Who We Are
Gate 3:16 Outreach Centre is a drop-in shelter for people ages 24 and up who need help with aspects of their life. There are those having a hard time making ends meet and are looking for a hot meal. Some are experiencing loss in their life and need encouragement and counselling. Others are struggling with health issues, physical or mental, and are looking for support. We provide all the basic needs that a person may have, including community and a safe place to be. We live in a world full of hurting people and our doors are open to provide warmth, safety and friendship.
Our History
Gate 3:16, as a drop-in shelter, began back in 1990 when a group of churches felt a call to minister to the homeless population in Durham region. Gate 3:16 started out small, in a location on King St. in Oshawa. Over the last three decades, Gate 3:16 has changed locations four times and we are now located in a facility at 300 Court Street serving up to 200 patrons per day.
In the last year or so, we have seen many new faces. Most come in unsure of where to turn in their moment of crisis. We can offer them counselling, resources and support to address their physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
Additionally we can refer our patrons to other agencies that may specialize in the area of expertise that is needed.
Gate 3:16 is a Christian organization. Our name is derived from John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”. This is our purpose, to show the love and compassion of God in all we do. We believe that brokenness and alienation are primarily due to our separation from God. We offer hope by showing those in need how they can be reconciled with God, and receive healing in their lives through a life with him.
Our Mission
Gate 3:16 Outreach Centre is committed to serve, honour and glorify the triune God through its ministry in the Oshawa community and Durham Region.
Watch the video to see a glimpse of who we are through the eyes of those we serve.
Our Goals
- To provide a Christian environment for our clients which has the structure and semblance of a family atmosphere
- To provide the opportunity for interaction, social fellowship/friendship for our clients
- To model the life of Jesus Christ in the above situations
- To institute a system of accountability in the same environment for the purpose of a positive change in behaviour.
Statement of Faith
We believe: The Bible is the written Word of God which reveals God’s will for mankind.
The purpose of this ministry is:
1. To communicate and demonstrate the love of God to all who come through our doors.
2. To show compassion by reaching out to meet our patrons basic needs, in order to help restore their lives.
3. To be a light and source for change in our community
“For I was hungry and you gave me food,
I was thirsty and you gave me drink,
I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
– Matthew 25:35