Back Door Mission for the Relief of Poverty

A low-barrier access hub for essential supports, social services, and primary health care.

To donate to the Back Door Mission, please click or copy and paste this link into your browser:
https://tinyurl.com/y5s3eelj

We will endeavor to meet whatever need an individual brings to us or find out who can. Listed are the main components of what we currently offer:

Meals
Everyday 10:00am-1:00pm

Washrooms
Everyday 9am-5pm

Food Pantry
Monday-Friday 10:00am-

08/27/2024

We want to recognize and thank 360insights for their $500 Route sponsorship of the Ride for Refuge on October 5, 2024! 360Insights was connected with the Back Door Mission through a current volunteer, and we are very grateful for this connection through our community.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will support our meal and addictions programs. We have plenty more sponsorship opportunities available—connect with us at [email protected] if you are interested!!

08/21/2024

Shout-out to Shawana and the team from FatFace Oshawa, who are taking their organizational mandate to support local changemakers and using it to support the Back Door Mission and Ride for Refuge fundraiser. Here's a message from Shawana and her team:

"Fat Face is a UK retail company, new to Canada, making its first appearance in Ontario. As a company, we take pride in our products, our planet, and our COMMUNITY! From our responsible sourcing practices and climate-conscious initiatives to inspiring charity partnerships and the wonderful people driving change across our local communities, each year we ask our stores to pick a charity from their community to raise money for. This year, Oshawa's Fat Face has chosen the Back Door Mission through the Ride for Refuge fundraiser."

Does your organization have a similar mandate? Get ahead of the game and create a team to join! Sign up here: https://rideforrefuge.org/location/oshawa

Support Shawna and Fat Face crew by joining the team or donating here: https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?teamID=1017347

Thank you Fat Face Oshawa for your support, we look forward to riding together 😀😀

08/20/2024

Here’s our weekly wish list! We’re in need of several items for our pantry and programming. Keep in mind that as the weather starts to change and nights drop to around +10 degrees, our patrons’ needs will shift rapidly. Please consider organizing a drive with the items we post on our social media—they reflect our most up-to-date needs.

If organizing a drive isn’t possible, you can still make a difference by donating through our website: https://www.backdoormission.ca/donations.html. Your support means everything.

08/14/2024

Shout-Out to Team Heart❤️y Hopefuls for signing up to support the Mission through our Ride for Refuge fundraiser! Here's a message from their team captain, Pam, about why they chose to get involved:

"We're cycling in the Ride for Refuge on October 5 because no one can tackle the housing, mental health, and opioid crisis facing communities across the country alone. It takes a TEAM—Together Everyone Achieves More! It requires leadership and commitment from all levels of government, the dedication of people working and volunteering at the Back Door Mission every day, and the support of individuals like you and me. By jumping on our bikes and raising funds, we can help ensure the Back Door Mission continues its lifesaving work for vulnerable and marginalized people. Thank you for supporting our TEAM! "

You can join the Heart❤️y Hopefuls by clicking on this link: https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?teamID=1018388

You can also create a team, participate, or volunteer on the day by checking out our ride homepage: https://rideforrefuge.org/location/oshawa

08/08/2024

When the Simcoe Street United Church service concluded a few months ago, the congregation joined forces with Kingsview United Church. Together, as one united community, they continued their commitment to supporting the Back Door Mission. We’re thrilled to share that the combined efforts of the new and old Kingsview United Church members raised an incredible $3,800 for the Mission, along with a generous collection of food items.

A heartfelt thank you to Kingsview United Church for your unwavering support. We are truly grateful for your kindness and dedication.

08/02/2024

The Ride for Refuge now has 9 teams and 25 participants! Don’t miss out on the fun—join the Back Door Mission General Team, led by our staff members Sarah, Ria, and Kenna. These three are integral to our daily operations, ensuring everyone is greeted with a smile and receives the service they need. Support this team by joining or donating to their fundraising efforts!

Join or support the Back Door Mission General team here: https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?teamID=1017960

Proceeds from the fundraiser will support our meal program and addictions program. Join us on October 5th for a fun day of biking or walking.

