About Kirkens bymisjon
Kirkens Bymisjon: Providing Care, Respect, and Justice to People in the City
Kirkens Bymisjon is a Norwegian non-profit organization that has been working tirelessly for over 150 years to provide care, respect, and justice to people living in the city. The organization's mission is to help those who are struggling with poverty, homelessness, addiction, mental health issues or social exclusion.
The organization was founded in 1855 by a group of pastors who were concerned about the welfare of people living on the streets. Since then, Kirkens Bymisjon has grown into one of Norway's largest non-profit organizations with over 1,000 employees and more than 2,500 volunteers.
Kirkens Bymisjon operates in more than 20 cities across Norway and provides a wide range of services such as emergency shelters for homeless people; food banks; counseling services for individuals struggling with addiction or mental health issues; job training programs; and support groups for families affected by poverty.
One of Kirkens Bymisjon's core values is respect. The organization believes that every person deserves dignity regardless of their circumstances. This value is reflected in all aspects of their work from how they treat their clients to how they interact with volunteers and staff members.
Another important value at Kirkens Bymisjon is justice. The organization believes that everyone should have access to basic human rights such as food, shelter and healthcare. They work towards achieving this goal by advocating for policy changes at both local and national levels.
Kirkens Bymisjon also places great emphasis on omsorg (care). They believe that providing care means going beyond just meeting basic needs but also providing emotional support and creating a sense of community among those they serve.
In addition to its core values, Kirkens Bymisjon also prioritizes sustainability. The organization recognizes that environmental sustainability plays an important role in achieving social justice and works towards reducing its carbon footprint through various initiatives such as recycling programs and energy-efficient buildings.
Kirkens Bymisjon's work has been recognized both nationally and internationally. In 2019, the organization was awarded the prestigious Fritt Ord Prize for their work in promoting freedom of expression and human rights. They have also been recognized by the United Nations for their efforts to combat poverty and social exclusion.
If you are interested in supporting Kirkens Bymisjon's mission, there are many ways to get involved. You can volunteer your time at one of their many locations across Norway or make a donation to support their programs. By joining forces with Kirkens Bymisjon, you can help make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.