Sunday, December 30, 2012

Faith United donation

Faith United Milton raised $394 from their Christmas Eve service which they are kindly donating to Milton Transitional Housing. Thank you.

Saturday, December 29, 2012

MTH Pot Luck

I was delighted yesterday to meet up with members of the Milton Transitional Housing board and their spouses for a pot luck. Thank you Ruth for hosting us. We are indeed very fortunate. MTH is making good headway. Our first client is settled and doing well with positive steps in the direction of independence. The first annual report was made to the Ontario Trillium Foundation and positively received. We have potential new landlords with whom additional housing units are in discussion. This will help us take the next important step with 3 units and clients served by the end of 2013. The original goal of 7 units by 2016 is becoming achievable. 2013 will become a challenging year as the organisation grows and the need for increased charitable funding is needed. The Hope for Holidays campaign may have generated close to $1,000. Thank you to those who contributed and we hope also felt positive about giving to those in need or at risk of homelessness in our community over the Christmas period. St Paul's United Church in Milton were this project was originally conceived have also been kind again and donated a further $1,000. We have still much to do!

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone. I hope you are enjoying some quality time with family and friends. Think of the homeless and those at risk of homelessness over this Christmas season. Thank you to all those who donated to the Hope 4 Holidays campaign. Congratulations to the Milton Transitional Housing team for all their dedication this year. All the sponsorship and support is much appreciated.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Have you donated to Hope 4 Holidays?

I have now donated to Hope 4 Holidays to help those at risk of homelessness in Milton. Have you? It is now just starting to snow in Ontario. A great time to be thinking about those worrying about homelessness over the Christmas season.

Thank you 3M Sales Team

A HUGE thank you to the 3M Milton Sales Team for their wonderful donation of hats and gloves to Milton Transitional Housing and our community partners!
If you would like to know more about becoming a sponsor please click here http://www.miltontransitionalhousing.ca/Sponsors.aspx

Monday, December 3, 2012

Give the gift of HOPE this holiday season...

Hope 4 Holidays Giving Campaign has been expanded celebrating Eid, Diwali, Hanukkah and Christmas, and we will focus on the traditional giving traditions of Milton’s diverse population and also include options for teachers’ gifts, birthday and anniversary gifts. Until recently, Milton's homeless (Region estimates put that number as high as 450 people a year) have been hidden from us because they sleep on friends' couches, in their cars, camp out in the parks, crash in the stairwells of small apartment buildings or bunk in church lobbies. Despite the affluence apparent in Milton, there is currently no provision for transitional housing in our community. Transitional housing is designed to bridge from the short-term emergency shelter system (often as little as 30 days in duration) to long-term affordable housing (often with a years-long waiting list). At Milton Transitional Housing (formally Home Suite Hope Milton), this "transitional" period can extend from four to 24 months and offers housing at subsidized rental rates, but also requires participants to set goals and undertake counseling and training to help achieve their goals. Milton Transitional Housing gives people a "hand up" rather than a "hand out". Our program helps the homeless to stay in their own community close to employment and family, and helps them gain the skills and stability they need to become ordinary, hard-working Miltonians looking after themselves and their families, like the rest of us. Please give the GIFT of HOPE. To donate visit the MTH facebook page or website Milton Transitional Housing is a project of Milton Area Christian churches.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Boston Pizza party

Tickets for this event are still available. Click here for the event page on our website
Tickets are $25/adult and will include an all-you-can eat pizza & pasta buffet, with salad and non-alcoholic beverages AND a donation of $10 to support the work of MTH. Besides wonderful food and great company, there will be a silent auction and 50-50 draw. To order tickets contact Denise at denise.wentzell@miltontransitionalhousing.ca or (905) 699-5744 .