Photos from Back Door Mission for the Relief of Poverty's post 07/31/2024

Thank you, General Motors Canada, for your generous gift of $10,000 and for spending the day at the Back Door Mission to understand the services provided to our patrons. Throughout the day, six General Motors staff members volunteered in our kitchen, preparing meals, serving at our meal service station, and collecting orders of non-perishable food items and clothing in the pantry. Your donation of time and financial support helps sustain our programming, offering our patrons stability and more opportunities in life. Thank you, General Motors! General Motors

07/30/2024

Join Our Team! Back Door Mission is Hiring a Full-Time Administrator

Are you looking for a rewarding career opportunity? We're seeking a dedicated full-time administrator to join our team.

For more details about the role and how to apply, visit our website https://www.backdoormission.ca/careers.html. If you're interested in applying, please submit your resume to [email protected]

07/30/2024

Thank you, Durham Community Health Centre, for running a Hep C testing and awareness booth for our patrons as part of World Hepatitis C Day.

07/29/2024

Shoutout to our many Ride for Refuge captains signing up to help support the Mission on October 5th!

Today we’re highlighting Sophia and Amanda, who completed their police foundation’s program placement in 2022 from at the Mission, and continued to volunteer after finishing their hours. They are continuing to pursue careers in law enforcement, but still make time to support the mission. This is their 2nd year captaining a team!

Join Sophia and Amanda’s team “Cents of Humour” here: https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?teamID=1018265

Proceeds from the fundraiser will support our meal program and addictions program. Join us on October 5th for a fun day of biking or walking.

Photos from Back Door Mission for the Relief of Poverty's post 07/29/2024

We Need Your Help!

Here is a list of our most recent needs. Thank you to our dedicated volunteers who keep this list updated. It’s very thorough, so please let us know if you can make a donation of these items:

Men’s pants & t-shirts
Men’s boxers
Men’s runners
Towels
Laundry pods
Shampoo/body wash
Deodorant
Toilet paper
Grocery bags with handles
Canned meat

Donations can be dropped off at our location which is 66 Simcoe St S., between 10am - 4pm. If it is a large donation or donation drive then please email [email protected] first.

If you can’t make a donation of items, consider making a financial donation through our website: https://www.backdoormission.ca/donations.html

07/26/2024

Introducing another Ride for Refuge team, the Healer Wheelers!

The Healer Wheelers make up the Mission United medical team, captained by nurses Jess and Nicole!

The medical team is at the forefront of our patrons’ service, making sure that everyone gets quality access to healthcare. Last year, the clinic saw 14,440 visits and diverted over 400 acute emergency room visits. Way to go, team!

Join Jess & Nicole’s Healing Wheelers team by clicking here: https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?teamID=1018368

Proceeds from the fundraiser will support our meal program and addictions program. Join us on October 5th for a fun day of biking or walking.

Photos from Back Door Mission for the Relief of Poverty's post 07/25/2024

Thanks to the over 100 people who came out this Tuesday to enjoy live music, games, snacks, and colouring at our summer parking lot event, sponsored by Reworld Waste. The tents and ice cream kept everyone cool and comfortable.

07/23/2024

One of our previous Ontario Tech Faculty of Social Science and Humanities placement students and current volunteers, Jordan, is captaining a team for our 3rd annual Ride for Refuge fundraiser on October 5th, in support of the Back Door Mission. Jordan helped patrons access services during his placement and also helped plan the Ride for Refuge last year. He enjoyed his placement enough to continue volunteering past its finish and is now helping fundraise by captaining a team for the event in October. This team is open to all individuals who have a connection to the Mission through Ontario Tech University and want to fundraise and participate in the event. Thank you, Jordan, and many more teams to come!

Join Jordan and his team team by clicking here: https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?teamID=1018234

You can join our Back Door Mission general team or make your own team here: https://rideforrefuge.org/location/oshawa

Proceeds from the fundraiser will support our meal program and addictions program. Join us on October 5th for a fun day of biking or walking.

07/23/2024

Today from 2pm - 4pm, we will be hosting our parking lot summer event, serving ice cream and snacks, with a live band and all of our games from the games club out in the parking lot to enjoy! We’ll have tents to stay out of the sun, so come and enjoy a little relaxation and some ice cream! Thank you Reworld Waste for sponsoring this event!

