Have you seen men downtown wearing yellow VIP badges around their necks? Have you wondered why the Union Mission has buildings practically across the street from each other, at 383 and 600 Poplar?
Today I will answer those questions. You see, the Union Mission has a couple of upgrade/VIP programs.
First, though, I need to explain what a non-VIP experience looks like. Regular, ordinary folks who stay at the Mission:
- Have to check in every day. If you hit the checkin line at the wrong time, it can take 30-45 minutes or longer.
- Pay $6 per day.
- Stand in another line to check their bag in. Bags are stored in a common closet.
- Are assigned a different bed each night in one of the dorms at 383 Poplar – or a mat on the floor, if all the beds are taken.
- Sign up for the waiting list for a shower; at times, it can take up to an hour for your name to be called.
- Stand in the dinner line with 150-200 other men.
When you go VIP, you
- Prepay $186 ($6 times 31) at the beginning of the month
- Get a lanyard and yellow VIP badge with your name and bed assignment
- Sleep in the same bed each night in a dorm in 383 Poplar
- Flash your badge to be admitted to the building, bypassing the checkin line
- Get your own private locker to store your stuff
- Jump to the head of the shower and dinner lines
Then there’s the Mission’s extended stay at 600 Poplar. If you choose this option, you
- Must have an income – a job or a government or pension check
- Must be alcohol- and drug-free and consent to random testing
- Prepay $217 a month
- Sleep in dorm rooms of 8-10 men (as opposed to 28-40 across the street)
- Are given key access and can come and go as you please – although, there is a 12 AM curfew
- Get breakfast and dinner daily and have access to the main building for lunch
- No requirement to attend chapel
That’s the scoop on the VIP programs. As for me, I’ll remain a “regular fellow’ and pay $6 for the nights I choose to stay at 383 Poplar, and $0 for the nights I choose not to.
On to the news…
So sad to hear of the death of Grizzlies center Brandon Clarke. Prayers and positive vibes to his family and teammates.
Ritual Coffee at 505 S. Main is open.
T-shirt I saw: “Bill Lee puts ketchup on hot chicken”
Southbound is the featured entertainment at Thursday’s Peabody rooftop party. 6-10 PM. $15 to get in, $40 VIP. VIPs get a BBQ-themed buffet of pulled pork sliders, pulled chicken sliders, sweet potato fries, and a crudite tray.
From Far Out Magazine: The tragic 1997 death of Jeff Buckley
A sinkhole has opened up on Main Street at Union.
Momma’s burger of the week comes with portobello mushroom, bacon, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, fried onion, and chipotle aioli. Unlike most of their BOTWs, this one does not appear to have a name.
The Orpheum will show blockbuster movies from the 1970s on the big screen this summer.
Back tomorrow with more news.
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