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Community Lens Bulletin #81 October 2012

The 2006 Census of Population is the most current and comprehensive data source for the study of the socio-demographic characteristics of poverty. The result of the 2011 National Household Survey (NHS) will not be available until 2013 and beyond. Unlike past censuses, the NHS is a voluntary program; its data reliability and comparability with previous censuses still have to be determined. The above is the introduction to the October Community Lens bulletin #81 titled 'Tracking Poverty'. The Community Lens is prepared by Community Development Halton to disseminate and interpret important community data as it becomes available. For more information please contact us at data@cdhalton.ca or 905-632-1975 Quoting from the report "In Halton, between 2006 and 2009, the increase (19%) of the number of low-income families is more than double that of all Halton families (8.4%). The significant increase in the number of low-income families and the prevalence of low income takes place after 2007 with the onset of the global recession. By 2009, over 10,000 families lived in low income generating a poverty rate of 7.5% (after tax). By far the greatest actual and relative increase of low-income families occurs in the Town of Milton. The number of low-income families in Milton increased by over 70%, doubling the growth rate of all families. The number of low-income families in both Oakville and Burlington also experienced a growth rate of about 10%." Contact Community Development Halton for a copy of the full report.

SNAP Milton picture

The WOW family fun day was captured by SNAP Milton. Click here to see.

First client update

We are pleased to report that our first Milton Transitional Housing client is following a plan to reach their goal. We anticipate working with our current client until the end of February 2014. We are delighted that we have been able to contribute to making a difference in this way and hope to reach our goal of 7 units supporting more clients by 2016.

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Vendor Appreciation Message

http://youtu.be/HGFWrcUK3Ck Sad I am unable to be there with you. Congratulations and good luck this afternoon.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Booster Party at Boston Pizza - Wednesday, November 28

Come to this Booster Party at Boston Pizza event to support the work of Milton Transitional Housing. Don’t wait - tickets are limited as there is only room for 100 people at this event. Tickets are $25/adult, which includes an all-you-can eat pizza & pasta buffet, with salad and non-alcoholic beverages AND a donation of $10 to support the work of MTH. The event between 6-8pm on Wednesday, November 28th will have wonderful food and great company, as well as a silent auction and 50-50 draw. We are grateful to Boston Pizza, 1085 Maple Avenue for their support.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Welcome Alma Lennox

We are pleased to introduce Alma Lennox MSW, RSW as the newest member of the MTH team. Alma will be providing the client services component of the MTH program. Milton Transitional Housing (formerly known as Home Suite Hope Milton) is pleased to announce that effective October 1, 2012, MTH has taken over the delivery of social work services for Milton participants. As you know, for the first year of our operation, we contracted with Home Suite Hope Shared Living Corp. in Oakville for social work services, however, the MTH program has so far exceeded planned expectations and are now in the position to operate independently. The MTH project team is very grateful for the mentorship provided by Home Suite Hope Shared Living Corp.

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Family Fun Day photos!

Here are photos from today's wonderful WOW! Family Fun Day event which took place at Lion's Sports Field & Hall. Thank you to all those that came down and enjoyed the many activities and as always a big congratulations and thanks to all our volunteers. We will soon be able to tell you how much was raised from today's fundraising activity. We hope it contributes to raising awareness among our local community to help those at risk of homelessness. We hope that soon we will have the capability to look for a next housing unit.

Friday, September 28, 2012

Get ready for a full day of games, food and prizes!

Come down to the Lion's Sports Field & Hall at 77 Thompson Road, in Milton tomorrow (Saturday) to show your support to those at risk of homeless in our community. See the Milton Transitional Housing facebook page http://www.facebook.com/MiltonTransitionalHousing The event starts at 10am.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Family Fun Day supports Milton's homeless

Milton Canadian Champion article online Link to article WOW Family Fun Day is this Saturday, September 29th. Milton Transitional Housing is hosting the WOW Family Fun Day this Saturday at the Lions Sports Park & Hall at Memorial Arena to help combat homelessness in Milton. Proceeds from the event, that features games, food and prizes, will help support the non-profit organization’s goal of providing transitional affordable housing for seven individuals or families by 2016-17. It costs $20 for a team of four (with at least one adult) to participate in the friendly competition for prizes. To register for the event, visit www.WOWFamilyFunDay.ca.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

