Mission Services of Hamilton

Mission Services of Hamilton Restoring hope and empowering people to find their way forward. We envision a resilient and healthy community that is compassionate, equitable and hopeful.

More than a meal, we are a non-profit, multi-social service agency who believes every person deserves access to healthy food, safe housing, and opportunities for tomorrow. In 1956, Enos Bearinger, a farmer in Hamilton, helped to rehabilitate a young man in his home. This experience encouraged him to create a place where men experiencing homelessness, addiction, and mental illness could access food, shelter, and social and emotional support. He sold his farm and used the profits to purchase an old candy factory on James Street North. With the assistance of volunteers and local congregations, the old factory became our Men’s Shelter, where men experiencing homelessness could share a meal, have a place to sleep, and access community supports. This building remains the location of our men’s emergency shelter, where we continue to offer services to men aged 18 and older. As Mission Services grew it became apparent that a more comprehensive scope of services was needed to help break the cycle of homelessness, poverty and other problems. Today, our services include emergency food assistance, Inasmuch House shelter for women and children fleeing violence, addiction services, youth afterschool programs, and Willow's Place, a low-barrier daytime resource hub for women experiencing homelessness. These services focus not only on crisis response and intervention but also on helping people realize their full potential. Mission Services is a registered Canadian charity ( #11904 3206 RR0001).

WOW! What an incredible day supporting the women and children of Inasmuch House at the Project First to Respond Women's ...
09/11/2026

WOW! What an incredible day supporting the women and children of Inasmuch House at the Project First to Respond Women's Only Golf Tournament at Southbrook Golf Club on Thursday!

Together, we raised over $42,000 (our highest total yet!) to provide care and support for women and children fleeing violence in our community.

Thank you so much to Project First to Respond, every golfer who participated, and our incredible sponsors who made the day possible!

Presenting Sponsor: Universal Cleaners Inc.
Dinner Sponsor: Pipetek Infrastructure Services
Game Day Sponsor: Lawrie Insurance Group
Golf Ball Sponsor: Scott Refridgeration
Cart Sponsors: Acera Insurance & Branded Wraps
Swag Bag Sponsor: Epic Tool
Towels Provided By Monica Ciriello MPP

In August, we welcomed MPPs Monica Ciriello and Vijay Thanigasalam, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, ...
09/09/2026

In August, we welcomed MPPs Monica Ciriello and Vijay Thanigasalam, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, for a tour and overview of Mission Services' addiction and recovery supports.

During the tour, we shared the impact of Ontario Health-funded services, and highlighted how we have been successful in supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, and substance use issues.

Thank you to all who attended! It was wonderful to share the passion that the employees in our Addiction Services Centre have for helping and giving hope to the people of our city!

In 1985, Mission Services established our Addiction Services department, creating a unique team to address the needs of ...
09/08/2026

In 1985, Mission Services established our Addiction Services department, creating a unique team to address the needs of people in our community. Over time, the program has grown, changed, and taken many different forms, but the compassionate care offered by our staff has never wavered.

SWIPE ➡️ to see the changes the 40 years have brought, and how our team has seen thousands of lives changed forever.

We partnered with the Hamilton Cardinals and Little Caesars Canada again this year to Strike Out Hunger! For each strike...
09/04/2026

We partnered with the Hamilton Cardinals and Little Caesars Canada again this year to Strike Out Hunger! For each strikeout that Cardinals pitchers recorded during the regular season, Little Caesars donated $3 to Mission Services of Hamilton's Good Food Centre, making a difference in their community, one strikeout at a time. This year, Cardinals pitchers struck out an incredible 486 batters and raised $1,500 to help provide emergency grocery assistance for families in our community.

The Cardinals finished atop the Canadian Baseball League standings and kick off the playoff semifinals tonight vs. Barrie Baycats at Bernie Arbour Stadium. We’ll be cheering them on as they represent Hamilton. Go Cards Go!

Slide 1 photo: Vince

Drew was a shy kid when he first joined The 196.On his first day, he stood quietly by the doorway, still wearing his bac...
08/31/2026

Drew was a shy kid when he first joined The 196.

On his first day, he stood quietly by the doorway, still wearing his backpack, hoping no one would notice him. He was unsure and a bit timid, his backpack acting as a security blanket. He’d never been part of an after-school program before, so he felt a bit like a fish-out-of-water. That day, he kept to himself and left as soon as the program ended.

The staff noticed him. In time, they checked in with him and created a space where he felt safe and free from pressure. Soon, Drew began to loosen his grip on his backpack just a bit. He started sitting with the other kids for the after-school meal and working alongside them in programs like Mini Chefs.

The rewards system became a big motivator for him. Drew earned points for showing up, participating, and helping out. Initially, he spent them as soon as he could, but soon he learned the importance of saving and budgeting for things like gift cards and school supplies.

