Halifax food bank opens free café as a ‘safe place to chill’

The café inside the Brunswick Street Mission in Halifax serves up hot coffee and compassion.

A Halifax non-profit organization is serving up hot coffee and baked goods to those in need.

Organizers with Brunswick Street Mission say it’s their way of giving the community a space to eat, paint and enjoy themselves.

“It’s been really positive. I feel like with every month it has gained popularity, and we see a lot of return folks, but we also see a lot of new faces on the regular,” says Jazmin Byee, Brunswick Street Mission’s café service navigation support worker.

The organization offers food, clothing and laundry services to individuals affected by poverty.

“We noticed that people were already spending a lot of time here, either waiting on the food bank, waiting on the other services, or just using it as a place to rest or seek shelter from the elements during the day. So, we figured, why not kind of open it up to just make it more comfortable (and) welcoming for people,” she says.

Patrick Maubert, the organization’s program director, says it’s also a place where community members can get creative through painting.

“There’s lots of art projects that people are very passionate about and very proud of,” says Maubert.

The mission has inspired those receiving services, as well as those delivering them.

“It’s beautiful helping humanity,” says volunteer Zeinab Abdulkadir. “And when I saw that they needed more hands, I thought it was beautiful. (Just) do something for another human.”

The food bank has put out a call out for help maintaining these services.

“We are always looking for volunteers to come and support. And we’re also always looking for donations. Donations of art supplies, donations of clothing supplies, especially going into the colder months, more winter wear and survival kits,” says Maubert.

“I think folks just enjoy being here. And that brings us a lot of joy because everyone deserves a cup of coffee in a safe place to chill.”

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