Rachel Mullens and a core team of partners have been working diligently at forming a new Moose Jaw-based non-profit, Hope Ministries, to address the city’s emerging food insecurity crisis.
With winter close at hand, and the numbers of unhoused and food insecure individuals on the rise, action is urgently needed to create permanent solutions. With the withdrawal of Soul’s Harbour’s extensive meal services from the community during the summer, Square One Community formed a temporary committee to fill the gap while permanent solutions could be developed.
While this collaborative coalition of churches and organizations has managed to maintain continuous meal offerings since the closure, a single, permanent meal program has always been the ultimate objective.
A single program tackling meal offerings will allow meal services and resources to be streamlined into one location, providing predictable services for the vulnerable individuals, seniors, and families increasingly relying on the vital supports.
In addition to meal services, Hope Ministries plans on launching a day space program for individuals who have no shelter during the winter months. While the Willow Lodge shelter provides overnight stays to unhoused community members, there is currently no designated day space for individuals to warm up from the cold.
Having a dedicated day space and meal program in one location would allow the provision of not only those immediate services but also the opportunity to build relationships with guests, facilitating connections with other vital services including housing, addiction supports and other community resources.
“By offering nourishing meals and a safe day space, we not only address immediate needs but also create opportunities for individuals to engage with essential support services,” said Mullens.
She states the program is intended to “foster a sense of dignity and empowerment, helping individuals take steps toward stability and self-sufficiency.”
Rachel has a breadth of experience working with both the food and housing insecure as she was previously the director of emergency services at Riverside Mission. With over 10 years with the organization, she has seen what works and doesn't work, and is confident that the new program she is launching will be a success. Another asset Rachel brings to the table is a close working relationship with other community organizations, churches, and businesses.
A permanent meal program and day space will fill two large gaps in the continuum of supports in the city of Moose Jaw and provide much-needed alleviation of strain for other locations acting as a makeshift day space such as the Public Library.
While Hope Ministries is currently in the development phase as they seek incorporation and charitable status, they are working diligently to make permanent services available to the public as soon as possible. In the interim, meal services remain available to those in need.
Rachel states: “Currently, we are providing lunch and supper services Monday through Friday to address the immediate needs of our community.”
Community donations have been vital to maintaining steady meal offerings and will be pivotal in Hope Ministries' formation. Rachel is incredibly thankful for Moose Jaw’s support for these initiatives and recognizes that partnership with the entire community is what is needed to see programming continue.
Rachel is also very grateful to Square One Community for organizing meal programming in the interim while Hope Ministries is forming. “I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Square One Community for their remarkable support in addressing the food insecurity needs of our community. Their commitment to this mission has been invaluable, and we truly couldn’t have achieved this without them. Together we are making a meaningful difference in our community.”
While Hope Ministries was formally established, Square One Community Inc. continues to steward and receive donations towards both the temporary meal program and the new permanent program. Tax receiptable donations can be made to [email protected], marked “Hope Ministries”.
Questions and comments about Hope Ministries can be directed to: Rachel Mullens at [email protected].
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
