MOOSE JAW — Hope Ministries Moose Jaw Inc. is continuing its search for a permanent facility while expanding its outreach and making it easier to get involved in its mission of fostering a sense of belonging in the community.
The local non-profit, which provides meals and support services to those in need, recently launched a new website, Hope.ca, to provide information on its programs and ways for the community to help out.
“(The new website) talks about what we’re doing right now and how people can help out,” said Rachel Mullens, executive director of Hope Ministries Moose Jaw Inc.
The search for a home
Despite progress in other areas, Hope Ministries has yet to secure a permanent home. The organization continues to operate out of partner locations, with lunches served at First Baptist Church on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and suppers provided at the Salvation Army downtown from Monday to Friday.
A small warming space is also available at First Baptist Church on Tuesdays and Fridays. The church is located at 1010 Main Street North.
While no final decisions have been made, Mullens emphasized the need for a location that balances client needs with downtown business concerns.
“We obviously want to have a space that’s convenient for the people we serve, but we also want to be aware of the concerns of the downtown core and downtown businesses,” she said. “We want to work in partnership with the city and downtown business (owners) to make sure that everyone is… happy with where we’re located and what we’re doing.”
Future plans
Once a permanent venue is secured, Hope Ministries plans to expand its services, including the introduction of a new “day space.”
“We want to be open from eight in the morning to eight at night, so that people have a place to go,” Mullens explained. “(This way), they’re not just on the street — they can go hang out, have coffee, visit… (and) just have a space that people can call their own.”
While additional programming is still being developed, the day space would be one of the first initiatives launched in the new location.
Mullens wants the community to understand that Hope Ministries serves a broader demographic than just those experiencing homelessness.
“We don’t just serve the unhoused,” she said. “We serve the working poor — families and people who are working, but can’t make ends meet. We also serve seniors who are on fixed incomes… Some of them are lonely, and they just need some companionship.”
In the ongoing effort to secure a permanent building that will enable the non-profit to expand its services, Hope Ministries is looking for continued community support. Mullens said financial donations, food contributions, and volunteers are always needed.
“If they go on our website, we have all the ways to donate on there,” she said.
The organization is currently promoting its “Hot Meals for All” fundraising campaign on Facebook. The campaign’s goal is to remind residents in need that they are seen, valued, and cared for.
“We’re running a fundraising campaign on social media right now, and people can check that out and donate or simply share the information,” Mullens said.
To learn more about Hope Ministries Moose Jaw Inc. and its role in the community, visit Hope.ca, “Hope Ministries Moose Jaw Inc” on Facebook, or email [email protected].
