Sunday, December 25, 2011

Merry Christmas

Merry (Happy) Christmas from all the extended team at Home Suite Hope Milton & Board of Milton Transitional Housing Corp. Today is a day to think of all of those in our local community and around the World who are in need, not just of homelessness. So many of us are so fortunate that we have so much.

Thank you to all those in our community that have supported this project in the last few years. 2011 has marked a turning point where the vision has come to fruition. Congratulations to all the team for their dedication. We can make a difference.

Christmas Wishes

John

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Congratulations Kathryn

A personal congratulations to one of our director's, Kathryn on the birth of her second daughter on Sunday

Sunday, December 18, 2011

InsideHalton Article: New challenge awaits McKay at Home Suite Hope Milton

InsideHalton Article: New challenge awaits McKay at Home Suite Hope Milton

HSH Oakville in Oakville Beaver

HSH in Oakville received coverage in this week's Oakville Beaver. Jules Graham-Hood, left, of Home Suite Hope (HSH-O), received a $1,200 donation from Boston Pizza Franchisee Donna Corrigan, Ron Rocheleau of Mott’s Clamato, and Scarlet Estrada, community relations co-ordinator for Boston Pizza. The money was raised during a Best Caesar Competition hosted by the restaurant in early November. The funds will support Home Suite Hope work towards its support of individuals and families facing a housing crisis. In the last 18 months, HSH has refocused its strategy and resources on single-parent families, welcomed five new members to the board of directors and experienced a turnover of its entire staff.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Homelessness around the world - The Big Picture - Boston.com

Homelessness around the world - The Big Picture - Boston.com
Boston conducted its 32nd census of the city’s homeless population earlier this week. A report to the United Nations in 2005 stated there were an estimated 100 million homeless people in the world, and an additional 1.6 billion living without adequate housing. Here are some images of homelessness across the globe, collected from wire images this year

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Boston Ladies Fellowship group donation

I would like to acknowldge Boston Ladies Fellowship group for their very kind donation of $1000 towards the HSHMilton project. Over the year they have held bazaar, catered to diners ect and chosen to donate their proceeds to transitional housing in Milton. Thank you so much ladies. We will put it to good use.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Christmas Carol raises over $3000

Last Friday's wonderful 'A Christmas Carol' fundraiser was attended by over 160 people and raised an amazing $3000, thanks to the gracious donation of the performers time and talents. Thank you. As John Davies summarized it as a great privilege to work with all those to make this happen in Milton for a great cause addressing a great need in our town.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

John Davies interview @ A Christmas Carol HSHMilton.wmv

Congratulations John on introducing and managing a wonderful event to raise awareness of homelessness in our Milton community. Here John's comments about the importance of the event.

Jim Curran interview at 'A Christmas Carol'


Here is an Apple compatible video link to YouTube.

Performers from last night's 'A Christmas Carol'



Thank you all for kindly volunteering your time and talents in support of those at risk of homelessness in our community. See last post for the names of the performers.

Jim Curran interview at 'A Christmas Carol' event


We had the most wonderful evening last night listening to a beautifully read abridged version of Charles Dickens' 168 year old classic 'A Christmas Carol'. We thank the readers of the 5 staves; Tim Beddoes, Sharon Beddoes, Jim Curran, Eleanor Gribbon, Susan Cranford and Geoff Ford. It is a stunning descriptive peice of literature. The message also links well with reflecting on those in need in our community. Listen here to an interview with CBC's Jim Curran who graciously volunteered his time and talent to raise awareness and funds of homelessness and the transitional housing solution in Milton. We were also treated to wonderful Christmas seasonal music from the fabulous Milton Choristers led by Laurie Reed; Carole Curtain, Olive Mont, Jennifer Smith, Jenn Callum, Helen Dietz, John Carroll, Paul Ratzlaff, James Douglas, Laurie Reed and Susan Edmonds. We are so greatful to you all. The evening was led and compared by Associate Pastor, John Davies from Southside Community Church.Well done everyone for all your hard work.

There will be pictures and an interview with John Davies to follow.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Tonight: Tickets still available for "A Christmas Carol"


Tonight Only
'A Christmas Carol', dramatically led by Jim Curran and support
Southside Community Church, Derry Road, Milton at 7.30pm
Tickets are still available
See you there

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

First Habitat for Humanity for Milton


Today, Habitat for Humanity Halton broke ground on its first build in Milton. Habitat Halton has been helping local families to alleviate the cycle of poverty since its inception in 1999 by providing affordable housing solutions to families in need. Habitat’s financial model makes it possible for families with incomes below the poverty line to purchase homes at fair market value.

Halton Region Chair Gary Carr and Mayor Gordon Krantz led the gathering of local dignitaries, sponsors and Habitat volunteers to celebrate the latest project of Habitat Halton, which will be completed by summer 2012. Land for the new Habitat for Humanity home is in a Mattamy Homes development currently under construction in Milton and was donated by Mattamy for the build.

“This ground breaking in Milton demonstrates how the Town of Milton can come together to help a family in need,” said Anne Swarbrick, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Halton. “Mattamy Homes and the Oakville, Milton & District Real Estate Board have taken the lead sponsorship roles to make this happen. We look forward to other Milton corporations and individuals joining Prosperity ONE, and a generous couple who prefer to remain anonymous, to help fill the sponsorship opportunities available in completing this home. We are extremely grateful to Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life for its generous support.”

“We are proud to partner with Habitat for Humanity Halton to help them in their mission of making the dream of homeownership possible for hard working families,” said Peter Gilgan, Founder & CEO of Mattamy Homes. “At Mattamy we recognize the importance of community to our business and in our society, and we truly believe that it’s important for us to be part of, and give back to, the communities in which we develop and build. Habitat for Humanity is such a key part of bringing communities together, and we’re pleased to support them.”

“The Oakville, Milton & District Real Estate Board (OMDREB) is proud to be associated with a world renowned charitable organization that is helping members of our own community fulfill their home ownership dreams,” said Jack McCrudden, 2011 President, Board of Directors, OMDREB. “As realtors we know the excitement a new home means and it will be a pleasure to watch this house become a home to such a large and deserving family. We congratulate this family on its plan to set their roots in their community as homeowners. We are honoured to take part in making home ownership a reality for them. We have successfully raised over $100,000 for Habitat Halton to date.”

December 6th marked the beginning of a very exciting time in the life of a Halton family. Ginger, a hard working mother, and her four children are currently living in a small and overcrowded townhouse. One of the children’s bedrooms is in an unfinished basement - a space shared with the furnace, washing machine and dryer. The walls are partially concrete and the windows are too small to serve as an emergency exit. The townhouse has exhibited health challenges such as a mold problem in the bathroom which creates breathing problems for one of the children. Ginger has worked diligently to get her finances in order and her energetic family is committed to working as a team with Habitat as they start their new life in Milton. The family has been diligently building up its “sweat equity” hours, a Habitat requirement for new homeowners. The family can begin to build up equity and, it can start to make major improvements in their lives one step at a time.

