Remembrance Day ceremony at Hope Living

On Tuesday I had the honour to attend an early Remembrance Day ceremony at Hope Living in Kanata. The members of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 638, conducted the ceremony.

We have two vets who live at Hope Living, our supportive living facility in Kanata. It was a very respectful ceremony and I know those in attendance appreciated it.

The afternoon was also an opportunity for the Royal Canadian Legion to attach its leaf to our Tree of Hope campaign. The goal of the campaign is to raise funds to help support a $500,000 upgrade of the building. Thank you for your donation.

Another barbecue in the books

It was another successful barbecue for Hope Living in Kanata. The supportive living facility was celebrating its second anniversary.

Although there was some rain in the morning, it cleared up in time for the cooks to do their thing. Not only were there lots of hot dogs and hamburgers to go around, we also had tables of salads and sweets. It was a really good turnout with the dining room full. It was also nice to see some of our regular supporters visit. 

Here are a few photos from the event. Up next is the client barbecue on July 8.

Hope Living anniversary barbecue

What a beautiful day it turned out to be. Okay, the temperature didn't get up to the level beach lovers want. But the skies were clear, the humidity was low and it was a great day for a barbecue. Unfortunately, I didn't bring a barbecue to work with me.

That won't be a problem next Tuesday when Hope Living celebrates its anniversary with a barbecue. Hope Living is a supportive living facility located on Castlefrank Rd. in Kanata. It's our newest complex. There are 99 beds and it's located across the street from a park in a quiet suburban neighbourhood. It's an ideal place for clients who want to get away from the hustle, bustle and noise of the Byward Market.

The barbecue is scheduled for next Tuesday. If you're in the Kanata neighbourhood, drop by and say hello.

2014 Homelessness Report

For the last several years, the Alliance to end Homelessness has released a report on the state of homelessness in the capital.

There was good news and bad news. The good news is that fewer people needed to rely on an emergency shelter last year, although it was only a slight drop. But a drop, nevertheless. The bad news is that those who needed an emergency shelter bed needed it for a longer period of time.

The other piece of news in the report that stuck out for me was the number of families who had to rely on an emergency shelter. More than 700 families in 2014 needed the services of an emergency shelter. Ottawa is often thought of being an affluent city. I won't argue with that. But regardless how strong employment is in a city or how well off the residents are, there are always people who will slip through the cracks. It's a cliche but it's true.

Shepherds of Good Hope knows that one of the answers is to provide more affordable housing, but just as importantly, more supportive housing. Not everyone is equipped for affordable housing. Yes, it gives them shelter, but for the people who have been chronically homeless, they need other supports. They need help with their health issues, addictions. They need coping mechanisms for the abuse they suffered in the past. They need simple life skills, like how to cook, how to shop for groceries, and just as importantly, how to interact in daily situations that we take for granted.

That's why Shepherds runs four different supportive housing facilities -- Brigid's Place, Hope Living, St. Andrew's Residence and The Oaks. They don't all serve the same type of client but what they all have in common is a mix of services that keep them off the streets and offer hope that one day they might move to more independent living.

Solving homelessness

Wow. We posted a story on our Facebook site earlier this week and it has reached more than 1,100 people. It's clear the story is resonating with you. It's about how the city of Victoria is considering micro-housing as a way to reduce homelessness.

During the last year, there has been a lot of discussion about solving homelessness. The latest strategy that has caught people's attention is often referred to as housing first. The idea is you can eliminate homelessness by putting everyone who is homeless into their own home. Maybe it's a rooming house, maybe it's subsidized apartments, maybe it's micro-units.

Last year, during his campaign, Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson pledged an extra $2 million to fight homelessness and increase affordable housing. He told the Ottawa Citizen he would like to reduce emergency shelter use by 15 per cent during the next five years.

I applaud those efforts and it's encouraging to see a renewed focus on reducing homelessness.

However, anyone who works with the homeless knows that simply providing a home isn't always enough. Without a doubt, having shelter is the first step to stability. That's why we have supportive living homes Brigid's Place, St. Andrew's Residence, Hope Living and The Oaks. It's why we do more than just run a shelter for men and women on King Edward St. All of these places do more than just provide a roof over someone's head. Depending on which site you visit, the residents are getting support for mental health issues, they're being seen by medical staff, they're being fed, they're being treated for addictions and more. And we're also giving them the skills that will hopefully allow them to live more independently one day.

I won't get into all of the details in this one blog post. But if you want to read more about our programs and services, you can visit our website.

Tree of Hope is blooming

It’s spring and the leaves have bloomed. The leaves are also blooming on our Tree of Hope located in the lobby of our Hope Living Residence in Kanata.

This morning I was there to place another leaf on the tree on behalf of the Ottawa Catholic School Board Community. I want to give a big thank you to everyone there who raised money for our Tree of Hope Campaign. This is the second year in a row they've made a donation and each time they've donated $10,000.

The goal of the Tree of Hope Campaign is to give Hope Living a $500,000 upgrade. Thanks to your generous donations that have already come in, we’ve fixed the roof and made repairs to the foundation. We’ve also replaced some of the floors but there’s a lot more work to do. To date, we’re almost halfway through our campaign.

It was great to visit today. The trees were providing some much needed shade and it was nice to chat with the residents I've come to know over time. Many were outside on the patio enjoying the warm weather.

