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
  • Start Me Up is hope for the future. They provide help getting a place to live, help finding work, help getting food and clothes. Without Start Me Up, I would have no chance in life. Everyday I need and use the services here. Thank you!
    Dave Stewart
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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

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. 

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

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

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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Start Me Up moves into new home after leaving behind Gale Crescent

Start Me Up moves into new home after leaving behind Gale Crescent

Posted Aug 15th, 2024 in News & Updates

Start Me Up Niagara (SMUN) recently moved from its home of more than 14 years at 17 Gale Cres. due to accessibility issues. The move came a month after SMUN had originally planned to leave the old site but was stymied due to permitting issues to complete construction at 211 Church St. “What we’ve done is we’ve moved all our programs into 203 Church St., with the resource centre at the front and employment in the back, and housing in one of the side offices,” Dumas said.

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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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