Gradually, Drew began to come out of his shell. He made friends with the other kids in the program and they began to look up to him as a leader. Soon, he was welcoming the new kids, who, like him, were shy and unsure, clenching their backpacks tightly.

After three years in the program, Drew was no longer quiet or withdrawn. He was confident, engaged, and ready to take on new challenges.

Drew didn’t just leave The 196 with memories, he left with a different kind of backpack than he had when he entered. This time, his backpack was filled with new skills, a newfound confidence, and a readiness to take on the future.

That's a wrap on our Summer 2026 Youth Programming! Let's take a look back on an incredible summer:We welcomed 100 kids ...
08/28/2026

That's a wrap on our Summer 2026 Youth Programming! Let's take a look back on an incredible summer:

We welcomed 100 kids from Eva Rothwell Centre for lunch three days each week this summer, as part of our longstanding partnership with them. This helps create healthier, stronger pathways for kids in our community to thrive.

Over in our 196 Youth Program, this summer was a time of fun, learning, and growth! Our youth enjoyed exciting field trips, hikes, visits to Mohawk and McMaster, and capped it off with their annual trip to the CNE.

They had baking competitions, tie-dyed shirts, learned how to develop board games, and even made some furry friends along the way.

We're grateful to everyone who supported our summer camps, your support makes such a difference! Our regular after-school programming will be returning shortly.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this such an amazing summer!

Adalia gets to do many things while mentoring the kids in our 196 Youth Program, but there’s one part of the job that sh...
08/26/2026

Adalia gets to do many things while mentoring the kids in our 196 Youth Program, but there’s one part of the job that she likes the best.

“My favourite part is seeing where the kids end up. They come to us as a grade six student who’s slightly scared because it’s a new experience for them, and over time you get to see them figure out who they are and where their life will take them.”

That includes creating a space and programming that allows the kids to grow and flourish, and that starts with feeling like you have a place where you belong.

“The biggest sense of belonging that we can provide for these kids is making them feel like they’re being heard. Making sure you're calling them by name, listening to what have to say, and being someone who is willing to listen. That’s how you make a difference in someone’s life.”

A long-term Mission Services employee, Adalia is now in her 10th year of leading the Child and Youth program, and she’s creating stability for the next generation.

“I feel like there's a continuity that the kids just recognize even if they haven't been here for that long.”

“Parents know who I am now, and we get to know the parents fairly well, so we can work with them to take a more holistic approach to care for their child.”

The kids in our 196 Youth Program had a blast hosting a car wash to raise money for their upcoming field trip to the CNE...
08/25/2026

The kids in our 196 Youth Program had a blast hosting a car wash to raise money for their upcoming field trip to the CNE! They learned important life skills of diligence, attention-to-detail, and entrepreneurship, and had fun doing it. Thanks to everyone who came out and supported!

       

Join us on Tuesday for The 196 Youth Car Wash Fundraiser!For just $5 (cash only), you can get your car washed and help o...
08/25/2026

Join us on Tuesday for The 196 Youth Car Wash Fundraiser!

For just $5 (cash only), you can get your car washed and help our youth raise funds for their upcoming trip to The Ex / The Canadian National Exhibition (The CNE).

The car wash will run from 1:00PM-3:00PM in Mission Services' back parking lot (163 Sanford Ave N.) Snacks will also be available for a great price.

Share this with that friend who has the dirtiest car you know! 🚘

We cut the ribbon and opened the new playground at Inasmuch House today! The new playground was made possible by funding...
08/21/2026

We cut the ribbon and opened the new playground at Inasmuch House today!

The new playground was made possible by funding from the Ward 2 Community Grants program. The new playground structure and soft-surface flooring will give kids staying at Inasmuch House a secure environment where they can play freely and safely.

This project addresses a critical gap in the shelter’s ability to support child well-being and safety. The new playground equipment will be the centrepiece of the outdoor activity space at Inasmuch House and will feature play options for children across many different age ranges.

"Play space is an important part of how children engage with one another, build imagination, and develop. Every child deserves access to high-quality play space. I'm grateful to Council for supporting my motion for a new play space at Inasmuch House and I hope it's used with love for many years to come,” said Ward 2 Councillor Cameron Kroetsch.

“Over the years, Ward 2 has been instrumental in supporting the women and children staying in at Inasmuch House," said Shawn MacKeigan, Executive Director of Mission Services. “We’re grateful to Councillor Kroetsch and the City Council for this funding that allows us to improve the playground and show residents that their community stands with them as they find their way forward to a safe and secure future.”

Address

196 Wentworth Street North
Hamilton, ON
L8L5V7

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+19055284211

Website

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