Beginnings: Drop-in Centre

The Back Door Mission for the Relief of Poverty began as an outreach program of ​Simcoe Street United Church in 1998.  Since that time it has grown exponentially with increasing numbers of people coming to its doors for help and community.

To better support increased program capacity and broadening of services, the Back Door Mission for the Relief of Poverty incorporated as a separate not-for-profit organization in 2014. 

The Back Door Mission's drop-in centre offered community meals, food pantry items, clothing, referrals to social service agencies, fun events, and a friendly place to gather.

While we're located in the back of Simcoe Street United and are an affiliate of the United Church of Canada, we are otherwise an independent organization. We do no religious programming, though we continue to benefit from the loving support of local faith communities.

Transformation to Service Hub

With the support of the Simcoe Street United Church, the United Church of Canada and many faithful donors, the Mission grew to offer many additional services and a safe place for patrons to experience community and belonging. With the onset of Covid-19, the Back Door Mission opened its doors to a community in crisis and along with its partners formed Mission United. 

Mission United, operationalized on April 27, 2020, provides in-the-moment, wrap-around support services to individuals in Durham Region who are dealing with homelessness, housing insecurity, mental health and addiction concerns, and food access challenges.

Together with our partners we have been providing comprehensive in-person services such as medical care, housing/shelter supports, income supports, and day-time safe sleep for unsheltered individuals in Durham Region. Through this collaboration the Back Door Mission provides the best care for a community in need.

Mission United Partners:

we are your people: More Stories from us

It takes a village to lift someone up from poverty, addictions, or homelessness. 

Here at the Back Door Mission, we like to remind everyone to think big, start small. This means no matter the size of your contribution, you are helping us achieve big goals for countless members of the community. This month we are kicking off our first annual It Takes a Village campaign. Over the next six weeks you will have the opportunity to view our impact through the eyes of our community members. Stay tuned for a new video every Saturday!  

How can you help? 

To sum it up, what we do takes a village! Will you join our village by donating today?  
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Unable to donate but still looking for a way to have an impact? Sharing our campaign videos on social media is a great way to help us grow our village too! Like we said: think big, start small! Check out our Youtube channel here. ​
​Mathew
We would like you to meet Mathew. Shortly after the filming of this video, Mathew was taken from us after his body succumbed to his addictions. Mathew never stopped fighting for his life, and today, he helps us fight for everyone else who is still struggling. Take a moment to listen to his experiences with homelessness, addiction, and the Back Door Mission.

​Karen
Karen shares her experiences with being homeless in Oshawa and how the Back Door Mission outreach team changed her life forever. Behind every story there is a team of people. Listen to Karen's story today.

Shaun
 With every story we feature, there are hundreds more still unheard. This week Shaun shares his experiences with how those who are most vulnerable, are ignored and forgotten. Back Door Mission provides the connection and support our community members are too often deprived of.

​Keegan
Keegan's experience began as a community member seeing individuals suffering and in need. Keegan saw the collaborative service approach of Back Door Mission as an answer to the suffering he witnessed in his community. Listen to Keegan's story and hear how making an impact in the community can change your life.
Vithusan
This video features the voice of Vithusan, as he discusses what it is like to live and work in our community as a person of colour. Vithusan saw the need for representation within social and primary care services and knew he could make a difference. 
David
While Back Door Mission holds no religious affiliation, churches continue to play an active role in supporting vulnerable and struggling members in our community. Please take a moment and listen to Pastor David Moore and his experiences with Back Door Mission.
To enable positive change through a community hub, one person, one service at a time.