CBC.ca | The Current | News Promo

CBC.ca | The Current | News Promo
Thursday December 8th at 8.37am on CBC Radio 1 with a special feature interview with Lorna Crozier on Poverty in Canada. Listen in!

Snap Milton December Calendar

The December 2011 issue vol 6 no 10 includes the a dramatic reading of A Christmas Carol event on Friday Dec 9th in its December calendar. Thanks. Tickets are still available. See the MACCWT or HSHM website.

InsideHalton Article: New unit temporary shelter for families in crisis

InsideHalton Article: New unit temporary shelter for families in crisis
Great to see Wendy on bahlf of Milton Transitional Housing Corp quoted in this latest Champion article on homelessness in Halton. Congratulations to Salvation Army on opening an apartment also in Milton, which means combined HSHM and SA will be able to support two new individuals or families.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Tickets still available for "A Christmas Carol"


Tickets selling well with well over 100 so far but there are tickets still available to support the latest fundraiser. Friday December 9th, Southside Community Church on Derry Road

InsideHalton Article: Solving Halton’s housing crisis

InsideHalton Article: Solving Halton’s housing crisis Meed Ward raised concerns about the waitlist for assisted housing in Halton. The latest figures show about 2,780 individuals on the HATCH waitlist for housing; the region says the average wait time is 2.7 years. Regional plan to introduce 300 new assisted-housing units doesn’t meet need. Read more.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Silver Award winner of Halton's Be a Hero contest

One of the long term Bridging the Gap youth, and a previous CAS client, who has personally experienced poverty, homelessness and abuse submitted a beautiful, moving poem to Halton’s Be a Hero contest. Victoria was recognized and awarded with 2nd place (Silver Award) out of close to 100 submissions at last week’s ceremony.

The poem she wrote is based on “Crissy’s Story” below but speaks to Victoria’s own perseverance, hope and determination in taking care of herself and finding a permanent, stable home in her community.

Crissy's story Transitional housing for youth:

You’ve probably heard the expression “safe at home”. But the truth is – not everyone is safe at home. I should know. My dad left a long time ago and we don’t hear from him. My brother had a hard time dealing with whole thing. He blamed my mom for dad leaving, so he was always angry. I guess he started to drink and do drugs to make the pain go away. But it didn’t go away. Whenever he was using, he’d either be drunk or high and he would take his anger out on me – he would beat me. I was so scared. Mom couldn’t protect me from him; I guess she was scared too. Finally I couldn’t take it any more; I had to leave – for me. I tried to find a shelter here in Halton so I could stay in school. They didn’t have any room but they helped me find a safe place in Peel. I felt so alone. There was no way I was going back home, but I couldn’t stay in the shelter for very long. It’s only temporary – usually only a few weeks.
Finally a spot opened up back here in Halton, so I came back. The shelter worker connected me with some people who could help me. They were great; they were really there for me. They helped me get my Ontario Works (OW) so that I could find a room to rent, and they take me to the food bank because I don’t have a car. I have dreams. I want to finish school and I hope to go to college some day. But right now it’s one day at a time and for the first time in a long time I’m starting to feel like things are going to be okay for me. Without their support I’d probably be somewhere out on the streets.

Temporary Home
by Victoria Noble

She was happy
She was content
Her dad turned away
And that's when her road bent

Her brother lost control
Lost the meaning within his soul
Ran to drugs and alcohol
This wasn't the same brother that she recalls

He would come home mad
Make her and her mother feel bad
She was the victim of his abuse
She knew it was because of the drug use

She had to go; she had to get away
Couldn't deal with the abuse for another day
She packed her bags and left home
On her own she was left to roam

She had to figure out where she was going to stay
She needed to find a bed where she could lay
So she could be safe from the pain
And end the stress that ran through her veins

She found a place to sleep
Though it was not her bed to keep
She had to leave in a few weeks
So she folded the bed sheets

She was at a place where she felt alone
That feeling sent shivers of fear through her bones
She had nobody but herself to pull through
She had no idea what she was going to do

Finally someone was able to take her hand
They helped her from the sinking sand
They told her to continue on with her dreams
Nothing is as impossible as it seems

She got back on her own two feet
She feels like she is impossible to defeat
Life is a very hard mountain to climb
But she remembers to take it one day at a time

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

New office home for Home Suite Hope (Oakville)

Home Suite Hope Shared Living Corp in Oakville have moved. Home Suite Hope’s new office was kindly provided by Budd’s Collision. HSH-O express their sincerest thanks to Budd’s Collision for their community support of Home Suite Hope through the donation of office space to us. www.buddscollision.com

2071 South Service Road West, Oakville, ON L6L 5W2. Second floor of Budd’s Collision.
Access to the office is from the parking lot in front of Budd’s at the South Service Road West entrance.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Laurie McKay appointed as Administrative Coordinator

We are tremendously excited to announce the appointment of Laurie McKay as an Administrative Coordinator. This is the first important appointment to the Home Suite Hope Milton (HSHM) project and Laurie will be working to lead the organization in supporting those individuals or families at risk of homelessness in our community. She will be working for us on a part time consultancy basis.

Laurie’s Masters of Social Work together with her child and family services experience makes her especially suited to represent Home Suite Hope Milton and help grow the project towards its goal of 7 units in 5 years. Laurie was a volunteer for many years at Halton Women’s Place

Welcome Laurie

Monday, November 21, 2011

Champion article on upcoming Christmas Carol reading

Here is a link to our dramatic reading of a Christmas carol on december 9th with the CBC's Jim Curran. A Christmas Carol

Now on twitter

Home Suite Hope Milton as HSHMilton is now on twitter. Follow us.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Hope 4 Holiday Milton campaign


Home Suite Hope Milton has also launched a new ‘Hope 4 Holiday’ campaign, whereby supporters of the project can make a Christmas giving donation. The flyer is entitled ‘Do something really special for the holiday season …Help put an end to poverty in our community!”. Any amount can be donated; $50 would buy groceries for a family for a week or $100 to pay for transportation for a month. Email sponsor.hshmilton@gmail.com or donate through the www.miltonchristianchurches.ca website by clicking on ‘Hope 4 Holiday’.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Croydon homeless shelter

It was an interesting night last night helping out in a homeless shelter in Croydon, London in the UK. There were fourteen male cleints and as many helpers. It was the second week of the 'floating shelter' that runs from November through til March during the colder months of the year in the UK. Floating because every night the shelter is provided by a different church across the London Borough of Croydon. The homeless have to crisscross the Croydon area to the shelter for the following night. They can get a travel card to save them the £4.40 to catch 2 buses. One of the clients did have one for the following day and was appealing to the organisers to help him get a new Oyster card. There was one gentleman who did not speak English. One of the organisers had emailed in advance to his congregation and had 5 people volunteer within 24 hours to come down as an interpreter or translator into Polish. It was interesting to see the paperwork for benefits this gentleman had received via a Salvation Army address but was unable to read and understand or speak to them by phone. They had a three course dinner and warm night.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Champion interview

The Milton Canadian Champion have asked me for an interview next week to learn more about the progress of our Milton Transitional Housing project. I hope to have an announcement for them as well as gain their support to publicise 'The Christmas Carol' dramatic reading by Jim Curran on December 9th. Please keep two tickets for me too!