07/18/2024

A MESSAGE FOR DURHAM COLLEGE STUDENTS, ALUMNI, AND PROFESSORS!

One of our current full-time Addiction and Mental Health placement students, Tarian, is captaining a team for our 3rd annual Ride for Refuge fundraiser on October 5th, in support of the Back Door Mission. This team is open to all individuals, who have a connection to the Mission through Durham College and want to fundraise and participate in the event. Did you know: The Back Door Mission has hosted over 100 students for their full-time and part-time placements with us since 2021!

Join Tarian and the Durham College team by clicking here: https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?teamID=1018173

You can join our Back Door Mission general team or make your own team here: https://rideforrefuge.org/location/oshawa

Proceeds from the fundraiser will support our meal program and addictions program. Join us on October 5th for a fun day of biking or walking. Durham College

07/17/2024

Did you know the Back Door Mission had 3,637 volunteer shifts completed in 2023? Our volunteer numbers continue to grow, and for good reason. Our volunteers join because they feel a sense of community here and share a common purpose of wanting to help in their community. Have a listen to what some of our weekly volunteers have to say about their experience, and if you like what you hear, you can submit an application through our website.

Get Involved: https://www.backdoormission.ca/getinvolved.html

Careers 07/16/2024

**Job Opening: Peer Support Worker - Housing (Full-Time)**

Back Door Mission is hiring! We are currently seeking a Peer Support Worker with lived experience of homelessness or precarious housing. This individual will provide non-judgmental and experience-based guidance to help others develop and follow a plan for stabilization.

Learn more through our website: https://lnkd.in/g8yDQkWc

Careers Peer Support Worker - Housing ​ ​The Back Door Mission is currently seeking to fill the dynamic role of Peer Support Worker - Housing. The Peer Support Worker has the role of promoting the...

06/25/2024

We are proud to share an in-depth video that journeys through the various services at Back Door Mission, highlighting the incredible work of our service providers. Over the years, through hundreds of tours, we've encountered a common reaction: most people are unaware of the level of service happening behind our doors.

Watch the video to discover the range of services we offer and hear directly from some of our dedicated service providers about their roles and how they support our patrons. You'll see that our operations require significant support to remain functional. We need over 20 volunteers daily to support our operations, and substantial financial contributions to sustain our meal program and addiction services. These programs offer stability and a second chance for many.

We hope you will consider becoming a monthly donor, making a one-time donation, or volunteering with us.

Link to donate: https://www.backdoormission.ca/donations.html
Link to complete a Volunteer Application: https://www.backdoormission.ca/getinvolved.html

Thank you to our many partners, some of whom are not featured in this video but whose support we deeply appreciate. Our service providers include Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program, Lakeridge Health Pinewood Centre of Oshawa, Durham Mental Health Services, Durham Community Health Centre, Community Development Council Durham, Canadian Mental Health Association Durham, Victim Services Durham Region, and John Howard Society of Durham Region.

Click here to see our 2023 Mission Impact Report from our Annual General Meeting: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGFofkdZLY/8sUHKsWaFlhyqEV5SE9tdg/view?utm_content=DAGFofkdZLY&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor

Thank you Empty Cup Media for your help in creating this video!

06/20/2024

Who remembers this fun video from our inaugural tournament last year? 🎉 We’re only 13 days away from year two! Proceeds support our meal and addictions program. Sign up your foursome today! ⛳️

Register here: https://go.dojiggy.io/backdoormissiongolf/Campaign/Details

Thank you to our sponsors so far. We couldn't do our work without the tremendous support from our community! 🙌 A special thank you to Lakeridge Links & Whispering Ridge Golf Courses for your second year of hosting and sponsorship! ⛳ Thank you to Oshawa Power for your Silver Level sponsorship, Walters Pharmacy South Oshawa for your Silver Level sponsorship, JointAction Physiotherapy & Wellness Centre- JA Physio for your Bronze Level sponsorship, and Chick-fil-A North Oshawa for your Bronze Level sponsorship! 🏌️‍♂️

Photos from Back Door Mission for the Relief of Poverty's post 06/17/2024

Get ready for another exciting golf tournament with a chance to win the $10,000 hole-in-one grand prize! Last year, several participants came tantalizingly close to claiming this incredible prize. This year, you have three chances to win amazing prizes with two additional par 3 mini prizes.

