At St. Albans, we take seriously God’s call to do justice, love kindness, and to walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8). God calls each of us to care for the neighbourhoods in which we live, work and play. One of the ways in which the community of St. Albans does this is through our partnership with Centre 454.
St. Albans Church is a ministry partner with Centre 454. The Centre, a Community Ministry of our Diocese, provides practical services, social recreation activities, supportive counselling and welcoming hospitality for those in our community who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and living in poverty.
The Centre is located in the lower level of St. Albans Church. Whether your interest is volunteering at the Centre, providing baked goods and snacks, gathering needed supplies, supporting the Centre financially, or offering spiritual support, your involvement will be welcomed and appreciated. Being a part of the Centre 454 community will make a difference and will change lives … yours included!
For more information about Centre 454, including volunteer opportunities at the Centre, go to www.centre454.ca
Here’s some recent (2017) media coverage of Centre 454’s former director and current St. Albans member, Mary-Martha Hale
Advocate for poor retires, calls work a “rich privilege”
At age 60, after 16 years, Mary-Martha Hale is retiring this month as executive-director of Centre 454, a day drop-in for the poor and needy.
In the matrix of services for the poor and homeless, Centre 454 found a need. Unlike shelters that feed and house, it is only open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and does not serve regular meals. But for those with chaotic, lonely or desperate lives, it offers an oasis for friendship and counselling, and acts as a portal for help with addictions, housing, education or employment. It also has a beautiful, tranquil side garden set into a hill below the city’s grit and sweat and noise.
“I just think of myself as an ordinary person who has had the privilege of being part of this. It has been a privilege for me to have been here.” Continue reading in The Ottawa Citizen
Listen to the full interview on CBC Ottawa Morning below.