Homeless Shelter in London, UK

There is a steering group meeting tonight in Milton for Home Suite Hope Milton but I am in London, UK, instead, heading off to help at a homeless shelter. More news to follow

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Homeless issue is no apparition


As temperatures fall, we switch to winter tires and we warm our houses in preparation for Christmas festivities we should reflect of those at risk of homelessness within our own Milton community. Home Suite Hope Milton is hosting CBC personality Jim Curran reading of a dramatic reading of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”.

“We are delighted that we will be able to place the individual or family in the first unit before the snow and during 2011 as the original project team had committed to”, said Wendy Schau the latest new director of Milton Transitional Housing Corp. which runs the Home Suite Hope project. Wendy added; “We are fortunate to have Jim Curran adding his humour and interpretation to this famous Christmas tale about those who are vulnerable and in need in our community.”

The evening of funraising entertainment is complemented by the Milton Players Theatre Group and singers from the Milton Choristers at Southside Community Church, Derry Road, on Friday December 9th at 7.30pm. Tickets can be purchased in advance from tickets.hshm@gmail.com or www.miltonchristianchurches.ca by clicking on ‘A Christmas Carol tickets’; Adults $20, children $10 or a family $50 with space is limited to the first 300 people.

The team is hoping to shortly appoint an Administrative Coordinator consultant, to provide leadership of the activities of the project providing shelter in the Milton unit which has recently been leased. The role is made possible by a two-year grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. As well, funding from the grant will be used for communications, rental costs and the program delivery for the initiative. The grant was made to the Milton Area Christian Churches Working Together (MACCWT). Disappointingly, the team did not receive funding from the Region and expects to hear shortly whether it has been successful with the Town of Milton Community Fund for capital for computers and office furniture. Home Suite Hope Milton is working in collaboration with Home Suite Hope Shared Living Corp (HSH) in Oakville, which is providing services to identify and screen individuals or families to support for the initiative.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Milton Community Housing Coalition donation

The Milton Community Housing Coalition will be donating $2000 to Home Suite Hope Milton. Thank you so much. The MCHC group was formed in 2000 and ceased meeting in 2008, but has collected additional donations. Milton Transitional Housing will have a lot of freedom on how the $2000 donation is spent. The MCHC donors will be notified how their donations are being put to good use with MTH to support those at risk of homelessness in Milton.

Salvation Army Food Drive

The Salvation Army will be doing a food drive on the morning of Saturday December 3rd. Please respond or let the SA know if you are willing to volunteer to help out.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Milton Chamber of Commerce

Home Suite Hope Milton (Milton Transitional Housing Corp.) is now a member of the Milton Chamber of Commerce. We all look forward to attending the Chamber of Commerce events and making new connections around town to support our transitional housing goals for those at risk of homelessness in Milton.

Town of Milton Community grant

We have applied for a $5,000 grant from the Town of Milton Community Grant to supply us with capital equipment such as a computer, printer, phones and other office supplies. We will keep you posted. There are some first interviews for the Administrative Coordinator Consultant on Monday.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

HSH Shared Living Corp AGM

Tonight I attended the Home Suite Hope Shared Living Corp's AGM in Oakville together with Ruth Parkinson and Bob Walker from Home Suite Home Milton. The AGM took place in the training room of Royal Lepage in Oakville with food generously donated by Boston Pizza who will have a forthcoming fundraiser. A very professional looking first ever annual report was presented. Congratulations. The annual report includes a report from Janice Moro, Executive Director on the four key strategic issues together with the 7 strategies to address them. Glen Herring (Chair), Bill McLeod, Janice Moro and Lisa Somers presented during the 30 minute AGM. Recognition was made to the incorporation achieved by our new Milton Transitional Housing Corp.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Dwight Lacey interview HSH Oakville

This is an interview with Dwight Lacey a board member and original co-founder of Home Suite Hope in Oakville. Dwight's vision was for Home Suite Hope to always expand beyond just Oakville. He discussed the homeless need with us yesterday at the 5th Empty Bowls event in Oakville. Click link http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifhere to YouTube

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Oakville Empty Bowls success





Interview with Dorothy Byers, Head of School at St Mildred's-Lightbourn School

Todays's Empty Bowls at St Mildred's Lightbourn School in Oakville was astonishing in so many respects.

Click here to see
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
There was an overwhelming number of people who came out to support the event as well as sponsors. The engagement of the school was a stroke of genius. Here is an interview with Dorothy Byers the headmistress describing why this was important to the school and how the kids became engaged. I have more video and more photos to post. The kids busked in the corridors, painted bowls, created mock-up cardboard shelters and plaques describing a homeless person's story and facts about homelessness in Halton. The local MP also attended. Congratulations to the school and the vast organisation from the Home Suite Hope organisation and planning committee. Spectacular event.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Minority Ontario government creates opportunity to bring in much-needed four-point housing plan

Minority Ontario government creates opportunity to bring in much-needed four-point housing plan

Empty Bowls in Oakville this Sunday 12-3pm


Don't forget to support the Home Suite Hope Shared Living Corp Empty Bowls. This is the original Oakville Home Suite Hope organisation and our supporters for our own transitional housing solution in Milton. It takes place at St Mildred's Lightbourn School in Oakville from noon-3pm

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Administrative Coordinator Consultant applications

We are pleased to report that we have so far had 6 quality applications for this position to work 30 hours a month to support the goals of this project as a consultant. Interviews will be taking place shorly.

Deloitte

Deloitte recently held a brainstorming session on volunteerism and fundraising to assist both Home Suite Hope Milton and Home Suite Hope Shared Living Corp. The exact value of the benefit in kind is estimated to be worth in excess of $25,000. Both Home Suite Hope teams were appreciatiative of the strategic thinking and insights that Deloitte's team based in Burlington were able to offer. Thank you. We encourage you individually to support these transitional housing projects.

St Paul's thank you

Home Suite Hope Milton would like to thank St Paul's United Church on Main Street East for their latest donation to support this project.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving


An amazing weekend to be out. I hope our learn to kayakers were out on the water this weekend. I looked out for you all on Kelso this afternoon. Here is a photo of Lake Huron in Goderich - amazing weather for October.

