests (without any other clear purpose) have now been changed.
One huge example is that their day-room now is open to guests during the day. This allows people a place to come in out of the rain without the fear of being told that they are not welcome. This is a big improvement how they were making people sit out in the rain (as was done last winter). The leadership at the UGM should be applauded for taking the time to reconsider a poorly thought out policy. Very little says I Love You in the middle of an Oregon winter like inviting someone to come inside and get dry when they've got nowhere else to go.
Also, there has been some improvement in the nutritional value of the meals served.
I also stayed for dinner there, and noted that it was a nice healthy combination of foods. Turkey, stuffing, vegetables, roll and small pie. Since I was there the day after Thanksgiving this is exactly what you'd expect. The tables, plates, etc. were all clean, and the guests who were volunteering were kind and helpful. The kitchen staff was also seen interacting with the guests, making sure that everything was okay with the meal.
Since it was dinner time, the building was full and bustling with activity and conversations. In spite of this the atmosphere inside was calm, safe and relaxing.
There were very few negative things to note on this visit. And most were from things outside of the Mission's control.
The sidewalk outside of the UGM was unusable due to how many people that were literally just camped out there. I've never seen it this way before, so I could not say if this was a one time occurrence or not. But I was required to leave the sidewalk and walk out into the traffic lane on Commercial Street to reach the entrance. Over 35 feet of the sidewalk was a solid conglomerate of people and possessions that were pressed tightly up against each other that the wind could not have passed between them.
Again, this is not a complaint upon the UGM, just an observation about how great the homeless needs are in Salem.
The other negative observation that I had during this visit had to do with how the building needs so many repairs. There were some things that were clear safety issues that needed to be taken care of.
But for tonight I want to focus on their improvements, and say Kudos to the UGM leadership. There are many improvements that have been made in the last 9 months. Keep up the good work!
If you are man in need of a place to stay, receive a hot meal, or just to take a shower the UGM is likely the best option that you have. And while you are there, check out one of their Bible Studies in the morning, or Chapel at night. These can be very inspirational.