1. Siloam Mission
2. United Way of Winnipeg
3. Winnipeg Humane Society

Since 1987, Siloam Mission has been working to bring Winnipeggers together to help those who are experiencing homelessness. Siloam Mission takes a lead role in encouraging all of us to recognize the humanity of every person regardless of their temporary circumstances.

“People from all walks of life may experience homelessness,” says Donna-Lynn Baskin, Communications Manager for Siloam Mission. “’Homeless’ is a label and once people are labelled it’s easy to commodify them and forget they are individuals.”

Despite facing recent setbacks - including flooding in December 2013 and August 2014 - Siloam Mission has continued to grow. Baskin says that in the past year Siloam Mission has brought in 1,000 new volunteers, bringing their total to 8,100. Siloam Mission also piloted the new Exit Up! Interdependent Living program, to help youth who are exiting the foster care system or are in extended care.

In 2014, Siloam Mission served approximately 1,300 meals per day and continues to expand programs and services both on an emergency basis and to help people move beyond homelessness.

Siloam Mission has big plans for 2015. “Going forward we are looking at expanding,” Baskin says. “We currently have 85 units of supportive housing in Wolseley and would like to build an additional 160 units at our 300 Princess location.”

To keep growing, Siloam Mission will need support from the community. “Certainly we rely almost entirely on donations, we have an extensive clothing and needed items list,” Baskin says. “Our volunteers are us; we rely on their expertise and compassion.”

Part of the series: The Uniter 30

Published in Volume 69, Number 15 of The Uniter (January 7, 2015)