NEWS RELEASE
HOPE HOUSE
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In 2021, Lakeside Hope House operating as Hope House received a $31,400 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Resilient Communities Fund. This grant allowed Hope House to adapt and re-imagine the delivery of programs and services to meet the needs of their community, employees, and volunteers. The project was completed earlier this year and will continue to provide improved access to poverty relief and mental health programs and services, which adhere to best practices in public safety and sanitation protocols.
“Congratulations to Hope House, a most deserving recipient of an Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant! Hope House is just that, a place that provides our community members with hope; providing all those in need with fresh food, dignity, services, counseling and most importantly, community. The Pandemic and the resulting emotional and economic hardships have emphasized the need for Hope House’s care and services. As MPP for Guelph, I am so proud that the Ontario Trillium Foundation has recognized Hope House’s empathy and ongoing care provided to our great city and has recognized their vital work with a Resilient Communities Fund Grant. With this funding Hope House can do even more to bring hope, kindness and community to all those in need.”
- Mike Schreiner, Guelph MPP
This grant ensured that Hope House was able to continue offering services to vulnerable populations through COVID-19, with the purchase of new tables and chairs that are easier to disinfect and better able to support physical distancing. The organization also renovated its existing reception area to protect volunteers and community members with an enclosed work space.
The funding from this grant also enabled Hope House to hire a COVID-19 Ongoing Support Worker, who provides greater support to vulnerable populations, helps people access remote services at other organizations, and provides support while navigating online services. As well, Hope House was able to provide mental health services with a short waitlist during a time of increasing demand, as community members experienced more stress and anxiety due to the pandemic.
“This grant gave us the flexibility to adapt and pivot accordingly in response to the pandemic. This was important as Hope House is an essential service and continued to provide in-person service delivery throughout the pandemic.”
- Jaya James, Executive Director of Hope House
Hope House is a poverty relief organization that is committed to providing poverty relief programming in the safest and most accessible way possible for our community members. We offer services and programs that challenge the stigmas surrounding poverty and allow our community members to maintain their dignity and choice. We also support individuals in developing long-term skills that facilitate self-sufficiency in a community environment.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. Last year, nearly $112M was invested into 1,384 community projects and partnerships to build healthy and vibrant communities and strengthen the impact of Ontario’s non‐profit sector. In 2020/21, OTF supported Ontario’s economic recovery by helping non‐profit organizations rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID‐19. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
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