Sadly, invisible people reports that 300 homeless out on streets as Seattle shelters are forced to close.

Our Home Suite Hope steering rgoup meet tomorrow night to progress our charitable status

Saturday, October 8, 2011

A Christmas Carol fundraising

A dramatic reading of Dicken's "A Christmas Carol" will be held at Southside Community Church on Friday December 9th, including Jim Curran, from CBC Radio and performers from the Milton Players Theatre Group. Mark your calendars. Proceeds will go to the Home Suite Hope Milton project.

Milton Transitional Housing Corp nominations

We are have five nominations for Directors of Milton Transitional Housing Corp. Three individuals have been founding members of the Hope Suite Hope Milton transitional housing project steering group as part of MACCWT. They are Lorna Turner, Ruth Parkinson and Bob Walker. Joining them are two new members of the team; ex-local councillor Wendy Schau and social worker Kathryn Gibb. They will be supported by myself and Carol Atkinson who have been part of the HSH-M steering group as well as MACCWT have fostered the project. This is yet to be voted upon and ratified.

Signed lease

We are pleased to announce that we have a signed 1st lease until June 2013. We are searching for a first individual or family at risk of homelessness in Milton.

10,000 page views

Wow! Thank you so much. We have now had 10,000 page views in the exactly 3 years since this blog started and more amazing is that 5,000 of those page views have been in the last six months. This tells me the Milton community really are accepting and supporting those in our community at risk of homelessness. Thank you for your support for Home Suite Hope Milton (Milton Transitional Housing Corp.)

Friday, October 7, 2011

Community Development Halton (CDH) funding

It appears the Region will maintain a budget of $240,000 for Community Development Halton in 2012. One aspect of their work is researching and publishing reports on the state of poverty in Halton. The potential for budget cuts was reported in the Champion yesterday. One of those interviewed indicated that the work of CDH was essential to direct us to address the poor in Halton. I do not entirely agree as the formation of Home Suite Hope Milton has now proven. We did not wait for direction from the Region on homelessness in Milton, we saw it for ourselves and decided that we had a personal responsibility to act.

I love President Obama's comment about Steve jobs this week; that he was "brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it"

Join in the spirit of giving at Empty Bowls 2011 - October 16th - Oakville

Our partner organisation, the original Home Suite Hope based in Oakville have their Empty Bowls which will be helf at the St Mildred's Lightbourn School, Oakville on Sunday Oct 16th 12-3pm. Their goal is to sell 700 tickets at $55 each.

Local solutions to local homelessness

For more information contact jules@homesuitehope.org or visit their website www.homesuitehope.org

Sunday, October 2, 2011

First Habitat for Humanity for Milton

The Champion report that Mattamy Homes will be breaking ground this November for the first Habitat for Humanity home to be built in Milton. Mattamy have donated the land for the 1150 square foot home. The family must meet certain criteria of being working poor or in poverty paying more than 30% of net income to rent and must contribute 500 hours to the building of the home. Anne Swarbrick, executive director at Habitat for Humanity states that 6% of households in Milton live below the poverty line based on 2006 census stats.

Incorporation

We have been successful in obtaining incorporation status for Milton Transitional Housing Corp. which is the legal name of Home Suite Hope Milton. This incorporation is important to us as it now enables us to apply for charitable status and move out from the umbrella so generously extended to us by MACCWT. Another milestone. Well done team.

SNAP Milton coverage of 'Learn to Kayak' fundraiser

SNAP Milton has posted coverage of the 'Learn to Kayak' organised by Mississauga Canoe Club in support of Home Suite Hope Milton. Follow the link to see the article and picture. Click here

Friday, September 30, 2011

Web design

We have a brief out for estimates to help us build a website for Home Suite Hope Milton.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Rev Thom Davies - Wesley Urban Ministries

I listened to an inspiring message today from Rev Thom Davies from Wesley Urban Ministries. It underlines for me why we started this project and blog. I hope I can obtain some of his stories to share on this blog. He described a room of homeless people at a Hamilton shelter and their stories. It demonstrates a very human tragedy. Intelligent, good people, not middle class with a sudden life event that has tipped the balance and pushed them into a spiral of desperation, homelessness and vulnerability. There was a happy side to the story, through collaboration and case guided workers Hamilton has become a beacon of best practice and the first community to be able to close one of its four shelters due to declining need through the success of their programs. Thank you Rev Davies - you inspire us.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Paddle Power

Latest coverage about our 'Learn to Kayak' event on Mill Pond. The event raised further funds for the HSH-M project. Click here

Halton's affordable housing category

Halton missing housing strategy targets report in the Canadian Champion Tuesday Sept 13th. Click here

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Sanderson Group

The Sanderson Group has offered to support us in our efforts to identify a suitable consultant for the Administrative Coordinator role supporting the HSH-M project. They are very impressed with what we are doing.

Administrative Coordinator Consultant position


Applications invited for ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR CONSULTANT
With Home Suite Hope Milton Transitional Housing Project

Home Suite Hope Milton Transitional Housing Project (HSH-Milton) is seeking a consultant to provide Administrative Coordination functions for our new organization, reporting directly to the HSH-Milton Transitional Housing Project Team. The HSH-Milton project is a community-based initiative to assist those at risk of homelessness in Milton to reconstruct their lives with dignity. Our goal is to house as many as seven families or individuals within five years for between 4-24 months. We have now secured a two-year grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
This Administrative Coordinator role will be a leadership position with the project and may include:
Helping the volunteer HSH-Milton Project Team in developing our overall program and organization.
Administering the day-to-day operation of the project, including ensuring all records, files, etc. are in order.
Monitoring the entire project and communicate with team members, volunteers and the public.
Monitoring the delivery of social work services to HSH-Milton participants in conjunction with personnel designated from Home Suite Hope Shared Living Corp (HSH-Oakville), who have been contracted to coordinate the HSH-Milton program and delivery services.
Participating in the development of program elements (advocacy, referrals, progress reviews, and documentation, etc.), as required;
Participating in the HSH-Milton Project Steering Committee as well as the large project team, including evening meetings.
Cultivating and managing relationships with other social service agencies in the Halton area.
Supporting the Fundraising Coordinator in the conduct of fund raising activities.
Calling on the skills and experience of the Project Team members when required to obtain resources that are needed and not already available to deal with situations as they arise.

SKILL SET REQUIRED:
Successful completion of business administration program at college or university level (or the equivalent in experience).
Five years related experience.
Knowledgeable about social agencies and services that are available in the town of Milton, in Halton Region and the greater GTA area.
The ability to work well with committees, clients, service delivery agencies and volunteers in a team environment;
Strong administrative and management skills, with the ability to work with minimal supervision.
Good communicator, an active and discerning listener, a motivator and a delegator.
Positive attitude and responsive to input and suggestions.
Demonstrates flexibility in the way objectives are achieved.

