Bissell Centre

Bissell Centre is a Canadian nonprofit organization based in Edmonton, Alberta, that focuses on eliminating poverty and homelessness through comprehensive support and outreach programs. Established in 1910, it has become a cornerstone in the Edmonton community by providing essential services aimed at empowering individuals and families experiencing poverty[4].

Mission and Goals

The core mission of Bissell Centre is to support low-income individuals and families by removing barriers and providing access to housing, meals, childcare, mental health programs, and other vital resources. The organization is dedicated to fostering connection and opportunity, enabling people to move forward and improve their quality of life[2][3].

Bissell Centre's strategic approach involves several key elements:

• Delivering high-quality programs and services that address systemic barriers and gaps.
• Collaborating with community partners and stakeholders to enhance effectiveness and reach.
• Engaging with government and institutions to influence policy and promote systemic change.
• Amplifying the voices of those with lived experience of poverty.
• Building sustainable community-based social enterprises.
• Committing to operational excellence and evidence-based practices to maximize impact[2].

Programs and Services

Bissell Centre offers a broad range of programs divided into three main focus areas: Individual, Family, and Community. These initiatives provide direct support such as housing assistance, employment services, financial empowerment, and specialized care for populations including those with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

Notable programs include:

• The Community Bridge program, which helps families prevent eviction and maintain stable housing.
• Outreach Housing Team that connects many individuals with housing resources.
• Financial Empowerment Services delivering tax help and returning significant refunds to the community.
• Hope Terrace Supportive Housing providing year-round support for residents with FASD[4].

In fiscal year 2024, Bissell Centre invested approximately $15.2 million into its programs to support over a thousand individuals and families, reflecting its wide-reaching community impact[4].

Organizational Impact and Transparency

Bissell Centre is recognized for its commitment to financial transparency and effective program delivery. It holds a three-star rating from Charity Intelligence Canada, with 68 cents of every donated dollar directed to cause-related activities and a B+ rating for results reporting. This demonstrates above-average efficiency and accountability within the nonprofit sector[4].

Leadership and Community Engagement

The organization emphasizes a culture of learning, reflection, and community engagement. It actively involves people with lived experience in poverty to ensure programs are responsive and effective. Through advanced data analysis and evaluation, Bissell Centre continually refines its services to meet the changing needs of its clients and advocates for systemic improvements at multiple levels of government[2][5].

Bissell Centre’s leadership, including CEO Gary St. Amand, is deeply committed to the mission, motivated by personal experiences with poverty and a desire to contribute meaningfully to social change[5].

Bissell Centre remains a vital institution in Edmonton’s efforts to end poverty, combining direct service delivery with advocacy and systemic change initiatives to create a more inclusive, supportive community.