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Ministry Van
From the outside, it looks like every other ambulance in the city. But the Hope Mission Ministry Van doesn't have any flashing lights or siren. The Ministry
Van isn't there to provide medical care; it's there to provide basic human care for people in need, or in crisis, on the street. And it's there to provide spiritual, emotional and social support.
The Ministry Van began as a pilot project in 2003. Known originally as the "Man Down" project, its inception is thanks to a partnership between the Emergency Response Department and Hope Mission, in cooperation with the Edmonton Police Service.
The Ministry Van project allows emergency personnel, or business owners, or concerned citizens, to call Hope Mission directly so Hope Mission staff can go out, pick up street people, and take them back to the our shelters, or meet any other non-medical needs they have. The goals of the pilot project are to provide care to those in need and free up valuable emergency
services response time.
Every Year the ministry Van:
"I knew this project would be a great option for everyone. Not only does it relieve pressure on emergency personnel, it also gets proper help to individuals who need it. We were ultimately looking to be more efficient and utilize our resources. We want to police smarter - not harder." -Constable Ashley Emerson of the Edmonton Police Service
"This project fits exactly with what Hope Mission does. We are helping the down and out and at the same time freeing up ambulances to deal with emergencies." -Hope Mission Executive Director Bruce Reith
"I am very impressed and excited by this van. It's a tremendous service - particularly in the inner city. It provides relief for police and paramedics while ensuring people with afflictions are being taken care of properly and safely." -Former Edmonton Mayor Bill Smith
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