Siloam Mission lays off 16, plans to reduce hours

Siloam Mission is pictured in November, 2024. (File Image)

Siloam Mission announced a layoff of 16 people after a reduction in donations and an increase in demand for its services.

In a media release on Friday, the not-for-profit organization announced several measures as part of its stabilization plan.

“Charitable giving in Canada is at a ten-year low, while the cost of food, fuel and essential services continues to rise,” Tracey Silagy, chair of its board of directors, said in the release. “At the same time, as the economy worsens, we are seeing more people at our doors every day, in need of our services and programs.”

The organization started a review after its new CEO, Sonia Prevost-Derbecker, started her position, the release said. Prevost-Derbecker said after a few months into the review, some of the challenges they are addressing “have been building for years.”

“We have left no stone unturned and see that we must address our financial sustainability, leadership structure, internal culture and our rapid pace of growth, to stabilize the organization,” she said in the release.

Starting on June 1, the organization’s drop-in dining space and clothing store will have reduced hours. With it, some staff positions will be temporarily impacted and 16 layoffs will take place.

Three meals a day will continue to be offered. All other programs and services, including the main and pop-up shelters and supported living buildings, remain in full operation.

With files from CTV News’ Jon Hendricks