REMUNERATION: $30/hour plus expenses, for 30 hours per month. This is a contract consultancy and will require payment through the issuing of invoices by the consultant.

CONTACT: If interested in learning more, or to submit your application, please:
Phone: Lorna Turner at 905-876-0218; or
Ruth Parkinson at 905-875-4136
Email: hshmilton@gmail.com
Mail: Home Suite Hope Milton Transitional Housing
123 Main Street East, Milton ON L9T 1N4

Thursday, September 8, 2011

More learn to kayak pictures



Administrative Coordinator Consultant posted

We have todsy posted to find a consultant Administrative Coordinator to provide project leadership reporting to the Home Suite Hope Milton project team. If interested and you wish to see further details email hshmilton@gmail.com

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Fun today on the picturesque Mill Pond


We had a wonderful turnout at today's 'Learn to Kayak' on Mill Pond in Milton. It may have been a little tough for people to find Livingstone Park. We raised over $300. This is Sarah at the Farmer's Market with Ruth early this morning. Thank you to all our supporters and volunteers for their help including the paddlers from Mississauga Canoe Club who gave up their time and brought over 20 kayaks to Mill Pond. Let's hope there is an even bigger event next year. Mountain Equipment Co-op, Burlington very kindly donated 8 backpacks to support the event. While the money raised was very modest, I am sure the event helped us communicate the goals of Home Suite Home Milton transitional housing project to more people in our community through the Farmer's Market, kayaking and media. It was a beautiful day to be out on Mill Pond.

Sunday, August 28, 2011

1st lease signed

Milton Area Christian Churches Working Together (MACCWT) to whom the Home Suite Hope Milton is a project have signed a lease for the 1st transitional housing unit in Milton. Another key and major milestone.

St Paul's Herald

I am pleased to see an advert for the 'Learn to Kayak & Play Canoe Polo' on the back page of the St Paul's Herald September 2011. Spread the word. It promises to be a great event and we have permission to provide food and refreshments. We will be at the Farmer's Market on Main Street from 7am on Saturday, Sept 3rd, which is the day of the event at Mill Pond starting at 10am

Friday, August 19, 2011

invisiblepeople

CBC Radio 1 Metro Morning today interview a gentleman on a Canadian roadshow who has been interviewing the homeless. They are posted on his website www.invisiblepeople.tv It was a very interesting interview and he would make a passionate speaker and advocate to help guide us. Follow the link to his website

Lifeguards

I have been asking around Town for Lifeguards. We need 2 for the 'Learn to Kayak' or 4 if they want to do 2 hour shifts to support the kayaking on Mill Pond on September 3rd. The team at Kelso were very helpful offering some guidance and hope the Milton Leisure Centre may have willing lifeguards. If you are or know a lifeguard particularly looking to gain volunteer hours please let us know.

Goodlife Fitness and Moksha Yoga support

Both Goodlife Fitess and Moksha Yoga Milton are supporting our 'Learn to Kayak' on Sepetmebr 3rd by promoting the fundraising event to their members. Thanks. Moksha Yoga Milton have offered to create an 'event' on their Facebook page.

Inside Milton Magazine - August 2011

On page 78 of the new Inside Milton Magazine there is a diary date for the 'Learn to Kayak' on September 3rd at Mill Pond. Very pleased to see a new magazine supporting us.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

New Champion article on regional funding success

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Here is the latest Champion article entitled "Grant secured for transitional local hosuing". The project should have been spelled as Home Suite Hope Milton. The coverage will help us raise awareness among the local community and build new connections and volunteers.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Ted Chudleigh MPP Quote

Halton MPP Ted Chudleigh very graciously commented on the award of Ontario Trillium Foundation grant to Home Suite Hope Milton:

“Once again the Trillium Foundation has identified and helped to fund a project in our community which will have a major impact on the lives of some people. As our community grows the need for specific community supports will also grow. It's important to stay on top of these needs."

Canadian Champion

I was interviewed on Tuesday by The Milton Champion regarding our latest exciting news of the Ontario Trillium Foundation funding. The paper has been very supportive and we hope a story will soon appear. I will create a link to it online when posted.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Cheque from OTF in the bank

It is exciting to report that we have received the first cheque from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the money is now in the bank. At this point we can now begin to move forward, meaning that MACCWT will be able to sign the lase for the first unit and put in place the services to support our first individual or family

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Ontario Trillium Foundation successful grant award

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) has awarded the transitional housing project of Milton Area Christian Churches Working Together (MACCWT) $143,400 over 24 months in support of the Home Suite Hope Milton program. This is exceptional news. Congratulations team. It reinforces the confidence and value of the program recognised by OTF. This will mean that HSHM has the necessary funds for MACCWT to sign a lease for the first transitional housing unit in Milton and provide support to an individual at risk of homelessness in our community. This is the culmination of three years of work and a proud day for the team and our supporters. Thank you.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Learn to Kayak poster


The poster is already displayed in the 5 Starbucks around Milton.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Mississauga Learn to Kayak

Mississauga Canoe Club are running a 'Learn to Kayak' event on September 3rd in Mill Pond and will also do a demonstration game of Canoe Polo at noon. See the video on the attached link on YouTube

Friday, July 15, 2011

Social Housing wait list growing

The Champion reported July 14th on last week's Halton Region report released by the health and social services committee showing that the wait list for social housing increased dramatically in 2010 to 2,140 applicants. It is suggested the economic downtown may be responsible for the 9.6% increase over 2009. The article by Christina Commisso indicates that on average applicants wait three years before being placed in a rent-geared-to-income unit. If all applicants stayed on the list it would take 27 years to house them all. It also reinforces our own HSH-M project findings that there are very few one bedroom apartments available for rent.

Halton Regional Grant Application

This week Ruth, Lorna, Carol and I met this week to answer questions from the Halton Region on our grant application for funding to support Home Suite Hope Milton. They are impressed with the detail of our proposal and the value of the project to the community. This does not mean funding will be provided this year but we hope that the Region show there support for the project. Well done team.