WOW! Family Fun Day - 1 week to go

WOW! Family Fun Day It's coming up in less than a week on Saturday, September 29 from 10am until 1pm at the Lion's Sports Park and Lion's Hall at 77 & 99 Thompson Road. This is a family event and features games and activities geared to families with children 4-12 years old, like a bouncy castle obstacle course, sponge run, Frisbee golf, and musical carpets. A family passport (four people, must include one adult) is $20 which includes four hotdogs and four drinks. Passports can be pre-purchased here and will also be available the day of the event at the registration booth. Prizes will be given out every hour for participating families. Pictures will posted from the event, so come back to see if you are captured on camera!

WOW volunteers needed

Volunteers are still needed to support WOW! on September 29 We need volunteers (adults and teens) to give us a couple of hours of their time to help out with our WOW! Family Fun Day on September 29! There are a variety of jobs to choose from, but mostly we need people to supervise activities outdoors for family teams with children (games like Magic Carpets, Pool Noodle Run, etc.). If you are able to help from 9:30 until 1:30 (we'll feed you lunch). Contact denise.wentzell@miltontransitionalhousing.ca

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Needs Assessment Survey

This summer a client services team at Milton Transitional Housing has been researching community partners regarding their experiences with the homeless or at risk population in Milton. The results once examined to the following questions will be summarised and communicated.

1) Who are the homeless in Milton? Over the past year, approximately how many clients have you served that are homeless or at risk of homelessness?
2) Are they accessing resources within your agency? If so, what type? What referrals have you provided them?
3) What are their barriers to housing? (Specific to the Milton community)
4) Predominantly, what are their circumstances? (Examples: single, couple, family, youth, adult, senior, correctional, family violence, additions, etc)
5) Where are they finding shelter/temporary housing? (e.g. couch surf, church, etc.)
6) What is their source of income? (Ontario Works, ODSP, EI, employment, OAS/CCP)
7) What service gaps do you see in our community for this vulnerable population?

Please add any comments of your own and we will soon share the results when the survey has been presented to the full committee.

Friday, September 7, 2012

New website

Home Suite Hope Milton has now become Milton Transitional Housing with a new website address www.miltontransitionalhousing.ca together with a new second Twitter account @MiltonTH1 and a new Facebook page Milton Transitional Housing. Having a strong online presence has become important for many businesses and not for profit organisations and will help to raise awareness.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

WOW! Family Fun Day

An update on our next big event on Saturday, September 29th from 10 - 1pm at Milton Memorial Arena (Lion's Club Hall and in the south parking lot). The event is modelled on the TV Amazing Race, but we agreed to call the event WOW! Family Fun Day. It is a family event with teams of 4, which must include at least one adult, to follow clues and accomplish tasks or challenges to compete and win prizes. It is a second big public event through which we can raise awareness - both about homelessness in Milton and Milton Transitional Housing. The event is intended to appeal to families with children 5-10 years and these are not attracted to the Empty Bowls or Coldest Night of the Year. There will be a charge of $20 per team, which will include a hotdog and drink for lunch. We are looking for volunteers to help in planning and managing the event. There are lots of ideas buzzing around about what we can do.

Welcome Denise

We would like to extend a warm welcome to Denise Wentzell who joins us as Manager of Fund Development, Marketing & Communications. This is an exciting step forward and Denise will help move us further into the important social media space as well as grow our funding base to the point where we can support our ambition of 7 housing units within our original 5 years by 2016. Denise is described as an energetic young professional. Welcome Denise, we are very happy to have a you aboard and good luck.

New Logo

There has been work underway to create a new logo for the organisation before voting on the new logo which has now appeared on our website and then soon our business cards and all our materials.

