Old Strathcona Street Mission

About This Project

(operating under the auspices of Old Strathcona Abounding in Love Society)

According to Homeward Trust Edmonton, a not-for-profit organization that uses a community-based approach toward the goal of ending homelessness in Edmonton, there are approximately 2,700 persons experiencing long-term, chronic homelessness. These people are more likely to face more complex challenges involving health, addictions, mental health, or violence. This group is unlike those experiencing transitional homelessness who are homeless for an infrequent, brief time, usually due to lack of income or housing affordability. Often, those experiencing transitional homelessness are able to exit homelessness with minimal or no intervention. Those who experience chronic homelessness need much more support to exit homelessness because of the complexity of their challenges, and it is this group of people our organization seeks to support (Current State of Homelessness in Edmonton, 2022).

Like Homeward Trust Edmonton, we recognize that for those experiencing chronic homelessness, poverty is complex and takes many forms. Our organization seeks to address this complexity by journeying alongside homeless and marginalized neighbors in the Spirit of Christ, by not just providing physical support such as housing and food but by providing emotional, spiritual, mental, and relational support directly and through partnerships with community organizations.

We do this by:

• Building relationships to encourage and facilitate positive changes in purpose, lifestyle, and behavior;

• Connecting participants with agencies equipped to provide longer-term support;

• Advocating for justice, mercy, and compassion on behalf of those who are vulnerable through regular meetings with various entities that interact with marginalized and homeless, such as local police and businesses.

Because we are a Christian organization, we believe that God created us as spiritual beings and that we are all looking for spiritual fulfillment that can only be found through Jesus Christ. Many in our community who are homeless and marginalized are tremendously burdened by unforgiveness, shame, and guilt because of past traumas, experiences, and unhealthy lifestyle choices.

As a result, another objective of our organization is intentionally proclaiming the Hope that comes with the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. OSAILS encourages these neighbors to invite Jesus into their lives and experience the forgiveness and healing that comes from accepting Christ’s gift of forgiveness and new life.

Why give to this project?

We currently have two full-time missionaries and several volunteers from various local churches. On any given day, ministry missionaries seek out homeless and marginalized men and women on the streets and in the alleys and parks of the Old Strathcona area of Edmonton. Between 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, they depart from Strathcona Baptist Church (SBC) on foot in pairs or individually and walk throughout the area.

You have a chance to support us in this! All our staff salaries and ministry experiences are paid 100% through donations. If you feel called to partner with us in this way, please click on the link below.

The current state of homelessness in Edmonton. #endhomelessnessyeg. (n.d.). Retrieved October 10, 2022, from http://endhomelessnessyeg.ca/current-state-homelessness-edmonton/