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Since 1987, Siloam Mission has provided meals, clothing, and hope services to Winnipeg’s poor and homeless community.
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A connecting point between the compassionate and Winnipeg’s less fortunate, Siloam Mission is a Christian humanitarian organization that alleviates hardships and provides opportunities for change for those affected by homelessness.
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1987-1989 The Early Years
In August 1987, Suk Woon Lee and members of a Korean Nazarene congregation founded Siloam Mission at 695/697 Main Street in Winnipeg, Manitoba. In the ensuing years, board members and volunteers worked to establish an inner-city ministry that offered hot meals, counselling and worship services.
As trust was established with the street and homeless people, word of Siloam Mission spread and demand for services grew, resulting in the need for expansion.
1990-2000 Uncertain Times
Geoff Barham, Volunteer Director from 1991 to 1994, stands in front of Siloam Mission on 707 Main Street.In 1990, a new home for Siloam Mission was purchased at 707 Main Street. And in 1993, the first full-time Executive Director, Douglas Sedore, was hired. Rick Burk and Douglas Woods followed as Executive Directors at this site, leading our vital work among the poor, hungry and outcast of our community.
The Mission suffered a setback when the City of Winnipeg expropriated the Main Street property before the 1999 Pan An Games to make way for Neeginan Park. Siloam Mission was forced to close. But the Board of Directors secured and renovated a new facility located at 564 1/2 Main Street.
In April 2000, Siloam Mission reopened. But by December, we’d run out of funds for paid staff. With the faithful efforts of a few dedicated volunteers, the Mission remained open to offer hot meals and coffee five days a week, along with the distribution of clothing.
2001-2004 A Place to Grow
Through a national program called Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative (SCPI) with the Winnipeg Homelessness and Housing Initiative, Siloam obtained a grant in March 2001. This allowed us to hire a full-time cook, outreach workers and an Executive Director. After a nine-month search, Siloam hired John Mohan in November 2001. John and his wife Brenda brought 22 years of pastoral experience, including John’s most recent post as the pastor of Alpine Church of God in Swift Current, Saskatchewan.
Demand for the services of Siloam Mission steadily grew, and once again we were faced with the challenge of expanding our facilities and ministries to increase our effectiveness in helping people see life change and a depended relationship with God.
2005-2009 Siloam Mission Today
In November 2005, we moved into our new location on Princess Street and are now able to offer better daytime services to our patrons. We have since expanded our services to include an expressive arts program, MOST (employment training program) and much more!
On May 1, 2007, we opened Hannah’s Place Emergency Shelter, and in August 2007 we opened Saul Sair Health Centre at Siloam Mission.
On June 9, 2009, we opened our second employment-training program, Building Futures.
As Siloam Mission grows, we remain committed to serving Winnipeg’s less fortunate with excellence and to providing an opportunity for the church and community to compassionately care for the poor and homeless.
Thank you for your prayers and partnership as we continue to serve as a connecting point between the compassionate and Winnipeg’s less fortunate.
In August 1987, Suk Woon Lee and members of a Korean Nazarene congregation founded Siloam Mission at 695/697 Main Street in Winnipeg, Manitoba. In the ensuing years, board members and volunteers worked to establish an inner-city ministry that offered hot meals, counselling and worship services.
As trust was established with the street and homeless people, word of Siloam Mission spread and demand for services grew, resulting in the need for expansion.
1990-2000 Uncertain Times
Geoff Barham, Volunteer Director from 1991 to 1994, stands in front of Siloam Mission on 707 Main Street.In 1990, a new home for Siloam Mission was purchased at 707 Main Street. And in 1993, the first full-time Executive Director, Douglas Sedore, was hired. Rick Burk and Douglas Woods followed as Executive Directors at this site, leading our vital work among the poor, hungry and outcast of our community.
The Mission suffered a setback when the City of Winnipeg expropriated the Main Street property before the 1999 Pan An Games to make way for Neeginan Park. Siloam Mission was forced to close. But the Board of Directors secured and renovated a new facility located at 564 1/2 Main Street.
In April 2000, Siloam Mission reopened. But by December, we’d run out of funds for paid staff. With the faithful efforts of a few dedicated volunteers, the Mission remained open to offer hot meals and coffee five days a week, along with the distribution of clothing.
2001-2004 A Place to Grow
Through a national program called Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative (SCPI) with the Winnipeg Homelessness and Housing Initiative, Siloam obtained a grant in March 2001. This allowed us to hire a full-time cook, outreach workers and an Executive Director. After a nine-month search, Siloam hired John Mohan in November 2001. John and his wife Brenda brought 22 years of pastoral experience, including John’s most recent post as the pastor of Alpine Church of God in Swift Current, Saskatchewan.
Demand for the services of Siloam Mission steadily grew, and once again we were faced with the challenge of expanding our facilities and ministries to increase our effectiveness in helping people see life change and a depended relationship with God.
2005-2009 Siloam Mission Today
In November 2005, we moved into our new location on Princess Street and are now able to offer better daytime services to our patrons. We have since expanded our services to include an expressive arts program, MOST (employment training program) and much more!
On May 1, 2007, we opened Hannah’s Place Emergency Shelter, and in August 2007 we opened Saul Sair Health Centre at Siloam Mission.
On June 9, 2009, we opened our second employment-training program, Building Futures.
As Siloam Mission grows, we remain committed to serving Winnipeg’s less fortunate with excellence and to providing an opportunity for the church and community to compassionately care for the poor and homeless.
Thank you for your prayers and partnership as we continue to serve as a connecting point between the compassionate and Winnipeg’s less fortunate.