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Upcoming events

UPCOMING FUNDRAISERS MILTON’S AMAZING RACE September 2012 Fun for the whole family. Teams will study clues, find their way to secret destinations and overcome fun challenges. Prizes for the winning teams. HOPE FOR THE HOMELESS Giving Campaign Celebrate the spirit of giving for Eid, Hannuka, Pancha Ganapati and Christmas and give hope and help for Milton’s homeless. COLDEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR WALK: Saturday, February 23, 2013 10k, 5k, and 2.5k walks for families, individuals and teams to raise awareness and financial support for Milton’s homeless. EMPTY BOWLS SOUP LUNCH: Sunday, April 22, 2013 MinMaxx Hall, Milton Centre for the Arts. $50/ticket includes a $25 charitable receipt, all-you-can-eat gourmet soup and your hand-made bowl.

Monday, April 9, 2012

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Happy Easter

Happy Easter everyone. It is expected to be a sunny 14 degrees in Ontario for Easter Sunday. Remember to also visit the Home Suite Hope Milton website, where news and events are also being regularly posted. www.homesuitehopemilton.com

Friday, March 30, 2012

A woman of substance - Octavia Hill

Who is the woman you ask? I was reading the UK's National Trust Spring 2012 magazine about one of their three founders, who died 100 years ago.She is regarded as one of the greatest social entrepreneurs the UK has ever produced and the legacy she left. All the more extraordinary for a woman in Victorian Britain. John Bird, fouder of the Big Issue is quoted as saying "Octavia believed in making a hue and cry in order to see something happen. And she didn't believe in doing things for people. She wanted to enable them to help themselves - to own the solution to their problems". Working for te Ladies Guild from 1852 she identified with those in poverty and in need of social housing in London. She began with a series of properties saying that the poor had to be helped to help themselves. By the mid 1870's she was providing social housing for 3,000 tenants! Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk and click on Octavia Hill.

15,000 page views

Wow! In six months we have had an additional 5,000 page views of this blog and it tells me that the interest in the project continues to grow and grow. Thank you to all who are reading, following and commenting. Please keep it up and share on facebook and twitter when relevant.

Monday, March 19, 2012

Our sponsors

We would like to recognise all of our sponsors. Four levels have been established.
GOLD ($10,000+), SILVER ($5,000+), BRONZE ($2,500+) and FRIENDS ($1,000+) levels.

GOLD SPOON SPONSORS:
MinMaxx Realty | www.minmaxx.com

SILVER SPOON SPONSORS:
St. Paul’s United Church – Mission & Outreach | www.stpaulsmilton.org
U-Need Storage Storage Corp. | www.uneedstorage.ca

BRONZE SPOON SPONSORS:
Simply Creative Pottery Studio, Milton | www.simplycreativestudio.com
The Storage Spot, Milton | http://www.storagespot.ca

FRIENDS:
Boston Presbyterian Church Ladies Fellowship Group
Grace Anglican Church Community Outreach | www.gracechurchmilton.com
Milton Affordable Housing Coalition
Milton Area Christian Churches Working Together | www.miltonchristianchurches.ca

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Milton Rotary Club

We are very grateful to Milton Rotary club who have agreed for us to address their members to share the vision and progress of HSH-M. Thank you. We will keep you updated. We believe this will mark an opportunity for the two organisations to work together to support the Milton community

Friday, March 9, 2012

Storage Spot

We would like to formally thank the Storage Spot for their generous contribution in kind by allowing us free use of a 10 x 10' climate controlled unit at their Milton location. This will allow us to temporarily store furniture depending on the needs of the HSHM clients and also allow us to take donations in anticipation of our next unit.

Champion photozone: 2012 Milton Empty Bowls fundraiser

See the photozone on the InsideHalton website for great photographs by Graham Paine from last Sunday's 2012 Milton Empty Bowls fundraiser. Click here are search for 2012 Milton Empty Bowls fundraiser further down the page. There are 11 great pictures.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

We are Emmaus

I was very interested to come across a 'I am a peice of paper' leaflet from Emmaus in the UK Guardian newspaper. It is for a charity called Emmaus, which appears to me to have very similar mission to our own. Take a look by clicking here
I would propose we drop them a line and link up through our wesbites, twitter, blog etc to exchange ideas for fundraising and rasing awareness. They describe themselves as the homeless charity that works

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Empty Bowls 2 “soup kitchen” raises over $6,300







Sunday's EMPTY BOWL brought in over $6300. This second annual event welcomed more than 125 diners in MinMaxx Hall, Milton Centre for The Arts. The $50 ticket treated diners to a wide selection of gourmet soups and breads from 16 local restaurants, caterers and bakeries. In addition, diners chose their own pottery bowl and took it home with them afterwards, and will receive a charitable donation receipt for $25 from the Home Suite Hope Milton Transitional Housing organization.

