St. John’s Kitchen – TWC Interactive

Remembering Arleen Macpherson (1937 – 2026)

Joe Mancini June 5, 2026

On May 9th 2026, we celebrated Arleen Macpherson’s immense contribution to the development of The Working Centre community. For over 30 years from (1987 – 2017) Arleen offered unwavering commitment to support those who have been left out. Her work was marked by her natural ability to combine prayerful reflection with thoughtful action. Her practicality was demonstrated by taking on St. John’s Kitchen and creating a place of welcome and hospitality. This work stretched from organizing and cooking in the kitchen, to walking gently with those facing struggles, to writing and reflecting on poverty and relationships.

The Impact of St. John’s Kitchen Warming Centre

Cathleen Gretchell June 5, 2026

This winter, The Working Centre opened an Overnight Warming Centre at the new St. John’s Kitchen, opening the doors at 8:30 pm and closing by 8:00 am. For three months, the Overnight Warming Centre provided a continuous overnight place to stay, reducing the daily search for shelter space. The open intake ensured that people could count on the space being available. At the same time, we ensured those using the space were registered as unsheltered.

Overnight Warming Centre at St. John’s Kitchen

Stephanie Mancini March 1, 2026

It has been an exceptionally cold and snowy winter, and the impact on this for many we support is significant. Those living in encampments, outside, or who are precariously housed, face significant risks to their health and well-being. St. John’s Kitchen has been a day-time refuge for people during this winter – a place to get respite from the cold, to enjoy a warm meal and coffee, and to connect with many community services in one central location. We are able to keep eyes and ears on people who are most vulnerable and help to buffer the effects of the harsh winter as we focus on wellness, connection, and belonging.

St. John’s Kitchen and A Community of Supports

Roger Gilbert March 1, 2026

If you stand by the doors of the new St. John’s Kitchen, you see the constant flow as people come in and out. Some go immediately left to access showers, washrooms, laundry; others turn right to enter the dining room and select a table either alone or with friends. Each day some 350-400 people visit the space.

Our First Christmas at the New St. John’s Kitchen

The Working Centre March 1, 2026

The Christmas season is always a time of extraordinary sharing. In the midst of homelessness, the reality of scarcity is also felt, as people search for shelter from the harsh winter weather. At St John’s Kitchen we gather every day with a spirit of sharing and cooperation. Christmas is a time to emphasize how we create an atmosphere of celebration and plenty. A time of asking, how much do you need today? A feeling of abundance reduces competition for resources and helps each person feel a sense of security and belonging.

St. John’s Kitchen: A 40 Year Journey

Stephanie Mancini December 1, 2025

It has been a long journey since Wednesday October 31, 1984. That was the day, during a late afternoon meeting held by the Core Area Ministry Committee, when a decision was made to develop a downtown community meal service. The discussions that resulted in St. John’s Kitchen had been going on for more than a year. Churches and social services were recognizing that many people living in the downtown struggled to access a daily meal.

Finding Heart and Humility at St. John’s Kitchen

Joanna Miller December 1, 2025

One might say that my placement at St. John’s Kitchen began by wonderful happenstance, while others might attribute a more Divine intervention to it. As a pastor in Waterloo Region, I had been asked by TWC to help lead memorial services and I was grateful to be able to be able to help them in that way. Somehow, we made the jump from memorials to my upcoming need to find a placement…

Making Home Update

Katherine Bitzer June 1, 2025

It is exciting to confirm that construction at 97 Victoria Making Home is moving into its final phases. When we moved St. John’s Kitchen and Worth A Second Look thrift store out of 97 Victoria in October 2023, we expected it would be an 18 month construction timeline.

St. John’s Kitchen Memorials

The Working Centre June 1, 2025

For the past two years, Joanna Miller has been leading a quarterly Memorial Service at St. John’s Kitchen. Each quarter we have remembered up to 25 people who have died during that time from the wider community of those connected to the St. John’s Kitchen community. Here is part of the reflection by Joanna from the service held at St. John’s Kitchen on May 27th, 2025.

A Busy Christmas Season

Joe Mancini March 1, 2025

This Christmas season was a busy time. We received overflowing generosity as the community responded to ensure many meals were available through the Christmas season. During mid-December, Maurita’s Kitchen on Queen Street was extra busy as over 1000 pounds of turkey were cooked and prepared for serving. In the final days massive quantities of potatoes, vegetables and gravy were produced and made ready. Altogether about 800 Christmas meals were prepared and served at St. John’s Kitchen, King Street Shelter and the Erbs Road Shelter.

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