Monday, June 27, 2011

Letter from Lisa Raitt

Here is an extract from a letter from Lisa Raitt, MP for Halton dated May 19th.
"I wanted to follow up and congratulate you on the excellent fundraiser for homelessness that you and your colleagues organized on April 30, 2011.
The Home Suite Hope event was wonderful. I was delighted to attend, and to see that you received such a strong turnout. In particular, I thought the “Empty Bowls” theme was extremely creative. Recruiting nearly a dozen restaurants to donate different soups, and providing the attendees with colourful hand-painted, donated bowls brought a fresh energy to your event – and further enhanced your outreach.
In prosperous Halton, it’s sometimes easy to forget that homelessness is a reality in our community, too. But we mustn’t forget, and I’m grateful that there are people like you and your colleagues with the allied Milton churches, who make it a priority to keep our most vulnerable neighbours on our minds, in our hearts, and in the media too.
I believe your fundraiser, like all the Milton Area Christian Churches initiatives, was well-organized, professionally communicated throughout the community, and structured to keep costs low. That speaks very well to your determination that the funds raised will go where they are needed – to the individuals and families who require help finding shelter and rebuilding their lives.
Once again, my congratulations, and please let me know how I can be involved in future events and initiatives you plan in the future."

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Halton Regional Grant Application

A new application for a grant from the Halton Region has been submitted. It reads exceptionally well. I very much hope we will be successful. It further communicatates the objectives and goals of our project within the Region and increases the awareness on its own. It will complement the Ontario Trillium Foundation Application, with news expected very soon.

Gourmet Extravaganza

The dinner at Bill, Mary and Alex Judge's house with chef Timothy Davies raised an amazing net $1600 after costs and was attended by 17 people on the first nifght and 18 the following night. Amazing. Congratulations to you on this great event and new fundraising effort.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Blogger interruption

Sorry there has been no postings for the last month. There was a problem with Blogger and I had several blogs drafted that I was unable to post! All fixed now. More news to follow.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

New Milton Canadian Champion coverage

The Milton Canadian Champion yesterday covered the success from the Empty Bowls event on April 30th. Click here to see the picture and article

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Support from SHOW

Here is an email reproduced with permission.
"I read the article about your efforts to create housing for homeless individuals in Milton. I am the past Chair of Supportive Housing of Waterloo (SHOW), a faith-based organization in Waterloo that last June finally opened a 30 unit apartment building, all one bedrooms, for people experiencing persistent homelessness. Each unit is 500 or so square feet, all one bedroom. Our tenants include both men and women and have been homeless anywhere from 5 to over 20 years. We contract out the support services to the KW-YWCA and they are on site 24/7. We had loads of help from the Region of Waterloo. We also hired a project coordinator who has helped groups build housing all over SW Ontario and as far away as Lindsey. We had and still do not have any
paid staff. It was done with our board of directors, 15 people who are passionate about affordable housing for homeless individuals. We applied to CMHC for a SEED grant of $10,000 and then a subsequent loan of the same amount to help us get started. As well we applied to CMHC for a Partnership Development Fund loan of $100,000 (a portion of which is forgivable if your project gets built). Our report on our accomplishment is currently in its draft form but if you would like a finished copy let me know. Homelessness in Canada is outrageous and anyone doing anything to rectify it should be commended."

Learn to Kayak fundraiser on Mill Pond Saturday Sept 3rd


Mississauga Canoe Club is pleased to support Home Suite Hope Milton with a 'Learn to Kayak' event and Canoe Polo demonstration on Mill Pond on Saturday September 3rd starting at 10am. Further information will follow and has been added to the Town calendar of events and the Canoe Polo Ontario group on Facebook.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Bill Judge Gourmet Extravaganza

Bill, Mary and Alex Judge are hosting a gourmet dinner event in support of Home Suite Hope with Chef Timothy Davies. Tickets are limited. Click here to view the invite.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

First ever Empty Bowls success raises $7,500


We are overwhemed to report that our first Empty Bowls which signaled the launch of Home Suite Hope Milton raised an astounding $7,500 after expenses. We sold 165 tickets, several people made donations of cash, and we have been approached by individuals offering to buy the remaining bowls. Some supporters decided to donate their bwols back rather than leave with them. Thank you everyone for all the words of support. Here is one specific photo which captures the essence perfectly

All Saints Kingsway

All Saints Kingsway Church is featured in SNAP Etobicoke showing the special art show of pictures created by the homeless at the ASK 'Out of the Cold' program. Brilliant initiative and we are very grateful to David Jenkins for all his encouragement and guidance earlier in our journey when were investigating a homeless shelter for Milton

Ontario Trillium Foundation update

We have heard from the OTF who would like to ask questions of us concerning our application. Excellent.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Halton constituent candidates attend Empty Bowls




We were delighted to welcome Connie Laurin-Bowie, Pat Heroux and Lisa Raitt to Empty Bowls on Saturday. You chose your bowls well. I like Connie's! It was a great opportunity to talk about the homeless issue in Milton and transitional housing solution. Thanks to Ted Chudleigh and Indira Naidoo-Harris and other ward representatives who supported this imprtant first Milton Empty Bowls and launch of Home Suite Home Milton.

Wow Wow Wow - Thank you






Our first Empty Bowls at St Paul's Milton yesterday was a wonderful success. Thank you to the almost 200 people who came out, our sponsors and our great volunteers. We highlighted the homeless issue in Milton, tried amazing gourmet soups, ate with friends and made important new connections. We also left with the most gorgeous hand-painted bowls. I will let the photographs do the talking. More detail to follow.

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Empty Bowls today

We look forward to welcoming you to Empty Bowls today. More than 150 tickets have been sold and the lower hall of St Paul's United Church on Main Street East is being set up for a noon start. It is wonderful to see the formal launch of a project to make provision for those most in need in our community, which started back in September 2008.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Halton candidates respond to questions

The Champion asked the five Halton regional candidates specific questions. Champion Tuesday April 26th Each responded to the following question "The majority of social services agencies in Halton are experiencing increases in demand and homelessness is on the rise. What strategy has your party adopted aimed at the elimination of poverty?" Read their responses.

Monday, April 25, 2011

130 tickets sold so far to Empty Bowls

This is amazing. 130 tickets have been sold to date for the Empty Bowls event this forthcoming Saturday. This equates to a wonderful $6,500 and so we are well on our way to making $10,000 to start off the first transitional housing unit in Milton. We are very grateful to all the businesses and individuals who have committed to support so far. We hope to sell another 70 tickets. They are available through the www.miltonchristianchurches.ca website. Click on Empty Bowls.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Town of Milton promote Empty Bowls

I am thoroughly delighted to see potentially the first reference to Tranistional Housing and Homeless on the Town of Milton website. The Empty Bowls event appears in the Community Events calendar Another key step forward. Thank you Town of Milton.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Home Suite Hope Milton - it's official

It's official. Home Suite Hope Shared Living Corp in Oakville have approved the use of the name Home Suite Hope Milton for use by Milton Transitional Housing project of Milton Area Christian Churches Working Together (MACCWT). The Empty Bowls event on April 30th can now be the Home Suite Hope Milton "Empty Bowls" event!! Another key milestone in our journey. Read yesterday's article in the Champion. http://tinyurl.com/42jdtzl

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Champion Thursday April 21 page 3 & 4

Here is a link to today's article in the Milton Canadian Champion. Click here for the article talking about the Milton Transitional Housing and Empty Bowls fundraiser on April 30th. I am rather embarrassed that to read how much the article attributes to me. Sorry. I really has been a team effort. Still I hope the article raises awareness amongst our Milton community and draws people out to our Empty Bowls fundraiser and launch of the Milton Transitional Housing project.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Local candidates

I was delighted to meet Connie Laurin-Bowie at the award winning Pasqualino's this week. She indicated that Liberal would try to enact the National Homeless Strategy. It was noted in the media that the subject of homelessness has yet to be addresses by the leaders of the parties in the televised election debates. We hope that Connie and the other candidates will attend the Empty Bowls on April 30th to launch and raise funds for this new Milton Transitional Housing project.

