The Downtown Mission in Windsor has sold its main facility on Victoria Avenue.
"The Mission has been at 664 Victoria Avenue for over 20 years now and has far outgrown our current home," said a statement from Executive Director Reverand Ron Dunn. "A new location is needed for the Mission to continue serving our vulnerable community members."
The Mission has two options to relocate the services on Victoria Avenue but is eyeing property on McDougall Avenue between Hannah Street and Shepherd Street East.
The building, which used to house a fitness club, is surrounded by industry but is still close to downtown, and many of the services Mission guests use regularly.
"The property has sufficient space for the Mission's current services to be provided safely, while at the same time having the space for future expansion including transitional housing programs," continued the statement.
It is reaching out to the businesses, organized labour, and philanthropists to gauge their support for the option and plans to begin a fundraising campaign soon to buy the property.
The Mission will move out of the first and second floors of the Victoria Avenue location by July 30 and expects to completely vacate the building no later than June 2022, when the new owner will take possession.
During that transition period, it will continue to offer its meals program on Victoria Avenue. Administrative staff will move to the temporary offices at 850 Ouellette Avenue. Programs and services offered at 875 Ouellette and 1247 Wyandotte Street East will not be impacted by the sale.