Siloam Mission Completes “Make Room” Capital Campaign
Private donors, foundations, corporations and all three levels of government achieve $19M goal
Winnipeg, MB (May 28, 2020) – Siloam Mission has reached its goal to fund the new Buhler Centre, a 54,000-square-foot expansion that will add new shelter beds and programming space to serve those experiencing homelessness and poverty.
Thanks to a $2.2 Million investment from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the organization has reached its $19 Million goal for the Make Room Capital Campaign. Previous major contributions to the campaign include a $3 Million joint investment from the federal government and Government of Manitoba, additional funding administered through the City of Winnipeg, and a $3 Million gift from Bonnie and John Buhler – the largest private gift in Siloam Mission’s history.
“We are overjoyed to have reached the finish line on this ambitious project,” says Siloam Mission CEO Jim Bell, “and we could not have done it without our tremendous donors and partners at all three levels of government. We are so thankful to the Governments of Canada and Manitoba, and the City of Winnipeg, for their help early in the campaign; to the Buhlers for their generous gift; to every person who contributed along the way; and now to the CMHC for helping us finish this campaign.”
“It is with great pleasure that our Government, through the National Housing Strategy, is supporting organizations like Siloam Mission, here in Winnipeg, so that collectively, we are better able to lift vulnerable populations of all races, age, and gender, out of homelessness.” – The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, and Member of Parliament for Saint-Boniface–Saint Vital
“Our government is proud to support Siloam Mission and the work it does serving vulnerable Manitobans,” said Manitoba Families Minister Heather Stefanson. “We were proud to contribute to this important campaign, to help address poverty, homelessness, mental health and addictions issues in our community.”
“Congratulations to Siloam Mission on completing their capital campaign and achieving the $19 million goal,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “It was a pleasure to attend the launch of the capital campaign and groundbreaking ceremony for this great project in February of 2018. Siloam Mission is an incredibly important organization that provides care and compassion to many of our city’s most vulnerable and the City of Winnipeg is pleased to help support their efforts,”
This part of the expansion includes 41 new shelter beds, with dedicated transitional beds and separate space for women, as well as new and more accessible space for all of Siloam Mission’s services and programs. The new Buhler Centre is expected to open this summer.
Siloam Mission opened its new kitchen and drop-in in time for Thanksgiving of 2017.
The private campaign was led by a campaign cabinet chaired by Garth Manness, CEO of Credit Union Central, Manitoba. Together with his campaign team, Mr. Manness raised $12.5 million from foundations, corporations and private individuals. The cabinet members were brought together by their passion for helping those in need.
“Every year more men and women come to Siloam Mission for help. The Make Room Capital Campaign was launched because Siloam Mission was reaching its capacity to help with the current resources it had,” says Garth Manness, Campaign Chair,“ The timing of opening the expanded space is even more critical than we foresaw. With the advent of the pandemic, Manitoba needs Siloam Mission and the services it provides now more than ever.”
Manitobans are encouraged to visit www.siloam.ca to contribute to the ongoing work of the organization.
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Siloam Mission is a Christian-based non-profit service organization for vulnerable Manitobans who have experienced homelessness and who struggle with mental health issues, physical and cognitive disabilities, addictions or trauma, and youth who have aged out of care and are at risk of homelessness. Founded in 1987, the mission provides emergency shelter, meals and clothing, supportive housing and a variety of services to help people progress, in order that they reach their highest potential.
