Society of Saint Vincent de Paul - Hope Cottage

The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul - Hope Cottage is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to relieving poverty by providing meals to individuals in need. It operates under the business registration number 893724443RR0001 and is registered as a charitable organization by the Canada Revenue Agency.

History

Hope Cottage was founded on July 1, 1970, by Father Joe Mills, who was the pastor of St. Patrick's Church in Halifax at the time. Seeing a growing number of homeless people, mostly men, seeking assistance, Father Mills initiated a soup kitchen service. Initially, local women were asked to prepare meals for these individuals, marking the beginning of Hope Cottage. Since then, the organization has become an integral part of Halifax's social fabric, successfully running for over 50 years.

Mission

The mission of Hope Cottage is to serve the less fortunate and poor in Halifax with respect and dignity, offering a non-judgmental environment. The organization aims to be self-sufficient and collaborate with other similar organizations where possible. Its primary goal is to provide meals to those unable to afford them, serving approximately 200 meals per day to both men and women.

Operations

Hope Cottage provides eat-in and take-away meals Monday through Friday, serving lunch and supper. The organization relies entirely on donations, bequests, and fundraising efforts, receiving no financial support from any government level. Hope Cottage employs a small team of full-time staff and is supported by about 30 volunteers who help in serving meals twice daily.

Impact and Community Engagement

Over the years, Hope Cottage has established strong relationships with the community, benefiting from the generosity of local organizations and benefactors. Despite its humble beginnings as a temporary solution to a perceived short-term issue, Hope Cottage has evolved into a vital institution in Halifax, addressing ongoing needs for food assistance. Its continued operation reflects the enduring commitment of its founders and the broader community to support those in need.