The community support for this new Home Suite Hope Milton transitional housing initiative also grew considerably this year over last. As a “gold spoon” sponsor and host sponsor, MinMaxx Realty covered all of the costs for the use of MinMaxx Hall for this event and was instrumental in helping to promote it. Simply Creative Pottery Studio, as a “bronze spoon” sponsor donated many of the bowls and provided a wonderful opportunity for community volunteers to paint the bowls. St. Paul’s United Church Mission and Outreach continue to support the program as a “silver spoon” sponsor, and another local business, U-Need Storage, has also generously stepped up as a “bronze spoon” sponsor. “Friend” supporters include: The Storage Spot, Boston Presbyterian Church Ladies Fellowship Group, Grace Anglican Church Community Outreach, Milton Housing Coalition and Milton Area Christian Churches Working Together.

Sixteen restaurants, caterers, and bakeries donated the delicious soups and breads for the event: A Catered Affair, Allison’s Catering, Bistro on Main, Boston Pizza, Brunello Ristorante, Casey’s Grill Bar, Japan Buffet, Kelsey’s Restaurant, La Rose Bakery, Lynda’s Catering, Montfort Mediterranean Cuisine, Osso Bucco Ristorante, Shoeless Joe’s, Swiss Chalet, and Walker’s Fish Market. Other businesses supporting the event were Milton Home Hardware, Delacourts Gifts and Tableware, and Troy’s Diner.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Get down to Milton Centre for Arts

Looking for something meaningful to do today. Come down now to Milton Centre for Arts. Starts at 11.30. This is a fundraiser for those at risk of homelessness in our community. If you haven't yet been to the new arts centre - then go now

What you doing today?

If you are in Milton today you should be heading to the Milton Centre for the Arts for the 2nd annual Empty Bowls between 11.30am and 2.30pm. Please come down to the fundraiser to raise awareness and money for the project helping return those at risk of homelessness in our community to regain their independence and dignity. We have our first client in our first unit in Milton. This is a truly amazing achievement for the project team and for the Milton community. Photos will be posted as soon as possible after the event.

Saturday, March 3, 2012

The Vision is realized

A client has now moved into the first Home Suite Hope Milton unit.

My sincere congratulations to the team for their drive, determination, passion and persistence in bringing this vision to fruition. The journey started back in October 2008 and it has taken over three years to find a solution for those at risk of homelessness in Milton.

The work really only now commences to support our new client to help them regain their dignity and be able to live independently in the future. The vision remains to establish 7 units at the end of 5 years. Thank you to the OTF and all our sponsors and donors for their faith in our aspirations.

Come to the Empty Bowls event on Sunday March 4th at the new Milton Centre for the Arts to show your support and learn more. See the other posts or log on to the website

Empty Bowls SUNDAY March 4th

Don't miss out on the opportunity to help those at risk of homelessness in your Milton community. The Canadian Champion continued their support, with the following coverage last week. Click here to see Inside Halton online

"Soup fundraiser to help homeless

Nothing warms the soul more on a cold day than a hearty bowl of soup.

That’s why organizers of the second annual Empty Bowls Soup Lunch are hoping for a chilly day on Sunday, Mar. 4.

The fundraiser, which runs from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Milton Centre for the Arts on Sunday, is the primary source of funding for Home Suite Hope Milton.

The non-profit organization provides transitional housing to Milton’s homeless people. Last year, more than 160 people dined on soup, and it’s hoped this year’s event will draw 200 people.

Tickets cost $50, with a charitable tax receipt for $25. Not only does this include soup from 14 different restaurants and caterers, but also the bowl.

