After years of being trapped in a cycle of poverty and relying on Employment and Income Assistance (EIA), "Suzy" (name changed) has finally found her footing with the help of Siloam Mission.
“I still can’t believe it sometimes—I’ve got a full-time job now. It feels so good to say that out loud,” she shares. “What’s even better is that I’ve been able to cut myself off from EIA. I’ve been on assistance for so long, it just became part of my life.”
Last month, Suzy was able to pay her rent independently for the first time. “That moment, sliding that envelope across the desk, knowing it was my hard-earned money… I’m proud of myself, really proud,” she reflects.
For Suzy, the job she secured is more than a paycheck; it's a second chance. "I was constantly wondering if things would ever change, and now I’m standing on my own two feet," she says.
Siloam Mission, a Christian humanitarian organization, has been helping individuals like Suzy who experience homelessness in Winnipeg since 1987. What first began as a simple soup kitchen has grown to offer shelter, clothing, and a variety of programs to help people just like Suzy.
Rooted in their Christian faith, Siloam provides essential services such as clothing, food, and shelter, while also addressing deeper needs like mental health support, addiction recovery, and medical care. Their mission is to reflect Christ’s compassionate love by offering dignity, love, and support to all they serve.
With a vision for a city without chronic homelessness, Siloam’s programs are built around their HEART values—Holistic care, Equity, Altruism, Relationships, and Truth and Reconciliation. These values guide their work, particularly in fostering relationships within the community and addressing the unique challenges faced by Indigenous peoples through their commitment to truth and reconciliation.
Join us for the Change Happens Radiothon!
Next week, from October 8-10, we’ll be broadcasting live from Siloam Mission for the Change Happens Radiothon.
In the week leading up to Thanksgiving, it’s an opportunity for all of us to give back and help others like Suzy on their journey toward healing and recovery.
Through the generosity of donors and volunteers, Siloam continues to be a beacon of hope for Winnipeg’s most vulnerable.