From the left: Marije Harbers and Kristina McDermott are shown on the porch of the Community Hub and Warming Centre in Morrisburg. Thompson Goddard Photo

MORRISBURG – Since opening in February of 2023, The Community Hub and Warming Centre (CHWC) also known in the community as Marthas House in Morrisburg has provided people with a location to meet with representatives from social agencies or unhoused persons to find some respite. The CHWC is located at 22 High Street, in the former St. James Anglican rectory and is a collaborative partnership between House of Lazarus (HOL) and the Anglican Parish of South Dundas.

The concept of the CHWC emerged during a meeting between community stakeholders concerning the housing crisis in Dundas County explained HOL’s Community Outreach Manager, Kristina McDermott during a recent interview. She noted that during 2021-2022, HOL had encountered an increased number of individuals and families experiencing a housing crisis and it was during the meeting, the use of the vacant St. James rectory was offered by Reverend Canon Pat Martin and Reverend Mark Lewis from the Parish of South Dundas in recognition of “the lack of transitional and emergency housing in Dundas [County]” explained McDermott.

The location provides a safe place for people to seek support and assistance on concerns. “Everyone has different needs” commented McDermott describing the CHWC as a place where people can socialize with one another as well as access different services without having to travel to Cornwall.

Community Hub and Warming Centre Co-ordinator Marije Harbers described the many uses which the bottom floor of the two-story building provides to the community. The CHWC is open between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday with specific services offered on the different weekdays.

Monday’s from 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. a free drop in hot breakfast is provided, in which everyone is welcome to attend. The third Tuesday of every month Service Canada is onsite from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. providing assistance to apply for and navigate the different government programs such as Employment Insurance, Canada Pension Plan, and other programs.

On Wednesday’s between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. there is an Income Tax Clinic provided by HOL with assistance provided by Gayle Hewton. She is able to assist people with filling out of a basic CRA Tax return and is able to go back 5 years at no cost to the individual.

A drop-in lunch is provided by the CHWC on the second and fourth Thursday of the month, with St. James Anglican offering a lunch on the first and third Thursdays of the month. Advocacy is offered daily Monday – Friday which provides people with assistance in “figuring out where to get help”, in filling out paperwork or “navigating an online form” provided. The CHWC staff encourage those who are wanting to access to the CHWC to keep an eye on the monthly calendar to see what is offered each month, as services and activities do change.

The Warming Centre is located on the second story of the building and is open between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. There is a full bathroom, with a tub and shower, three bedrooms, a sitting area and laundry facilities. McDermott mentioned the warming centre provides an opportunity for the unhoused to rest in a secure location, perhaps make a bite to eat in the fully-stocked kitchen and currently over 30 unhoused people access the services provided here. There is access to a television there as well as WIFI available, with plans to have a computer and more stable internet.

After noting visits to the CHWC have tripled in 2024 when compared to 2023, she mentioned it is thanks to the volunteers, the representatives of the agencies, the Anglican Parish of South Dundas, and the community the support needed is able to be provided. She mentioned that the services at the CHWC are available to all members of the community, mentioning that the laundry facilities are available to those who need them, whether housed or not.

McDermott and Harbers both expressed their thanks to the 100 Men Who Care South Dundas for providing the funds to provide access to a computer, a copier and internet for a year which will allow increasing the access to resources for clients. Gail McCooye was thanked for her April 2024 fundraising initiative which has provided financial support for one year, with McDermott mentioning the CHWC also receives funding from the Centraide SDG United Way for the Coordinator position.

 

If you would like to have a light shined on your business, please contact us at: editor@etceterapublications.ca or call us at 613-448-2321.