Welcome To Start Me Up Niagara | Programs and Resources for People and Families Facing Challenges in the Niagara Region.

Start Me Up Niagara is an inclusive and supportive community that helps the people that need it most.

Start Me Up Niagara is a registered charity and a connected system of low-barrier support. Through the Drop-In Resource Centre, Food Program, Mobile Closet, Bike Me Up and the Work Action Centre, people can access food, clothing, hygiene items, affordable transportation, employment support, referrals, resources and community connection.

Different entry points serve one purpose: to remove everyday barriers and restore dignity. We meet people where they are, offer practical support delivered with a trauma-informed approach without judgment, and help them take the next step forward.

How We Help

Learn more about the programs and services we offer to help individuals set goals and to achieve success.

Resource Centre & Activities

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Employment Services & Support

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Niagara's Mobile Closet

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Bike Me Up Niagara

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Welcome to Start Me Up Niagara

At Start Me Up Niagara, we offer services and programs to support people facing significant challenges such as poverty, homelessness, unemployment, disabilities, addictions and mental health issues.

Our goal is to provide opportunities for these individuals to help them increase their level of self-sufficiency and improve their quality of life. Our services range from daily drop in, community lunches, health care, income maximization, arts, and employment development.

Together, we are working to build a community where all are included.

About SMUN   Our Services

  • The staff are welcoming and work well with community partners. I’ve had a drop-in centre worker work consistently with me over the last few months connecting me with my gateway housing worker and helping me remember my appointments.
    Brendan Butcher
  • This whole experience has shown me how dedicated, trustworthy, and community-focused Wayne and the team at Bike Me Up Niagara truly are. I’m grateful for their honesty and willingness to help, and I encourage everyone to support and donate to their fantastic work. I’ll definitely be supporting them in the future—thank you, Wayne and the team, for your kindness and for making such a positive impact in Niagara!
    E. Khan
  • The Resource Centre staff member conected me to a worker who helped me attend a viewing in a supportive living building where I now have three meals a day, proved access to a shower and bathroom and my own room. During this process I was able to put my well-being and mental health first and I am now connected with a brain injury support and will be taking part in recreational activities. I will always be grateful to have supports from SMUN.
    Kathy M.
  • We have a lot of homeless patients who have minimal clothes to wear. Part of a safe discharge is to ensure they are properly clothed (shirt, pants, shoes) and if the mini closets did not exist the patient would not have been able to be discharged.
    Anonymous
  • I lost my husband and since then, day-to-day life has been a struggle. I was 10 years behind with my taxes and getting them done was not going to happen due to the price. I am on CPP with limited income. I found Start Me Up Niagara from a friend who connected me with the tax program. I met Sarah and brought my documents in and got my tax back 1 week later. I am now getting benefits I was missing out on. I am grateful for Start Me Up Niagara and their tax program. Everything was so easy, I will recommend this program to anyone who needs help. Thank you!
    Cindy Shaw

Resource Centre Details

Housing referrals, support and resources for people experiencing or are at risk of homelessness in Niagara. 

 Location

203 Church St., ON L2R 3E8 (Map)

 Weekday Hours

Monday to Friday  |  9:00AM - 12PM, 1PM - 4PM

 Weekend Hours (door service only)

Sunday | 11:15AM to 1:00PM

How To Help

Our dedicated volunteers, donors and supporters are dedicated to our mission to support and provide opportunities for individuals facing hardships in Niagara. ​If you're interested in getting involved, there are many ways to help. 

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News & Updates

Stay connected with the latest news and updates from Start Me Up Niagara. 

NEW Drop-In Resource Centre Hours come to Thursday this Winter

Posted Oct 5th, 2026

Extended Thursday hours will provide people experiencing homelessness with a warm, welcoming space and connections to community services throughout the winter.

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Start Me Up Niagara’s 2026 Annual General Meeting

Start Me Up Niagara’s 2026 Annual General Meeting

Posted Aug 17th, 2026 in News & Updates

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | 6:00–8:00 PM203 Church Street Start Me Up Niagara invites our community, partners and supporters to our 2026 Annual General Meeting.

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A Little Later, A Lot More Connected

A Little Later, A Lot More Connected

Posted May 14th, 2026 in Resource Centre

Something good happened at the Drop-In Resource Centre this week. We stayed open later on Wednesday. The coffee was on. The games were out. The foosball table got loud. People laughed, cheered, played, watched, joined in and stayed awhile. It felt like exactly what the space is meant to be. Starting this week, Start Me Up Niagara’s Drop-In Resource Centre has expanded Wednesday hours to create more room for connection, recreation and community. New Wednesday Hours 12:00 PM to 3:...

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Support Our Work

Your donations go directly to frontline service and supports for our participants who experience homelessness and other mental health and addictions issues.

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