Don’t miss out—get your tickets now! The event is just over two weeks away!

Get tickets: https://go.dojiggy.io/backdoormissiongolf/Campaign/Details

A special thank you to Lakeridge Links & Whispering Ridge Golf Courses for your second year of hosting and sponsorship! ⛳

Thank you to Oshawa Power for your Silver Level sponsorship, Walters Pharmacy South Oshawa for your Silver Level sponsorship, JointAction Physiotherapy & Wellness Centre- JA Physio for your Bronze Level sponsorship, and Chick Fil-A North Oshawa for your Bronze Level sponsorship! 🏌️‍♂️

06/14/2024

Thank you, Al of Al Delaney IG Private Wealth Management, for your generous donation! Last week, Al saw our social media post requesting support for items needed in our pantry and decided to contribute $1500. Al visited us for a tour to learn about our services, including the pantry program. Your support means a lot to us, Al!

The Back Door Mission invites donors to take a tour and witness firsthand the impactful work happening behind the scenes, and see how your donations make a difference. We are here to address any questions you may have. To become a donor or make a contribution, please visit https://www.backdoormission.ca/donations.html.

To schedule a tour, kindly email us at [email protected].

Photos from Back Door Mission for the Relief of Poverty's post 06/13/2024

🏌️‍♂️⛳️ Only 3 weeks left until the Back Door Mission Golf Tournament! Have you secured your tickets yet? Don't miss out—get them now before we sell out! Your participation supports our addictions and meal programs, providing vital services for the homeless. Join us on July 3rd at Whispering Ridge Golf Course. Save on registration by signing up a foursome! 🌟

Register here: https://go.dojiggy.io/backdoormissiongolf/Campaign/Details

Thank you to our sponsors so far. We couldn't do our work without the tremendous support from our community! 🙌 A special thank you to Lakeridge Links & Whispering Ridge Golf Courses for your second year of hosting and sponsorship! ⛳ Thank you to Oshawa Power for your Silver Level sponsorship, Walters Pharmacy South Oshawa for your Silver Level sponsorship, JointAction Physiotherapy & Wellness Centre- JA Physio for your Bronze Level sponsorship, and Chick-fil-A North Oshawa for your Bronze Level sponsorship! 🏌️‍♂️

06/11/2024

A big shoutout to our Addictions and Mental Health Students from Durham College! They're currently working with us on their placement and have done an amazing job creating an informative board for our patrons. This board gets updated every day with important information like service hours, meal details (including allergies), upcoming closures, a memory wall, and weather forecasts. Plus, there's a space for showing off artwork made by our patrons during games club. It's been really helpful for keeping everyone informed about things like weather changes and dietary concerns. Huge thanks to our awesome Durham College students for all their hard work!

Photos from Back Door Mission for the Relief of Poverty's post 06/06/2024

Last year we had a really tasty spread at our golf tournament, and we're going to have it again! Get your tickets now for the upcoming 2024 Back Door Mission Charity Golf Tournament on July 3rd: https://go.dojiggy.io/backdoormissiongolf/Campaign/Details

Thank you to our sponsors so far. We couldn't do our work without the tremendous support from our community! 🙌 A special thank you to Lakeridge Links & Whispering Ridge Golf Courses for your second year of hosting and sponsorship! ⛳ Thank you to Oshawa Power for your Silver Level sponsorship, Walters Pharmacy South Oshawa Walters Pharmacy South Oshawa for your Silver Level sponsorship, Physiotherapy & Wellness Centre- JA Physio for your Bronze Level sponsorship, and Chick-fil-A North Oshawa for your Bronze Level sponsorship! 🏌️‍♂️

06/05/2024

Don't forget to get your tickets for the SoberPalooza fundraiser on June 22nd! With a fantastic lineup of bands, this event offers you the opportunity to enjoy a day full of great music while maintaining a sober atmosphere. Enjoy the day and music with others who share your interests! 😊

Get tickets Here: https://tickets.biltmoretheatre.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=183

Photos from Back Door Mission for the Relief of Poverty's post 06/04/2024

We Need Your Help!

