Our Place is a non-profit society formed by the alliance of the Open Door and The Upper Room in 2006. We have moved into our new facility to help those in need in Victoria’s inner city. We provide transitional housing, meals, support and advocacy, hygiene facilities, training and more. We are striving to give people a hand up, not just a hand out.

Our Vision. Nourishment, hope and belonging for all in Greater Victoria.

Our Mission. Our Place offers a sense of belonging to Greater Victoria's most vulnerable citizens. We provide a home, nourishment and hope through living, sharing, learning and worshipping together.

Our Values
Unconditional Love. We are an organization with Christian values and principles. We believe that everyone should experience unconditional love in a non-judgmental way.

Hope. We are founded on the belief each individual who comes through our doors will find inspiration, support and comfort. We believe in the potential of all and provide opportunities for positive change. We advocate for social justice.

Belonging. We strive to create a nurturing atmosphere of home and family, where all are welcome and can experience a sense of hope and belonging. We are inclusive. Our doors are open to those of all cultures and beliefs.

Safety. We believe all who enter Our Place should feel secure and free from harassment or mistreatment of any kind. We endeavour to create a safe atmosphere where everyone can experience a sense of well-being.

Teamwork. We value the contributions of our staff and volunteers and ensure they are well trained and supported. We work together as one team committed to our mission, vision and values.

Our Guiding Principles
Responsiveness. We anticipate the social, physical, spiritual and psychological needs of the homeless and others in need and respond with immediacy.

Self-Determination. We uphold each individual’s freedom to determine his or her own future. Each of us is responsible for the impact our behaviour has on others.

Accountability. We operate with integrity, earning the trust, confidence and respect of the community. We live within our means and are accountable to our donors and funders.

Collaboration. We work with service providers and others, gaining strength through teamwork and partnerships. We recognize the importance of community and the contributions of everyone. We enhance the quality of life in the community for its residents and visitors.

Celebration. We celebrate the gifts we receive. We believe everyone – our inner-city family, staff and volunteers – has a contribution to make, a gift to give.

Innovation and Learning. We continually strive to improve our programs and practices. We evaluate our effectiveness and respond accordingly. We offer opportunities for learning and mentoring.

Our Strategic Priorities
Supportive Housing. This refers to housing for multi-barriered men and women. Our strategic goal is to assist individuals to achieve greater self-sufficiency and independence.

Physical, Emotional, Mental and Spiritual Nourishment. This refers to food services, drop-in community centre and ministry. Our strategic goal is to provide sustenance, hope and a sense of belonging.

Outreach Services. This refers to service referral, advocacy and spiritual and emotional support delivered in a caring and compassionate manner. Our strategic goal is to provide wrap-around services in a safe, warm and welcoming environment.

Stakeholder Engagement. This refers to our collaborative work with other organizations. Our strategic goal is to engage with our stakeholders in fulfilling our mission.

Financial Sustainability. This refers to setting service goals and identifying resources to reach those goals. It also refers to our fundraising efforts. Our strategic goal is to generate and support reliable, long-term funding for operations and capital needs.

Committed Staff and Volunteers. This refers to the recruitment, training and support of staff and volunteers. Our strategic goal is to have supported, valued and committed staff and volunteers comprised of our inner-city family and community members.

Governance and Management. This refers to the Board of Directors and management of Our Place. Our strategic goal is enlightened leadership committed to achieving the vision of Our Place.

Our Request to You. We ask you to consider the important contribution you can make in the lives of many in inner-city Victoria by donating to our operating funds. Please look at this website and forward our web address (www.ourplacesociety.com) to anyone you know who may be interested.

Our Wish. For our inner-city family, lives that just keep getting better and better.

Our Thanks. To you, for being willing to faithfully consider how you might help!

May it be so.