If you haven't heard about our Hope Living Residence, it's a supportive living residence in a quiet, suburban neighbourhood at 145 Castlefrank Rd. There are 99 beds and residents have lots of quality outdoor and indoor living space. We also have a nurse on staff and a full dining room with a creative chef, just to name a few of the services residents have access to. If you want to read more about the Hope Living Residence or any of our other programs, please visit here. 

If you want to contribute to our Tree of Hope Campaign, you can purchase a leaf in your name or the name of a loved one for $2500. Micah Garten, our Development Officer, would be happy to provide more information and take your donation. Please contact him at 613-789-8210, ext. 241 or send him an email at mgarten@shepherdsofgoodhope.com.

Community in Kanata Steps Up

Last year around this time I was very excited to when Kanata Legion Branch 638 contacted me about adding a leaf to the Tree of Hope at Hope Living in Kanata. The Legion had heard about the building and the campaign to make it into comfortable and safe home for the 99 men and women who live there.

When the Legion contacted me this year to ask how things were coming and I told them that they campaign was just over 50% complete they immediately pledged to add another leaf to the tree! When they came in to put up their leaf, everyone was beaming because residents know that each leaf on the Tree is a reminder that they are not alone and that the community continues to care about them.

Thank you so much to everyone at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 638!

If you want to learn more about how you can make a pledge in support of the Tree of Hope Campaign please contact Micah Garten, mgarten@shepherdsofgoodhope.com or 613-789-8210 x 241

Westboro Flooring & Decor

Exciting volunteer news!  On September 26th, we will have close to 30 employees from Westboro Flooring & Décor come to Shepherds of Good Hope.  They will be volunteering in different programs such as The Oaks, the Shelter, 380 St. Patrick and Hope Living.  Volunteer duties will involve staining decks, painting sheds, helping prepare lunch and doing recreational activities with the clients.

This is such a wonderful way for people in the community to help out!  Thank you!

Laura's Independent Grocer

Myself, Jo, Laura and Linda (Manager at Hope Living)

 

I went over to Laura’s Independent Grocer on Eagleson Rd today in order to say thank you to everyone at the store for being so incredible to the clients at Hope Living in Kanata. Laura’s Independent Grocer has really gone out of their way to welcome us to the community and ensure that the kitchen at Hope Living always has lots of great things for the clients to eat. We especially want to extend our thanks to Laura and Jo (Pictured Above) who often use their personal vehicles to ensure that the goods get to us promptly. Thank you Laura’s Independent Grocer for being such amazing neighbours!

Hope Living 1st Anniversary Party

 


Today I attended the 1 year anniversary BBQ at Hope Living in Kanata. We were blessed with absolutely perfect weather for the occasion. It was so nice to see clients and their families mingling with staff members, community partners and longtime supporters. Everyone pitched in to help make the event a big success. The food was tasty and I kept hearing what a good time people were having. Some attendees were seeing the facility for the first time and got to hear directly from clients what an amazing impact the space has made in their lives.

If you are interested in learning more about Hope Living or wish to tour the facility please contact Micah Garten.

Another Leaf on the Tree of Hope

In honour of the wonderful weather that we have been having these past couple of weeks and the summer to come, I wanted to share with you another donation to our Tree of Hope Campaign.  Just as the leaves are growing on the trees outside, the leaves are also growing on the Tree of Hope symbolizing just how much this community cares for the men and women that reside at Hope Living.

Harry Needham and George Royale from the Canadian Legion Branch 638 visited our newest location in Kanata to tour the facility and put their very own Leaf of Hope on the tree.

 

The goal of this tree is to raise $500,000 for our new location in Kanata to give the place a facelift and make it more enjoyable for residents, staff and volunteers.  A donor can purchase a leaf on the tree for $2,500 and their message of hope will be forever immortalized on the wall at Hope Living in Kanata.  

 

If you would like to purchase a leaf, or make a pledge online, please click here https://foundation.shepherdsofgoodhope.com/tree

 

Or if you would like to speak with someone about your options or for more information, please call Micah Garten at 613-789-8210 ext 241 or email micah@shepherdsofgoodhope.com

 

 

My Tutor

My Tutor is an Ottawa based tutoring company that donates $1 for every hour spent on tutoring to charity!  Even better news is that they have decided that Shepherds of Good Hope will be the recipient of one dollar for each hour of tutoring.  The money will go to our newest building Hope Living in Kanata.

 

Please take a moment to check out the My Tutor website, and sign up if you or someone you know is in need of a tutor!  Not only will you receive superb training, but you will also be giving back to Ottawa's most vulnerable men and women.

 

Thanks My Tutor!

Thanks Target!

I would like to thank our partners in the community, Target out in Kanata for their extremely generous donations to Hope Living residence.   Because of their kindness we have actually cancelled grocery orders (meaning more money for other areas of the program), they've stocked us full of bread and milk and other items on a regular basis.

Earlier this week I stopped by to present them with a certificate and to thank them for all they do for our residents out in Kanata.

Thank you!

Presenting a certificate to Crystal (L) and Pat (R)

Tree of Hope

This afternoon I will be heading out to Kanata to post some more leaves on our Tree of Hope located at our Hope Living facility.  The Tree of Hope is  located in the front foyer of our building for all those entering the building to see.  Each leaf is a wonderful, permanent reminder of the care and compassion others feel for the residents of Hope Living.  Our goal is to raise $500,000 for much needed upgrades to the facility.

One of the inspiring messages that I will be posting on the tree today is: "Everybody Needs A Home.  Everybody Deserves A Home".  Such a true statement that Shepherds of Good Hope stands by.

To find out more about our TREE OF HOPE, click HERE.