History of Brock

Brock Mission began in the Spring of 1986 when three Peterborough residents (who did not know one another at the time) all saw the need for a place in the city where men needing shelter could be safe and cared for.

These three men approached City Hall independently about this matter. When two of them showed up on the very same week, the people at City Hall suggested that perhaps it was time that they meet one another!

The men met, and began discussing their common goals together. It was then that they realised how similar their ideas were. Pretty soon they were out viewing property. With great enthusiasm and increasing excitement, their vision unfolded, and Brock Mission was born.

The ministry began in June of 1987, when the first men moved into Kingan House, on 271 Brock Street. Since then Brock Mission has expanded to include Cameron House, a house which can provide shelter for women and women with children.

Over the years, as resources have allowed, Brock Mission has been able to provide men, women and children with festive dinners, community meals, and support services as well.

The Organization:

We are a non-denominational, Christian charity governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.

We are a local effort, not part of a provincial or national organization.
We are funded, in part, by the City/County of Peterborough, as a service provider.
More than 50% of our operating budget is covered by the generous donations of a caring community – both shelters were started and paid for through the same generosity.
We strive to provide as much service as possible – limited only by our resources – to those in our community who are marginalized, in crisis and at high risk.
Our goal is to be there for those who fall between the cracks and who have no place else to turn.

Shelter for Men – Formerly Kingan House:

Originally located in a circa 1863 home at the corner of Brock and Stewart Streets
Established in 1987 to provide men 24/7 access to emergency shelter
Now located at 217 Murray Street (former Royal Canadian Legion Building)
Dormitory-style sleeping capacity of 40 beds
Provides short-term shelter to men from the ages of 16 years and up
3 meals +snack are provided daily, as well as laundry and showering facilities
Family physician and registered nurse are available to shelter clients when needed
Provides a stable environment with caring staff
Provided 435 men with 8,283 days of service in 2008

Shelter for Women - Cameron House:

Established in 1996 to offer the same service to women and women with children who are homeless for reasons outside of abuse
Open 24 hours/day, 365 days/year
Located in a circa 1846 home on Chemong Road north of Parkhill
Can accommodate approximately 15 women
Provides the same services as the Shelter for Men
Provided 133 women with 2,622 days of service in 2008

Community Supper Program - The Open Table:

Reinstatement of a meal program originally run out of Kingan House which began in 1993 to offer a nutritious meal to any man, women, or child in our community
Located at 217 Murray Street (former Legion Hall)
Suppers are served Monday to Friday, starting at 5pm. The Open Table closes at 7pm.
19,945 meals were served in 2008

Support Services:

Support and assistance to people on the street
Active assistance in finding housing for high needs individuals
Follow-up and After-care provided to former shelter residents

If you would like to donate on line please click here.

Thank you!