Souls Harbour Rescue Mission opens in New Waterford, N.S.

Souls Harbour Rescue Mission expands their philanthropy to another Cape Breton community.

Souls Harbour Rescue Mission‘s newest drop-in centre in New Waterford, N.S. held its grand opening on Tuesday. The manager, Krista McPhee, said it took more than a few coats of paint to get the former Lions Club building ready.

“When I came in here at the beginning of April, the building was… the best way I could describe it was ‘scary,’” said McPhee.

Child poverty rates in New Waterford and surrounding communities are also scary, said Souls Harbour representatives. They said more than 100 people came for free meals each week when they ran a pilot program in the new location.

On Tuesday, Judy Curnew was the new drop-in centre’s first-ever client.

“I think a lot of people need something like that, because a lot of people go hungry - so it’s great to come here,” she said.

Souls Harbour CEO Michelle Porter said they hope to start serving about 40 people each day.

“This was the idea of our board chair who grew up in this area and he pointed out the need here,” said Porter.

There are plans to eventually open a FreeMart basic needs room in the New Waterford location which would provide free clothing and everyday essentials.

“We don’t have the room for that right now”, McPhee said. “Sydney Mines has a much larger facility, but that is kind of a hope that we have for the future.”

The new location is now the second Souls Harbour drop-in centre on Cape Breton Island after the one in Sydney Mines, N.S., opened in February 2024.

“Sydney Mines really surprised us”, Porter said. “They are the darling mission. The support there has been phenomenal, and we hope to replicate that right here in New Waterford.”

Porter said the new location has received plenty of volunteer requests and donations – a good sign for the possibility of future expansion.

“We actually own 54 Ferry Street in Sydney”, Porter said. “Souls Harbour would love to open a drop-in center there.”

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