St. Vincent Place Sault Ste. Marie

St. Vincent Place is a Canadian nonprofit organization located in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, dedicated to assisting community members with basic needs and skill development. It was established by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in response to a community need for emergency shelter for men over 18 years of age. Over time, while it no longer operates an emergency shelter, it continues to serve vulnerable populations through a men's transitional residence, food bank, soup kitchen, and thrift store.

History and Background

St. Vincent Place originated as an extension of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to address homelessness and poverty in Sault Ste. Marie. It was created to provide shelter and support services for men in need of emergency accommodation. Over the years, the organization has expanded its scope of services to include food assistance, skill development, and transitional housing aimed at helping men prepare for independent living.

Programs and Services

The organization operates multiple programs focused on alleviating poverty and providing essential services:

• Men’s Transitional Residence: Designed to aid men in transitioning from homelessness or unstable living conditions toward independent living.
• Food Bank: Provides food assistance to individuals and families facing food insecurity.
• Soup Kitchen: Offers meals for those in need within the community.
• Thrift Store: Operates as a social enterprise supporting the organization’s programs, providing affordable clothing and household items.

These services are offered regardless of creed, ethnic, or social background, reflecting the organization's commitment to dignity, compassion, and inclusivity.

Mission, Vision, and Values

Guided by the principles of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Vincent Place’s mission is to improve lives by serving the homeless and poor in the community. Its vision is to be a valued and respected community resource recognized for its comprehensive programs supporting men’s transitional housing, food security, and skill development.

Core values include:

• Serving all community members in need with dignity and compassion.
• Exhibiting humility, charity, and service.
• Managing donations responsibly.
• Demonstrating social and environmental responsibility.
• Maintaining high ethical and governance standards.
• Collaborating with other local agencies.
• Valuing the contributions of volunteers and staff.

Community Engagement

St. Vincent Place actively participates in local initiatives and enjoys support from community partners. For example, S.&T. Group Inc. supports its programs by fundraising, volunteering, and organizing drives such as the Coldest Night of the Year walk. The organization also engages in broader community efforts such as the annual "12 Days of Kindness" campaign during December, which involves donations and acts of support within the community.

Registration and Status

St. Vincent Place is a registered charity under the Canadian Revenue Agency with the business registration number 877285106RR0001. It adheres to CRA requirements for charitable organizations and focuses fundraising efforts on efficiently providing services to those in need.

Location

The main facility is located in downtown Sault Ste. Marie, close to public transit and other social service agencies, facilitating access for those it serves.

St. Vincent Place remains a critical social service provider in Sault Ste. Marie, combining emergency support with programs fostering long-term stability and community integration. Its ongoing commitment to alleviating poverty and homelessness underscores its importance within the local social safety net.