Home Suite Hope Shared Living facebook page

Here is a link to Home Suite Hope Shared Living Corporation facebook page. The original Oakville charity. It includes an advert for our own Empty Bowls event.

Here is the link to HSH Oakville website

Mill Pond 'Learn to kayak'

I have read the Town bylaws and they allow kayaking on Mill Pond. I am therefore proposing a "Come & Try It -" and "Canoe Polo" on Mill Pond over the summer. I need to discuss what fundraising type of event would be allowed by the Town but residents could donate to the Milton Transitional Housing project. I am sure the Mississauga Canoe Club canoe polo team would be happy to run a 'Learn to kayak' and introduction to Canoe Polo.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Hawthorne Villager

Empty Bowls mentioned in the Hawthorne Villager

Direct link to Empty Bowl tickets

http://tinyurl.com/3mt5loa

Here is the direct link to buy tickets for the April 30th Empty Bowls event

Posters are displayed at the five Starbucks around Milton on the 'In the Neighbourhood' boards

Vote on a new name

We voted tonight on a new name for the project to take us forward as a corporation. Milton Transitional Housing was unanimously carried. We proposed to seek to use Home Suite Hope Milton name as the operational name, subject to contractual acceptance by Home Suite Hope Shared Living Corporation.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

2011 Milton Community Fund

We hope to be able to submit an application for the Town of Milton Community Fund to support the Milton Transitioning Housing project, The fund was established to distribute a protion of the funds received from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (Mohawk location).

Offers of help

I received a call today from a social worker in town offering to support our Milton Transitioning Housing project and delighted to see action being taken to address the issue.

Empty Bowls

One of the Town's employers, 3M Canada north of the highway has promoted to the Empty Bowls event to its employees. It will be great to encourage other employees in Milton to promote the event and raise awareness through their employees, many of who make up residents in the community.

What will it take to eliminate poverty in Halton?

The Champion ran a story on Thursday March 31st entitled "Halton regional council hikes social program funding". Director of Community Development Halton (CDH), Dr Joey Edwardh presented at the region's health and social services committee. The paper reported the approval to increase CDH's funding for social programs from $50,000 to $67,500 and also to proivde $175,000 to Volunteer Halton in 2011. It was stated that the region is looking to provide low income residents with a free transit pass.

Champion

The Champion photographer Graham Paine met with Bill Dickinson, owner of Simply Creative, plus the Milton Transitional Housing project team, Audrey Peddie and Bob Walker to promote the Empty Bowls event coming up on April 30th. Watch out for the story in the Champion.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Champion

Bob, Lorna and I met with Christina at the Champion yesterday. She was able to provide us with some recommended new contacts. I will be exploring setting up a photoshoot at Simply Creative to publicize the Empty Bowls. We also considered what question we should be asking the Halton federal candidates.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Federal election - ASK

What should we be asking of the candidates for the Halton riding. This should be an opportunity to ask tough questions of Lisa Raitt, Connie Laurin-Bowie and Pat Heroux on how they will support the needs of the homeless in Milton and the Halton region. Let's hope they attend the Empty Bowls on April 30th at St Paul's. We will plan our communications.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Success at Casa Americo

Our thanks to Casa Americo and the community in Milton for helping us raise $390 last night at the Wine Tasting. Manager of Casa Americo, Salvatore Crisci was very pleased to be supporting this project. The ambience, food, wine and company were excellent. Lloyd Delpratt donated his time and wonderful musical talents by playing piano for the restaurant guests. Samantha Ward, Territory Sales Representative of Authentic Wine & Spirits Merchants donated the wine. This first $390 will go towards the fundraising for the Empty Bowls on April 30th.

Another restaurant supporting Empty Bowls

The latest reasturant in Milton to support the Empty Bowls on April 30th is South 202 on Main Street. Thank you. The full list of supporting restaurants is now:
A Catered Affair
Allison’s Gourmet Catering
Bristo
Brunello’s
Bumper’s Roadhouse
Japan Buffet
Osso Bucco
Pasqualino’s
Shoeless Joe’s
South 202
Swiss Chalet

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Page views exceed 5000

Wow. I am overwhelmed as the number of total page views has now exceeded 5000. Thank you. Please continue to share the news of this project to provide transitional housing for those in need in our Milton community. Please link the blog address to your facebook, twitter, LinkedIn and other social media sites and help us raise awareness and funds. Tickets are available for the Empty Bowls on April 30th. See you tonight at Casa Americo for Wine Tasting - 7.30pm Tuesday March 22nd.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Overwhelming response to painting of the Empty Bowls

The response to painting bowls for the Empty bowls event has been very well supported by the Milton community. In fact the owner of Simply Creative is unable to obtain more bowls on short notice for March 20 and 21. The committee for the Fundraising event wish to thank all who did paint a bowl and those who had the intention of going. To date, there are 180 bowls painted. They will be available on April 30 for gourmet soup. Thank you Lynn Dickinson of Simply Creative for your amazing support to our transitional housing project fundraising efforts

Empty Bowl Restaurants

Here are the ten restaurants committed so far to the Empty Bowls on April 30th.
A Catered Affair
Allison’s Gourmet Catering
Bistro
Brunello’s
Bumper’s Roadhouse
Japan Buffet
Osso Bucco
Pasqualino’s
Shoeless Joe’s
Swiss Chalet

The Homeless Hub

Hospital Costs and Length of Stay Among Homeless Patients Admitted to Medical, Surgical, and Psychiatric Services
by Hwang, S. W.; Weaver, J.; Aubry, T. D;. Hoch, J. S.
Homeless patients cost hospitals an extra $2,500, largely because they have underlying health problems and stay longer, a new study suggests.
The research found that hospital stays by the homeless cost an average of $2,559 more than for other patients – “a substantial impact on the health care system,” Stephen Hwang, lead author of the study and a physician at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, said in a release. Dr. Hwang compared data for 3,081 homeless patients and 90,345 patients from the general population who were admitted to St. Mike’s over a five-year period.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

St Michael's Hospital Homeless study

Matt Galloway on cbc radio 1 Metro Morning interviewed Dr Stephen Hwang, discussing the higher cost of treating homeless patients.

http://www.cbc.ca/metromorning/episodes/2011/03/09/homeless-study/

Monday, March 7, 2011

11 local restaurants so far

Eleven local Milton restaurants have already committed themselves to support the Empty Bowls on April 30th by providing free soup. Thank you all. We will list the restaurants here very soon. It will be a great event.

