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.