Simply Creative Pottery Studio is donating most of the bowls, which were hand-painted by volunteers in the studio.

Soups will be donated by: A Catered Affair, Allison’s Catering, Bistro on Main, Brunello Ristorante, Casey’s Grill Bar, Japan Buffet, Kelsey’s Restaurant, Lynda’s Catering, Montfort Mediterranean Cuisine, Osso Bucco Ristorante, Shoeless Joe’s, Swiss Chalet, Symposium and Walker’s Fish Market.

To go with the soups is an appetizing selection of breads donated by: Boston Pizza, La Rose Bakery, and Swiss Chalet.

Visit www.homesuitehopemilton.com for information"

Friday, February 3, 2012

Clothing donation bins

CBC Metro Morning ran a story about charity clothing bins. Click here to the link to listen to the report.
I was very shocked. I think most of us believe and wish the donated clothes to go to help those in need in our communities. In some cases, the clothing bins are being run by for profit organisations who are selling the clothes overseas.
My reflection is that the local Salvation Army thrift stores is probably the best place to donate within Milton.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Bowl Painting

Come out and help us paint the bowls for Empty Bowls! We have nother bowl-painting evening coming up and we need your help. Tuesday, January 31 from 7-9 pm at Simply Creative Pottery Studio, 100 Nipissing Road (Unit 7) in Milton. Bowl painting is absolutely FREE but you do have to reserve your spot because space is limited.

Please email simplycreative@cogeco.ca or phone Audrey at (905) 878-3749 to reserve your spot. Add your creative flair to the bowls that will be given to everyone participating in our Empty Bowls soup lunch on Sunday, March 4.

We are aain very grateful to Simply Creative for their great support.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Empty Bowls coming soon

Click here for information to the Empty Bowls event
Our second annual Empty Bowls is coming up soon at the fabulous new Milton Centre for the Arts in the MinMaxx Hall on March 4th. Starts at 11.30am until 2.30pm.
Tickets can be purchased through the Home Suite Hope Milton website (link above).

We are also happy to have volunteers to paint the bowls and for volunteers to ensure this event is another great success.

Milton’s finest restaurants and caterers are pulling out all the stops to offer Milton’s caring citizens their very best soup to assist Milton’s homeless. Guests will purchase a $50 ticket and receive a $25 charitable donation receipt as well as a gourmet “soup kitchen” lunch and a hand-painted ceramic soup bowl.

Buy your “Empty Bowls” tickets now: call 289-971-0060 or email tickets@homesuitehopemilton.com to reserve, or go to the link above on the HSHM website page and purchase your tickets using your credit or debit card.

If you would like to help, but can't make it to the Empty Bowls event, please consider giving a donation. Any amount will qualify for a charitable donation receipt. Thank you so much for supporting Empty Bowls and the HOME SUITE HOPE MILTON Transitional Housing project.

Business cards

We are going into production for business cards for Laurie and the Board to an an extra element of professionalism to the organisation

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Clients needed!!

At last night's Milton Tranistional Hosuing Corp. board meeting we all shared our disappointment that we do not yet have a client in the Milton unit. We know there is a need, we can sometimes witness the need, however, the client selection process has identified some very complex cases, not suitable for the property or support available through the HSH program. We discussed how to tap into identifying those at risk of homelessness in Milton. Should we actively go out and ask friends and family to nominate people who they know are couch surfing, or work with the Champion to publicise the availability of the unit? These were all considered and we welcome your comments and suggestions.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

@home Trailer


@home is a documentary that tells the story of modern U.S. homelessness and one man's fierce commitment to end it.

You can and your friends can help make this film possible by supporting us on Kickstarter! http://kck.st/KG_home

Sunday, January 1, 2012

2012 New Year's Resolutions

Happy New Year, welcome to 2012. In 2011 we acheived more than we would have expected and now hope to finalise our first client in Milton. As an organisation we must keep our focus on our core mission and values to serve those in greatest need at risk of homelessness in Milton. The economy is still tough for very many people.