At Siloam Mission, we believe that transitional programs are essential. While meeting patrons’ basic and immediate needs is necessary, helping them move forward in life is the ultimate goal.

Employment training is often a first step for those looking to transition from homelessness to a self-sufficiency. Those who are homeless often struggle with obtaining and sustaining meaningful employment due to lack of resources, skills and opportunity.

MOST: Since September 2006, Siloam Mission and Downtown Winnipeg BIZ have partnered to give Winnipeg’s less fortunate a chance at a new start in life through MOST (Mission: Off the Street Team).

Often, employment is the most challenging aspect related to poverty and homelessness. For a variety of reasons, many people find it difficult to obtain and maintain a job. Realizing this fact, we have created a structured for-pay employment program offering participants a chance to earn an honest wage as they work on downtown beautification projects, such as collecting litter, clearing debris, sweeping streets and shovelling snow.

A typical day begins with breakfast at Siloam Mission followed by a time of devotions, discussion and a briefing of what is expected for the day. The team leaders then assign the duties and lead the group to their designated location, where participants work together to clean up Winnipeg’s inner city.

Through MOST, participants not only gain new employable skills, but also receive the opportunity to develop their life skills – socially, emotionally, spiritually, and financially.

MOST’s quality of work has been widely praised by a number of businesses and associations in downtown Winnipeg.