Here is a list of our most recent needs. It’s very thorough, so please let us know if you can make a donation of these items:

Men’s pants
Men’s boxers
Men’s runners
Blankets
Towels
Shampoo/body wash
Cat food
Dog food
Shopping bags
Laundry pods
Toilet paper
Canned soup
Coffee/sugar
Juice drinks
Fruit snacks
Cookies
Pasta sauce
Canned pasta
Snack-sized ziplock bags
Green tape
Sunscreen

Donations can be dropped off at our location which is 66 Simcoe St S., between 10am - 4pm. If it is a large donation or donation drive then please email [email protected] first.

If you can’t make a donation of items, consider making a financial donation through our website: https://www.backdoormission.ca/donations.html

05/28/2024

Thank you Kingsview United Church!

Send a message to learn more

05/23/2024

Thank you to our sponsors so far for the upcoming 2024 Back Door Mission Charity Golf Tournament on July 3rd. We couldn't do our work without the tremendous support from our community! 🙌

A special thank you to Lakeridge Links & Whispering Ridge Golf Courses for your second year of hosting and sponsorship! ⛳

Thank you to Oshawa Power for your Silver Level sponsorship, Walters Pharmacy South Oshawa for your Silver Level sponsorship, and JointAction Physiotherapy & Wellness Centre- JA Physio for your Bronze Level sponsorship! 🏌️‍♂️

If you want to become a sponsor and have your organization recognized within the community, look no further. We have a unique influence in the Oshawa & Durham Community, supported by over 10 community partner organizations and 60 diverse weekly volunteers who believe in our mission. Our proven track record includes high-quality events like our Christmas Concert, the Ride for Refuge, and our Golf Tournament, attracting loyal attendees. We offer customized sponsorship opportunities to align with your organization's goals and values. Partnering with us enhances your brand's reputation while supporting our impactful work, which aids over 200 individuals daily facing homelessness, substance abuse, and psychiatric challenges. 🌟

Contact us at [email protected] to learn more about tournament sponsorship.

Get your tickets to play in the golf tournament here: https://go.dojiggy.io/backdoormissiongolf/Campaign/Details

05/17/2024

Save the Date! Back Door Mission's Annual General Meeting is on June 19th. We will announce the time and venue, along with a registration link, within the next two weeks. We look forward to seeing all our supporters there.

Want your organization to be the top-listed Non Profit Organization in Oshawa?
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.

Our Story

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many services closed their doors leaving the people living unsheltered or marginally housed with limited access to supports such as washrooms, showers, food and other resources. In recognition that COVID-19 posed unique and urgent challenges for people in need of help, the Back Door Mission with the support of Simcoe Street United Church opened its available spaces to be used as a collaborative and centralized service operating as Project Mission United.

Mission United, a collaboration with CMHA Durham Nurse Practitioner Led Clinic, Durham Mental Health Services, Region of Durham Health Department, Housing Services Division and Social Services Department (PCOP and Ontario Works), Lakeridge Health, AIDS Committee of Durham Region, Carea Community Health Centre, John Howard Society, CDN Protection, and a growing list of community partners provide the following services on Monday-Friday 10am-3pm:


  • Multi-service navigation and assistance

  • Medical clinic (Doctor and Nurse Practitioner)
  • Videos (show all)

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    Journey Through Back Door Mission: Services and Stories
    Who remembers this fun video from our inaugural tournament last year? 🎉 We’re only 13 days away from year two! Proceeds ...
    🚨🏒 It's the ultimate showdown for a good cause! 🏒🚨 Our Executive Director, Nathan Gardner, is throwing down the gauntlet...
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    How we make 900+ meals per week with only donations and volunteers!
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    Last year, the Back Door Mission successfully raised over $13,000 through the Ride for Refuge to aid individuals living ...
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    Telephone

    Address


    66 Simcoe Street South (behind Simcoe Street United Church)
    Oshawa, ON
    L1H4G3

    Opening Hours

    Monday 9am - 3pm
    Tuesday 9am - 3pm
    Wednesday 9am - 3pm
    Thursday 9am - 3pm
    Friday 9am - 5pm
    Saturday 9am - 3pm
    Sunday 10am - 3pm

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