“We take on the hardest cases with love and optimism.”

We were born to help

The Christchurch City Mission was launched in 1929 when a few caring volunteers handed bowls of stew to unemployed men at the beginning of the Great Depression. Now we are a social service agency that positively impacts on the lives of 60,000 people a year through our wide range of services.

The Mission helps anyone who needs it regardless of their circumstances. We take on the hardest cases with love and optimism. While our emergency care is vital we also provide much more than that. Through education and training we help struggling people re-join society and gain the self-esteem and happiness that comes from work, independence and permanent housing.

We have seen people’s lives transform with our support and believe everyone should have the opportunity of a second chance.

Our headquarters at 275 - 276 Hereford St offers services that include: a Foodbank; learning and development programmes for men and women; emergency accommodation for men and women; a residential detox unit; a social worker hub, addiction counsellors, budget adviser, and a medical unit.

Vision - Whakakitenga

Enhanced social equity and wellbeing within our community.

“Ko te tika o te hapori me te oragna i roto i tō tātou hapori”

Mission - Moemoeā

The Christchurch City Mission is a social service agency working towards a just society. Guided by the values of the Gospel and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, we work in preventative ways and in response to crisis, to walk alongside and advocate for those who need our support, regardless of their gender, ethnicity or belief.

Values - Ngā Uara

• Respect - Whakaute: we value others and their contributions

• Integrity - Tapatahi: we do the right thing (even when no one is watching)

• Inclusion - Whakauru: we value diversity and cultural identity

• Empathy: Manaakitanga: we stand in the shoes of others (compassion for a person)

• Teamwork/collaboration - Mahi tahi: we’ve got each other’s backs