Toronto-based Northpine Foundation, which is a private philanthropic organization funded by married couple Cathy and John Phillips, will invest up to $2 million in The Gathering Place, provided the shelter hits predetermined success targets.

The Gathering Place will help vulnerable people in St. John’s get long-term and sustainable housing. As per the agreement, Northpine Foundation will invest up to $2 million in the shelter based on how it houses people, helps them build skills, and integrates them back into the system.

Northpine Foundation has created an investment model where they don’t invest in infrastructure, or gardens, or particular programs, but in organizations, and measure the success of those investments based on outcomes.

Guests at The Gathering Place usually begin in the shelter system. Once they are stable, they move into transitional housing to build skills for independent living. From there, they can move into supportive housing at Mercy House or into the community. The Northpine Foundation began investing money in The Gathering Place in May 2024 and has already helped 29 people transition to supportive and permanent housing as of January 2025.

John Phillips and Cathy Phillips want to make a difference in the lives of people who need it most. The philanthropist couple does not see the funding as “donations” but as investments and opportunities to give people “a chance to improve their lot.”

Source: CBC