Do you want to paint?

200 bowls are being hand painted by volunteers at Simply Creative, 100 Nippising Unit 7, on the same strip just along from Sears from 6-8pm. Simply Creative is donating 24 bowls and all paint and the firing is also being donated free. The bowl painting sessions are March 13th, 14th, 20th and 21st. You need to arrive by 6.30pm to allow enough time for painting a bowl.

Casa Americo Celebration of Wine fundraiser

To support the Home Suite Home project fundraiser for Empty Bowls, Casa Americo is invited you to a celebration of wine on Tuesday 22 March 7.30 -9.30pm.
Home Suite Hope will exist for one simple reason; to address local homelessness. We will give people who are in a housing crisis support to rebuild and reshape their lives with dignity. Our grassroots success is a result of our partnering with the community of Halton, our residents, our volunteers and friends who like you share our vision and our commitment to truly make a difference to people in our community who need help. We believe a hand up is better than a hand out.
A $5.00 cover charge will apply. All proceeds will go to the Empty Bowls.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Milton's first ever Empty Bowls fundraiser

You can eat all the soup you want at the “Empty Bowls” fundraising event on Saturday, April 30. Milton’s finest restaurants are offering Milton’s caring citizens their very best soup in support of the Home Suite Hope Milton Transitional Housing Project to assist Milton’s homeless. “Empty Bowls” is hosted this year at St. Paul’s United Church, 123 Main Street in Milton from noon until 3pm.
Please support this first Empty Bowls fundraiser to help the homeless. Buy your “Empty Bowls” tickets now: call 905-876-0218 or email hshmilton@gmail.com reserve, or go online to the Milton Christian Churches website (www.miltonchristianchurches.ca), click on Transitional Housing > Empty Bowls and purchase your tickets with your credit card or PayPal.

Monday, February 28, 2011

Delivered

Our operational and capital grant application to the Ontario Trillium Foundation was successfully delivered today. Congratulations team.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

MACCWT signs OTF grant application

Stunning news this evening to learn that Milton Area Christian Churches Working Together has signed the grant application for Ontario Trillium Foundation for the Home Suite Hope Milton transitional housing project. This is a major milestone. Thank you everyone.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

9th Annual Homelessness Marathon airs Wednesday on Brock University Radio, CFBU 103.7 FM.

9th Annual Homelessness Marathon airs Wednesday on Brock University Radio, CFBU 103.7 FM.

The largest discussion on homelessness and poverty in Canada will broadcast live from the streets of Montreal, and locations across Canada, beginning Wednesday, February 23rd, at sunset until sunrise on Thursday, February 24th.

The Homelessness Marathon serves up 14 hours of people-powered radio, providing an opportunity for homeless people and their allies to take to the airwaves. The broadcast will feature a nationwide discussion on homelessness and possible solutions.

Listeners are invited to call-in with their questions or comments
toll-free: 1-866-594-7729. The broadcast begins locally at 5pm on CFBU 103.7 FM.
For information contact pd@cfbu.ca.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Committee hears poverty summit recommendations

Thursday's Milton Champion (February 17th), reported that "members of the Region's health and social service committee heard a number if recommendations to help Halton's most vulnerable". Anne Swarbick from Halton's Habitat for Humanity was one of the conference organisers and presented recommendations form the Summit on Poverty Reduction. The article reports the 5,300 households waiting for rent-geared-to-income housing. The video "Being Poor in Halton" was shown. The Halton council passed a motion to establish a poverty task force.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Ontario Trillium Foundation application

A group of 15 interested parties met last night to discuss the potential Ontario Trillium Foundation grant application through MACCWT. There were six members of the MACCWT Board in attendance together with four members of the Home Suite Hope Oakville organisation and members of the St Paul's transitional housing task force group who have put the draft grant aplication together. It was a lively and positive debate. The founding members of HSH-O were very impressed with the progress made and hopeful that there vision 8 years ago of a wider Halton transitional housing project may come to fruition in the near future.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Better Living Conditions for a Poverty Free Ontario

Poverty Free Halton & CDH invite you to a presentation and evening of reflection and dialogue Tuesday March 8th, 2011 at 7pm Oakville Public Library, Auditorium, 120 Navy Street, Oakville.
RSVP by Feb 28th online at pfh2011b.eventbrite.com or at CDH office at office@cdhalton.ca or 905-632-1975
Marvyn Novick & Peter Clutterbuck will present on "Building on the Ontario blueprint on Poverty Reduction, a cross-provincial campaign infuencing provincial poverty reduction strategy - Breaking the Cycle.
Now let us hear and reflect on the next steps.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

HSH Milton Information Meeting

There will be an information session for MACCWT at St Paul's United Church on Thursday February 10th at 7.30pm to discuss the Ontario Trillium Foundation application.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

First Home Suite Hope Milton executive meeting

Last night we had our first Executive meeting of Home Suite Hope Milton. We worked through a grant application and 5 year plan to bring a transitional housing solution to Milton. We need to complete by January 24th so that MACCWT have the time to review the submission prior to their signature. We need to find a lease owner in Milton willing to supply a letter of intent with us to enter into a 5 year lease arrangement.

Monday, January 3, 2011

2011 will mark 7 billion global population

According to National Geographic magazine, 2011 will mark the global population exceeding 7 billion people, with close to a shameful 1 billion without enough food. As the population rises by another 2 billion in the next 40 years there will be a greater demand on food and increasing poverty.

Salvation Army Fundraising Goal exceeded

Well done residents of Milton for raising $205,000 to keep the Salvation Army food bank running. The Salvation Army had 280 families sign up for the service, representing a 32% increase from the year before.

Union Gas

Well done Union Gas on your 2010-11 annual Winter Warmth program, which offers emergency relief to low income families who face difficulties paying their natural gas bills. Reported in the Milton Champion (December 16). Through the program, customers can receive one time financial assistance up to $500 per household, a $50 increase from last year and this year the program is available year round. Last year Union Gas provided ore than $645,000 in emergency grant relief.

This is very significant offering hope to those families faced with the most desparate need. Contact www.haltonfamilyservices.org

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to all of my followers. I wish that 2011 lets us see a real transitional housing solution in Milton through Home Suite Hope Milton. I am one of the five people appointed to the Board. I am writing an article this weekend for the St Paul's Herald, a copy of which I will post to this blog.