About The Brunswick Street Mission

A look at 2020:

The Brunswick Street Mission, located in Halifax, seeks to inspire a better quality of life that addresses physical, emotional, practical and spiritual needs for those experiencing poverty.

We serve people who struggle with poverty. Many are homeless, others are at risk of homelessness. There are individuals, couples, and families with children. Some work, some are on assistance and others are on disability or pension support. The backgrounds of our clients are as varied as they are but the common element is the daily struggle, and a future which seems not to hold much promise or joy.

Brunswick Street Mission aims to address concerns primarily related to poverty and homelessness. Most of our programming is designed to alleviate the "symptoms" of poverty. We work with many groups in Halifax to identify and address the root causes of poverty.

The issues and barriers our clients, and others, face do not discriminate and can affect individuals, couples, and families with children. Some conditions seem almost synonymous with poverty; mental illness, addictions, physical disabilities, criminal record, and violence are harsh everyday realities. Survival alone can take all one's energy but resourcefulness, resiliency, dignity, hope and humour can also be seen and with some support and a second (third, fourth...) chance, many of our participants can hope for a better future. Or at least a more tolerable present.

Our Mission

To inspire a better quality of life through a ministry of care that addresses physical, emotional, practical and spiritual needs for those experiencing poverty.

Our Values

We are committed, in all we do, to uphold the core values of the United Church of Canada as well as the following;

• 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

The Brunswick Street Mission was created by, inspired by, and remains supported by the United Church of Canada. But it is important to understand that Brunswick Street Mission does not apply or support any restrictions, preferences, or practices that might limit the involvement or advancement of any person based on religion.

We celebrate diversity in all its forms, and will make extra effort to invite, involve and accommodate all persons. Spirituality is recognized as a key component of wellness and wholeness, and opportunity for prayer and pastoral support may be offered but is never expected or demanded as a condition of inclusion.

In the 1860's the 'Edward Jost Mission' was established in north end Halifax; it subsequently became 'The City Mission'. After moving through several sites and a few periods of inactivity, the work of the Mission was assumed under the congregation of Brunswick Street United Church in 1925.

In its earliest days, the City Mission offered various supports including job placements for "domestics", child care, food and clothing. The work of the Brunswick Street Mission has changed since then, programs have come and gone as needed, but food and clothing support and a warm welcome have remained a necessity.

Over time, the work of Brunswick Street 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: The Brunswick Street Mission. The trial was deemed a success and permanent arrangements were made in 2009.

The legacy of Brunswick Street Mission, begun so long ago, and was nurtured by many stewards through the years and that has never wavered The face has changed but the mission remains; working to meet the needs of those struggling with poverty. Brunswick Street Mission provides a unique opportunity to the community, offering a place to find help when you need it, a place to offer help when you are able and a place of hope, dignity and respect.