About Brunswick Street Mission
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 in our community.
Our community consists of individuals, couples, and families with children.
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.
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
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 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 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: 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 nurtured by many stewards through the years that has never wavered. The face has changed but the mission remains; working to meet the needs of those struggling with poverty.