Background: Over the last few months we have been praying and asking God where He is directing us? What is a need that we can meet as a church?
As we have been praying, we have been aware of the needs around us in downtown Hamilton. In October as the encampments were taken down, we saw a drastic increase of people staying on the church stairs on Park Street North. The steps are never empty. There is a significant need on our doorstep.
One way we are moving forward is to partner with The Hub as they provide rest, hygiene and social supports to the homeless.
What is the Hub: The Hub is a drop-in program that provides a safe place where homeless and those that sleep rough can have rest, hygiene, support and referrals. This program started out of a need that surfaced as other places were not available with places closing due to Covid. This program runs 7 days a week 5pm to 9pm. Many of the guest of the Hub warm up as they wait for beds in the shelters to open up at 10pm.
How you can help: Donations for The Hub are greatly appreciated, always! Due to the nature of the centre, most of these items are used continuously so we are always thankful for ongoing support.
Volunteer Opportunities: The Hub is always looking for volunteers to help in a number of ways, both during centre hours as well as outside of hours. Please contact the church office if you are interested in volunteering.
Items to Donate:
Food
Beverages: coffee, plain/orange pekoe tea, coffee whitener/creamer (powdered), sugar, water bottles, juice boxes, gatorade
Non perishable, individually packed snacks (e.g., cookies of all kinds, Rice Krispie squares, applesauce, fruit cups, pudding, dried fruit sticks, nutrigrain bars, breakfast/protein bars, granola bars, chips, trail mix, etc)
mister noodles, cup a soup, oatmeal packages
fresh fruit/vegetables (e.g., apples, bananas, grapes, oranges, mandarins, veggie trays)
cheese and crackers, bread, jam, peanut butter
disposable items: plastic spoons and fork, coffee cups (any size, with lids), napkins, bowls (for mister noodles etc)
Clothing: They currently have need a great for men’s boots (sizes 9-12)
winter coats, snow pants/splash pants and gear (gloves, hats, scarves)
clothing for cold weather: sweaters, long sleeve tops, long johns, pants (greatest need is for mens clothing, no children’s clothing)
warm socks,
underwear (new - men’s and women’s)
boots and shoes
towels
First aid:
large bandaids
polysporin, bactine, saline solution
extra strength Tylenol (*note: we do not provide aspirin/Advil to guests)
nonstick gauze pads
strong tape
self-adhering wrap bandages (looks like tape or tensor bandages but it sticks to itself)
Mylar emergency blankets
Hygiene:
shampoo, conditioner, soap, chapstick/lip balm, lotion, aloe, wet wipes, deodorant, razors
washcloths, tissues, menstrual hygiene products (pads, tampons), toothbrush/toothpaste
Additional needs:
small plastic containers with lids (as you may get with takeout orders to hold sauces - the approximate size of a loonie) - used for separating shampoo, lotion, Tylenol etc
ziploc bags - used for packaging snacks, wet wipes, etc
hand warmers, blankets, sleeping bags, tarps, tents
Please contact Melody to coordinate a drop off time of donations for the guests of the hub.