Souls Harbour Rescue Mission is expanding its reach in Nova Scotia with the opening of a new drop-in centre in north-end Dartmouth.

The new location at 29 Farrell Street will provide free hot meals three days a week, beginning with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting on Tuesday, October 28, from noon to 2 p.m.

CEO Michelle Porter says the addition marks an important milestone for the charity. “We say, ‘Hope begins with a meal,’ and today, this is more true than ever,” she said. “This area of Dartmouth is so needy, and I’ve had a heart to be there for years. This opportunity, with space provided for free by Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, means literally hundreds of people will not go hungry this winter.”

Souls Harbour will serve its first meal — chicken mulligatawny soup with garlic bread — at the grand opening event, which will also include remarks from community and faith leaders. Father James Mallon, founder of the global Divine Renovation movement, is expected to speak about why his parish offered the space rent-free.

Matt Reid, Souls Harbour’s Director of Mobile Mission, will also be on-site. His team helps deliver meals and support to people in need across Halifax Regional Municipality, including encampments in Dartmouth.

The new centre becomes Souls Harbour’s ninth location in Nova Scotia, extending the organization’s 14-year effort to provide food, clothing, shelter, and recovery programs to people facing poverty and addiction.