I am excited to announce that renovations to our downtown facility are underway with a grand re-opening scheduled for February 2018.
Our newly, upgraded space will enable more people to connect with the essential resources they need to break free from the cycle of poverty and find hope for the future.
Our team is ecstatic to be able to take this important step further towards our vision of eliminating poverty in our community.
In 2014, we conducted a major review of our Drop-in Centre with the intention of improving and expanding our services to those who come to us for assistance. The report revealed that we needed to re-imagine our space to better connect participants with the support services they need and to adopt a new service delivery model that further aligns to our vision and mission.
This means that people can, not only access the basic items they need like clothing and showers, but also be connected to other services that allow them to move out of poverty and achieve prosperity in their lives.
I can’t wait for the larger space. It will be easier for me to use the showers, bathrooms, and laundry. It’s going to be good! – Sam, Bissell Centre Participant.
The new centre will significantly improve people’s ability to access housing supports, employment opportunities, skills training, and vital programs and services.
I’m also happy to inform you that we are partnering with The Mustard Seed as they have graciously freed up space so that our team can continue to offer drop in services in their facility during the renovations.
For approximately 14 weeks we will continue to provide daily meals, hygiene and clothing items, and recreation programming there while we renovate the interior of our building. Our Employment Services and Casual Labour will remain operating out of Bissell Centre’s facilities.
To learn more, please check out our Renovations Plan.
We look forward to updating you as the project develops.
Sincerely,
Gary St. Amand
CEO, Bissell Centre