The Community Centre located downtown Kitchener is probably one of the best known ministries of Ray of Hope. It offers many programs and resources for people in our community experiencing poverty and homelessness. In this issue, learn about how the Community Centre was instrumental in one man’s search for housing.

Finding Hope in the Community Centre

In October of 2023, just after Thanksgiving weekend, Ron experienced being homeless. “I was living in Cambridge and I came out here on my own”, he shares. His story is not uncommon in the current Ontario housing market. Having been ‘reno-victed’ out of his place, he was later unable to afford the rent. “I had a place for 12 years, and now I got bad lungs and it was moldy. I was only supposed to be out for a couple of months, but you know how it goes. He fixes it up, and then he tries to get outstanding prices for them”.

Ron spent 5 months at a shelter, and during that time someone told him to come to the Community Centre for a meal. At the Community Centre, Ron was warmly welcomed and was grateful for the support and community of staff and guests. Originally from Newfoundland, Ron felt especially at ease with a fellow guest, also a Newfoundlander. Over games of cards, Ron learned that his new friend was looking for a roommate and he offered Ron a place to stay.

Ron’s journey from the shelter system to finding housing was not an easy one. “It was a bit of a rough time through the winter”, Ron shares. Today, however, Ron is housed and thankful for the support that he found through the Community Centre.

“I struggled, and I found something, and I’m looking ahead. I was trying not to feel down and get depressed and stuff like that. I didn’t think I’d ever be able to find a place, but I kept on trying and trying.”

Looking for a way to show his gratitude for the support that he received at the Community Centre, Ron began volunteering in the Marketplace food hamper program 6 weeks ago. “I’m just trying to help out, you know me. Give back, that’s what I’m trying to do”.

Having experienced some low points in his life, Ron’s advice to others who are struggling is

“try to get a support worker and try to get some help.”

His spirit of thanksgiving and willingness to serve is inspiring. “I’m broke, I don’t have much, but I’m happy. I wasn’t at first, but then I sat back and looked at things, and I thought there’s no sense in being down on myself, I’m just going to try to go forward. And that’s what I’m trying to do now.”

Thank you, Ron, for your reminder to always look for the way forward. For many people experiencing poverty and homelessness, including Ron, Ray of Hope Community Centre is a place to find support and community in the next step of the journey forward.

Fall Drives

Have you considered doing a fall drive at your church or community group? Some groups like to do a general drive and other groups like to have a little fun with a themed drive.

Here are some ideas to get you thinking:

• Pasta Drive – dry pasta, canned pasta, boxed pasta, pasta sauces
• Breakfast Drive – cereals, boxed milk, oatmeal, breakfast bars, canned fruit
• “School-Snack” Drive – nut-free school-safe snacks
• Protein Drive – canned stews, chili, and other canned meat and fish
• Hygiene Drive – toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, soap, shampoo, chapstick, hand cream
• Baby Supply Drive – diapers, formula, baby food
• Socks and Underwear Drive – all sizes for underwear, men’s 7-9 for socks
• Long Underwear Drive – layers for under clothing in the winter
• Winter Coat Drive – coats, fleece, sweater, sweatshirts, parkas

Items can be brought to the Ray of Hope Community Centre located at 659 King Street East in Kitchener – entrance on Stirling Lane – on weekdays from 9 am – 8 pm, Saturdays from 10 am – 2 pm and Sundays from 4 pm to 6 pm. If the doors are locked when you arrive, ring the big green doorbell by the entrance.

Marketplace Needs

• Shelf-stable food: Canned beans, canned vegetables, canned meat, canned pasta, pasta sauce, dry pasta, canned fruit, oatmeal or breakfast bars, cereal, and baking mixes
• Baby items: Diapers (size 2-5), baby formula, and baby food
• Hygiene items: Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, bar soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes

For more information, please contact us at:donations@rayofhope.net. All donations are appreciated!

You can also feed hungry people through our secure donation page.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity to the people we serve.