Community Support

With the help of dedicated staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners, Ray of Hope works to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of vulnerable people in Waterloo Region.

Ray of Hope Community Centre

659 King Street East
Kitchener, ON

The Ray of Hope Community Centre is at the heart of everything we do to help vulnerable neighbours. It offers a place of safety and support to people struggling with poverty, hunger, and homelessness.

At Ray of Hope Community Centre, we:

Nourish Hunger:
Hot, nutritious meals are served to Community Centre guests seven days a week.

Through our Marketplace food hamper program, guests can also choose foods that meet their families’ unique needs and preferences. The Marketplace program is open on a first come first served basis. Individuals who live within the downtown Kitchener boundary can access this hamper once a month.

Nurture Health:
We connect guests with crucial services to promote their mental and physical health, from community nursing to addiction support groups.

Provide Safe Haven:
The Centre offers a safe, supportive meeting place, hot showers, and laundry services to guests. (Please note that laundry and shower services are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis).

Lend Support in a Crisis:
The Resource Advocacy Program (RAP) helps people facing challenges – from addiction to unemployment – discover the skills and resources they need to overcome obstacles and move forward in life.

Share God’s Love:
We share God’s love with guests through worship services held in the Community Centre’s chapel every Monday evening.

6,709

Meals Served*

*in the month of April 2023

238

Food Hampers
Provided*

  • 557 individuals
  • 238 children
  • 26 new households

*in the month of April 2023

2,391

Guests Served

To learn more about how the Ray of Hope Community Centre touches lives and how you can help, please contact us at 1-519-578-8018 ext. 224.

Community Centre Program Hours

Community Centre

(Drop in is welcome at any time during these open hours.)

Monday-Friday

9:00am-8:00pm

Saturday

11:30am-2:00pm

Sunday

4:00pm-5:30pm

Hot Meal Service

(Weekdays)

Breakfast

9:15-10:45am

Lunch

12:30-2:00pm

Dinner

7:00-8:00pm

Takeout

8:00-8:30pm

Hot Meal Service

(Weekends)

Saturday (Lunch)

12:00-1:30pm

Sunday (Dinner)

4:30-6:00pm

Marketplace Food
Hamper Program
(No appointment required at this time.)

Monday-Thursday

9:30am-12:30pm

Chapel

Monday

5:30-6:30pm

Detailed Program Schedule

Interested in learning more about our Winter programming for the community centre? See this PDF of our schedule. Whether it’s a life skills workshop, or self defence training for women, we have a lot to offer!

Program Descriptions

Volunteer!

Volunteers are the lifeblood of Ray of Hope. Last year, over 2,000 dedicated members of our community gave their time and energy to help others. We always need volunteers, and a variety of positions are available with varying time commitments.