Our Beginnings: A Call to Serve (1956 – 1970’s)
In 1956, a group of dedicated individuals saw the need for emergency assistance in Hamilton and laid the foundation for Mission Services of Hamilton.
Originally rooted in faith-based outreach, we focused on offering food, shelter, and compassionate support to those struggling in our community, specifically with our Men’s Shelter.
By the 1960s, we had established emergency shelter services, providing refuge for those experiencing homelessness, and offering hope to our community.
In 1967, we opened Inasmuch House, the first shelter for women and children fleeing domestic violence. This new location provided a safe haven and critical support for women, and opened up fresh horizons for the future of Mission Services.
Expanding Support: Addressing Complex Needs (1980’s – 1990’s)
In 1956, a group of dedicated individuals saw the need for emergency assistance in Hamilton and laid the foundation for Mission Services of Hamilton.
Originally rooted in faith-based outreach, we focused on offering food, shelter, and compassionate support to those struggling in our community, specifically with our Men’s Shelter.
By the 1960s, we had established emergency shelter services, providing refuge for those experiencing homelessness, and offering hope to our community.
In 1967, we opened Inasmuch House, the first shelter for women and children fleeing domestic violence. This new location provided a safe haven and critical support for women, and opened up fresh horizons for the future of Mission Services.
Innovating for Impact: Housing First & Outcome Focused Harm Reduction (2000’s – 2020’s)
As we entered the 21st century, we deepened our focus on housing solutions, understanding that stable housing is the foundation for long-term success.
Our emergency shelters and drop-in services grew and evolved to focus on early intervention, diversion, and long-term housing solutions.
The Housing UP! program, launched in 2020, has since housed over 600 individuals, proving that housing-first solutions work, and serving as a model for similar programs across North America.
Outcome-Focused Harm Reduction was introduced to provide support for those struggling with addiction, balancing health, dignity, and recovery.
Today & Beyond: A Resilient Community
Mission Services of Hamilton continues to be a leader in housing, food security, addiction recovery, and violence prevention.
Our services restore hope and empower people to move forward, ensuring that everyone has access to the support they need to build a better future.
While we embrace innovation and modern service delivery, our core values – dignity, compassion, and excellence – remain steadfast.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to building a resilient and healthy community – one that is compassionate, equitable, and hopeful.
