During the 2025 federal budget announcement, Prime Minister Mark Carney delighted many by highlighting a Mission and Service partner: Bissell Centre in Edmonton.
Introducing the new Build Communities Strong Fund, he said, “We’ll build Canada strong with projects that build our communities strong,” naming Bissell Centre’s work to reduce homelessness as an example of the kind of impact this new investment hopes to strengthen.
Bissell Centre is a trusted community anchor in Edmonton’s inner city. Their programs meet people where they are—with supports that help people stay safely housed, employment programs that open doors to long-term stability, community meals that offer dignity and connection, and family supports that ensure children and parents have the care they need. At every step, Bissell walks with people through some of the hardest moments of their lives and helps them build a path toward thriving.
While Bissell Centre’s roots go back more than a century, their mission today is urgent and forward-looking: reducing poverty, preventing homelessness, and creating a community where everyone belongs. Their approach is practical, compassionate, and deeply responsive to local needs.
Being included in the early list of projects for the federal Build Communities Strong Fund highlights how trusted and effective Bissell Centre’s work has become. National leaders are taking notice, but the real transformation happens one person, one story, one act of support at a time.
Mission and Service gifts help make this partnership possible. Thank you for supporting ministries that meet people with compassion and help build stronger communities every day.
Congratulations to the Bissell Centre for their important work and community connections!