The need for nutritious meals still exists despite the pandemic, and one local organization is meeting that need.
Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, which has locations in Halifax and Truro, expanded to Bridgewater almost four years ago after a need was identified on the South Shore.
The mission runs a drop-in centre and cafe and provides free meals four afternoons a week between 1-3 PM to anyone in need. Things have changed because of recent restrictions put in place, but Vicky Sovie, Manager and Chaplain, says they are offering brown bag lunches at the door, no questions asked.
“We encourage people to come to the door, one person per household, and we will be happy to give you one meal for each person in your family,” she said.
Usually a registration interview or questionnaire is required when a person seeks help from a food bank or social agency, but Souls Harbour has decided not to do that in order to respect the privacy of those who come for a meal.
Sovie says someone in need could be living in poverty, experiencing homelessness, grieving the loss of a spouse or living with mental health issues or addiction and want a safe place to come.
The cafe-style set up is intended to afford people dignity who may find it difficult to step through the doors and admit they need help. Staff want them to feel comfortable, enjoy their meal and socialize and are looking forward to when things can return to normal and the cafe can be re-opened.
“We are a happy place and anybody in need, anybody who is struggling, can come and get a meal from us,” said Sovie.
The cafe is located at 136 Pleasant Street in Bridgewater.
