Mission Services has responded to COVID-19 and has adapted our programs and services to follow public health guidelines while still providing critical services to our community. Organizationally, we have robust screening measures in place (for both staff and clients) and have shared PPE expectations for all scenarios within MSH.
COVID-19 Announcements
Program Changes
Last updated December 20, 2021.
All non-essential programming has been suspended (including tax clinics and food demonstrations).
Volunteering: As a result of COVID-19, we are not accepting any new volunteers. We look forward to hearing from you once it is safe to have our volunteers return.
The 196: Our afterschool youth program is running virtual until further notice.
Willow’s Place: We have put measures in place to maintain social distancing as women eat and share space together. For women who are precariously housed but need our help, our Pandemic Support Coordinator can provide phone and food support and small in-person activities. We have an isolation space prepared for women waiting for tests/test results.
Emergency Food: The Good Food Centre will continue as usual, with enhanced preventative measures. As of April 1, 2021, the East Hamilton Food Centre has reopened.
If you are in need of immediate food access and are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or have come in contact with someone with symptoms, please do not visit the Good Food Centre. Instead, please ask a friend or family member to do so for you. Please provide a letter of permission and your I.D.
Food Donations: Food items can be dropped off between 8:00am and 4:00pm at our Food Services Compound. We ask that you ring the buzzer located on our gate, lift your trunk and return to your vehicle. Our staff will ask you to fill out a donation receipt while we unload using COVID-19 precautions. Mission Services staff will attempt to have as minimal contact as possible while we accept your valuable food donation.
For all major food donations or inquiries for food drives, please call 905-528-4211 ext 3131.
Addiction Services: For full information on temporary changes to Suntrac, ASH, and ARHP, click here.
Men’s Shelter: We have isolation spaces for those waiting for tests/test results. In response to the pandemic, the city has created hotel spaces for unsheltered men and couples. Mission Services is managing several floors of hotel rooms in Hamilton.
Inasmuch House: The shelter has re-configured rooms to ensure social distancing and is full. The City of Hamilton has secured hotel spaces for overflow for women experiencing violence. We have an isolation space within the shelter for those waiting for tests/test results. We are responding in creative ways to support women who are experiencing domestic violence as they socially isolate in an unsafe home.
People seeking assistance will not be turned away.
If you have specific questions about your program being affected, please contact the program directly.
- Addiction Services: 905-528-0389
- Good Food Centre: 905-528-4212 ext 1101
- Inasmuch House 24-Hour Crisis Line: 905-529-8600
- Men’s Shelter: 905-528-7635
- Willow’s Place: 905-528-5100 ext 1200
Hamilton Public Health has stated that residents need to be mindful that the situation is rapidly evolving. When outside of the home, ensure you maintain a safe distance (6 feet) from others not in your household, wash hands frequently with soap and water, and cover cough or sneeze with your sleeve or a tissue. Protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community by getting vaccinated. To get a COVID-19 vaccine, find a clinic near you here.
We will continue to refer to the World Health Organization, the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Hamilton Public Health for information.