How many people does Bissell Centre serve?
Over 600 people come to Bissell Centre every day and over 10,000 people are helped every year by one of our services. The numbers have been increasing steadily and services grew by 45% between 2000 and 2003 and continue to grow steadily each year.

How are you responding to changing demands?
Our services have been modified over the years to meet the community's changing needs. The most significant trend has been the increase in service demands because of poor employment opportunities and cutbacks in the level of support offered by government. The recent upturn in the economy is mostly technology-based and has done little to help people who are marginally employable. It used to be that people were able to manage if they were working poor or on Welfare - turning to us only when something unexpected happened. Now people are relying on us to supply their most basic needs.

Government cutbacks to health and education have meant that Bissell Centre is being forced to compete with hospitals, schools, and other organizations for private donations. In short, Bissell Centre has to supply services to more people with decreasing resources.

Are all the people who come to Bissell Centre substance abusers?
Some of the Centre's service users have chronic substance abuse problems. A wide variety of people access our services and programs including:

• People with mental or physical disabilities;
• Unskilled workers considered by employers as too old to work (over 40);
• Single parents on a low income;
• Individuals facing a short term crisis;
• Children from low-income families.

The only unifying factors are those of poverty and a need for support.

Are you ever afraid working at Bissell Centre?
Not at all. The negative stereotypes spread about the inner city are just that: stereotypes. Violence in the area is usually between individuals who know each other, and it rarely happens randomly. Strangers or workers are as safe as anywhere else in the city (in some ways safer!). Staff, volunteers and service users at the Centre treat each other with respect and violent outbursts are not acceptable from any participants.

Is it depressing to work at Bissell Centre?
Sometimes, but the atmosphere is usually very upbeat and cheerful. The inner city can be a bleak place, but when you walk through the doors at Bissell Centre the smiling faces and positive atmosphere wash away any negative feelings. Service users appreciate not only the assistance and opportunities that we offer them, but the caring atmosphere, as well. Staff and volunteers feel a great sense of achievement - especially when the support we offer helps an individual make positive changes in his or her lifestyle. We are lucky to see the benefits of the work our supporters make possible.

How can I help?
Bissell Centre relies on individuals to support our work in many ways. Financial donations are always needed, but we also need gifts in kind to supply our program materials, including:

• Basic toiletries;
• New or used clothing (especially mitts and toques);
• Craft supplies;
• Household goods and furniture;
• Volunteer help is always needed.

Where does my donation go?
Your donation can be specifically directed to a program area or client group of your choice. We have a small administrative staff and rely on volunteers wherever possible. This means as much of your dollar as possible goes directly to help people in need.