How We Help

Learn more about the programs and services we offer to help individuals set goals and to achieve success.

Resource Centre & Activities

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Employment Services & Support

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Niagara's Mobile Closet

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Bike Me Up Niagara

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Welcome to Start Me Up Niagara

At Start Me Up Niagara, we offer services and programs to support people facing significant challenges such as poverty, homelessness, unemployment, disabilities, addictions and mental health issues.

Our goal is to provide opportunities for these individuals to help them increase their level of self-sufficiency and improve their quality of life. Our services range from daily drop in, community lunches, health care, income maximization, arts, garden, and employment development.

Together, we are working to build a community where all are included.

About SMUN   Our Services

  • Receiving a gift at Christmas is hugely impactful for our shelter guys. ToolBox Niagara's Holiday donations gives the guys have something to open on Christmas and ensures the mood in the shelter is light, cozy, and warm - just what it should be on Christmas. Thanks ToolBox Niagara!
    Salvation Army
  • I was able to provide a client with warm clothes when they were being discharged to an emergency shelter during the cold winter months. This client presented at the ED with very little belongings and the mini closet ensured that they were able to be properly clothed when they left. They expressed immense gratitude for this program.
    Anonymous
  • The team at the Work Action Centre were a pleasure to work with. We had a diverse group of applicants and will definitely be moving forward with second interviews.
    - Employer
  • I lost my husband and since then, day-to-day life has been a struggle. I was 10 years behind with my taxes and getting them done was not going to happen due to the price. I am on CPP with limited income. I found Start Me Up Niagara from a friend who connected me with the tax program. I met Sarah and brought my documents in and got my tax back 1 week later. I am now getting benefits I was missing out on. I am grateful for Start Me Up Niagara and their tax program. Everything was so easy, I will recommend this program to anyone who needs help. Thank you!
    Cindy Shaw
  • As outreach Paramedics, we recognize the incredible stressors and health issues that surround our unhoused population. Being able to address these needs through Toolbox project Niagara's incredible work, we are able to distribute basic necessities to our most vulnerable which sometimes could be the difference between life and death. Thank you, Toolbox Project Niagara, for partnering with the Niagara EMS Street Outreach team!
    EMS Street Outreach Team

Resource Centre Details

Housing referrals, support and resources for people experiencing or are at risk of homelessness in Niagara. 

 Location

203 Church St., ON L2R 3E8 (Map)

 Weekday Hours

Monday to Friday  |  9:00AM - 12PM, 1PM - 4PM

 Weekend Hours (door service only)

Sunday | 11:15AM to 1:00PM

How To Help

Our dedicated volunteers, donors and supporters are dedicated to our mission to support and provide opportunities for individuals facing hardships in Niagara. ​If you're interested in getting involved, there are many ways to help. 

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News & Updates

Stay connected with the latest news and updates from Start Me Up Niagara. 

Now is the time for us to add some warmth to people's lives

Now is the time for us to add some warmth to people's lives

Posted Nov 7th, 2025 in In The News

The best time to donate winter clothing, whether it’s for Start Me Up or a comparable charity where you live, is right away.

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Partnership puts Toolbox Project campaign on sure footing

Partnership puts Toolbox Project campaign on sure footing

Posted Nov 7th, 2025 in Programs

Though he started by himself to equip people on the streets with winter gear, James Symons says he has always had help along the way.

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Meet our New Executive Director

Meet our New Executive Director

Posted Oct 23rd, 2025 in News & Updates

We are proud to welcome our new Executive Director, Kelly-Ann Salerno.

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Support Our Work

Your donations go directly to frontline service and supports for our participants who experience homelessness and other mental health and addictions issues.

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