Our Place Community of Hope provides a ministry of hospitality and presence to people experiencing mental health issues, through a community which seeks to include all people by affirming and empowering them toward personal and communal responsibility. Founded in 1969 as the Shoppers Drop-In, and incorporated in 1991 as Our Place Community of Hope, Our Place began as a response to the changing needs of people with mental health problems. This was a period of de-institutionalization—the closing of psychiatric hospitals in favour of community-based care. Unfortunately, there were and still are insufficient community services available to support the needs of people living with mental illness. Our Place Community of Hope assists people in recovery in building skills for independent living and accessing other services and supports. Through its social recreation programs, Our Place continues to supply a safe, stable environment for its membership to meet, connect and build relationships.