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our mission

"The Gathering Place is the kind of place that will restore your hope in people."  - Leslie Foster, Former President (1990-2019)

The Gathering Place (TGP) offers services to combat poverty and address the impacts of marginalization and oppression that are often contributing factors to poverty or homelessness. By offering low-barrier access to a broad range of basic necessities and wrap-around care options, TGP guides women, transgender folx and children living in poverty from a place of crisis and instability to one of stability and security. While we refer to those we serve as "members", no fees are ever charged for programs or services.

We believe deeply in the power of our community and continually work to make it stronger. Our key values include recognizing individual strengths, building respect and trust, and offering unconditional acceptance. 

Latest from The Gathering Place

Shelia's story is one of resilience and strength in the face of adversity. She found herself living in her car due to the actions of her abusive ex-husband. "I'm not a quitter," she said. Instead, Shelia has fought for herself and her quality of life, and in doing so, she has found a community of support and a renewed sense of purpose at The Gathering Place (TGP). 

Community is an essential aspect of human life, but what truly makes a community? It's a group of people that have something in common, like interests, values, beliefs, and experiences. And at TGP, our community comes together for mutual support to walk alongside each other in their journey.

What does it feel like to you when you are welcomed home?  For me, it’s a sense of unconditional acceptance, an ease and assurance that I can be fully myself.  It’s knowing that my strengths will be trusted, and my presence celebrated. It’s knowing that I can let my guard down and ask to be cared for, helped, and supported. Being welcomed home is knowing that I am part of an interconnected and interdependent group of people.