OUR MISSION
Brunswick Street Mission, located in the North End of Halifax, seeks to inspire a better quality of life through care that addresses the practical—physical and mental—needs of those experiencing poverty.
Our areas of focus include providing food security through a food bank and breakfast program, one-to-one supporting using a trauma-informed practice under a Registered Social Worker. We also provide laundry services for unhoused folks, a free tax clinic for those with low annual incomes, and advocate for those experiencing poverty and homelessness in the Halifax Regional Municipality.
Our Values
We are committed to:
• Welcoming – We value being open and welcoming
• Caring Attitude – We value reaching out to those in need
• Dignity and Respect – We value treating everyone with dignity and respect
• Affirming – We value diversity and inclusion in all our programs to help improve the quality of life for those in need
• Collaboration - We value relationships and partnerships with people and organizations to enable a strong synergy
• Accountable – We value accountability for all our actions
• Transparent - We value transparency and open communications in all we do
Our History
In the 1860's the 'Edward Jost Mission' was established in the North End of Halifax; it subsequently became 'The City Mission'. After moving through several sites ebbs and flows of activity, the work of the Mission was taken up by the congregation of Brunswick Street United Church in 1929. The City Mission offered support including childcare, food, clothing, and employment help.
Over time, the work of the Mission grew to be too much for one congregation to carry out and in 2005, the Halifax Presbytery of The United Church of Canada approved the trial formation of a separate entity: Brunswick Street Mission. The trial was deemed a success and permanent arrangements were made in 2009.
Our mission remains as it did over 150 years ago: working to meet the needs of those experiencing poverty in Halifax.
