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

  • We have a lot of homeless patients who have minimal clothes to wear. Part of a safe discharge is to ensure they are properly clothed (shirt, pants, shoes) and if the mini closets did not exist the patient would not have been able to be discharged.
    Anonymous
  • For the past six years, I have been Wayne's patron. He is unfailingly skillful as a techie, and he charges reasonable prices for new bikes. Moreover, he is good humored and welcoming. Bike Me Up is a positive, important aspect of St. Catharines. I assert the lion's share of the credit rests on Wayne's shoulders.
    Victor Fic
  • The Resource Centre staff member conected me to a worker who helped me attend a viewing in a supportive living building where I now have three meals a day, proved access to a shower and bathroom and my own room. During this process I was able to put my well-being and mental health first and I am now connected with a brain injury support and will be taking part in recreational activities. I will always be grateful to have supports from SMUN.
    Kathy M.
  • 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
  • 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

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. 

'You should have seen her face’: New bike found for St. Catharines woman after theft

'You should have seen her face’: New bike found for St. Catharines woman after theft

Posted Oct 28th, 2024 in News & Updates

Source: Posted in Niagara This Week St. Catharines on Oct. 25th 2024 by Kevin Werner. Laura Hiscoe has received a new bike after an outpouring of support from the community that had learned her old tricycle had been stolen.

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Stock up on shampoo and toothpaste: Stuff the Truck is returning to Fairview Mall

Stock up on shampoo and toothpaste: Stuff the Truck is returning to Fairview Mall

Posted Sep 19th, 2024

Source: Posted in the St. Catharines Standard on Sept 9th 2024. Start Me Up Niagara’s Mobile Closet Stuff the Truck event returns Sept. 22 to help collect personal hygiene items for those in need.

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Work at Start Me Up Niagara’s new location being finalized

Work at Start Me Up Niagara’s new location being finalized

Posted Aug 15th, 2024

Source: Posted in the St. Catharines Standard on July 2nd, 2024. Start Me Up Niagara is a step closer to moving into its new home as construction moves into the final stages of the Church Street location. The agency, which offers help to people who have low-income, are food insecure and experiencing homelessness, sold its previous location at 17 Gale Cres., in St. Catharines after accessibility issues became a concern.

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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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