History

In 1962 The Upper Room began as a drop in center above a store on Yates Street. On December 8,1967, The Upper Room was incorporated under the Society Act and moved into the upstairs premises at 579 Johnson Street.

In 1977, with high unemployment rate, the Society saw the need for a soup kitchen in order that people would have at least one meal a day. Since that simple beginning, The Upper Room  has grown to serve hundreds of thousands of meals, lunches and dinners, to those in need.

On June 1, 1987 the society purchased a three story building at 919 Pandora Avenue. The main floor was converted into a commercial kitchen and dining hall, counselling and administration offices. The two upper floors became rooms for single, low income men.   

Our neighbour, the Open Door was founded in 1986 to act as the living room for the inner-city population. Providing coffee, companionship, clothing and caring they serve the same community as we do. In order to serve the community better we are jointly building OURPLACE, a new facility at our jointly owned Pandora address. Look under News for details.

Services

 "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat,

I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink,

 I was a stranger and you invited me in."

 Mathew 25:35

Presently, The Upper Room serves two meals a day, six days a week with an average of 340 meals per day.  Recognizing that people want to have a stake in providing food for themselves, we encourage individuals to purchase a monthly food pass. This pass entitles the holder to lunch and dinner Monday thru Saturday for the month at a cost of $26. We also provide 22 individually furnished rooms for single, low income men.

The Upper Room distributes food, clothing, toiletries and furnishings in co-operation with other agencies and services throughout Victoria.

In an attempt to address the employment possibilities for those we serve, we provide Food Safe Training as well assistance with resumes and referrals when required.  We provide help and caring support to people who are experiencing many problems: poverty, of course; some have mental or physical disabilities; some have drug or alcohol dependencies.  Many of these people experience pain, frustration and other realities that we seek to address through counselling provided.

The Upper Room is dependent upon the Grace of God as people who give their time and resources in terms of prayer, money, food, clothes and volunteer time in the preparation and serving of meals.

Hours and Location

Administration & Counselling:

Monday thru Friday

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Meal Service:

Monday thru Saturday

Lunch Served - 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

Dinner Served - 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.

Where to Find Us:

 

Role of Volunteers

The Upper Room is blessed with a wonderful group of volunteers, vital to our operation.  Each year they provide approximately 20,000 hours of service helping with meal preparation, serving meals, and seeking to befriend those we serve. Many provide the Upper Room with donations for food, clothing, furniture or money.  They are each blessed by God's promise "Give and it shall be given unto you, good measure..." Luke 8:38

How Can You Help?

The work of The Upper Room is entirely supported by donations from churches, service clubs, businesses and thousands of individual donations.

Volunteer. We serve people individually as opposed to cafeteria style.  To do this, your help is needed.  Volunteers are asked to work a shift, 9:30 am to 1:30 pm or 2-6:30 pm to prepare, serve and clean up after each meal. Contact the office to schedule a volunteer shift,

Financial Support. Because we are solely dependent upon donations your financial support is essential.  Tax receipts are issued.

Gifts in Kind. Food, clothing, toiletries and other essentials are accepted and offered to people, free of charge. Periodically furniture is needed and other kitchen supplies.

Meal Tokens. Small plastic tokens costing $1 each are available in our office during business hours. These tokens are good for one meal at the Upper Room and it can be for either lunch or supper. Folks who buy them, like to give them to people who ask for spare change on the street. The tokens are rarely turned down, and have virtually no street value, so many people find them a valuable asset when in downtown Victoria.

Special Meals.  On Thanksgiving, Good Friday and New Year's Eve, we offer a free meal to any and all in need.  At these meals we serve over 600 people.  Please phone in advance and see where and how you can help.

Membership.  Become a member for the Upper Room Society - $10/yr for individuals, $25/year for corporate membership.  A Board of Directors is elected from membership.  As a member you have an opportunity to actively participate in the policies and direction of the Upper Room.

Contact Us

Thank you for visiting our site.