This year has not been easy for many, especially for those experiencing homelessness. Many services and businesses have been impacted with closures and or reduced services and revenues. As we end the year, we reflect on the blessings and look for growth opportunities in the new year coming.
Transition House Emergency Shelter ended this year with a celebration, provided by The Thirsty Goose. Due to the generosity of the Durham Community Grant Foundation, Transition House received a $10,000 grant to work in partnership with a local business to ensure food security remains a priority in Northumberland County. The Thirsty Goose immediately rose to the challenge and kicked off the project by providing an amazing Christmas dinner, simultaneously in Port Hope and Cobourg.
In Port Hope, staff arrived to the Next Step Transitional Housing Program and provided a turkey dinner for 30. Folks were invited to book a sit down (socially distanced) meal by appointment, or could arrive to take a meal to go. Transportation was also provided to ensure complete accessibility to all. At the same time, staff arrived to serve another entire turkey dinner to the Emergency Shelter in Cobourg, open to anyone wishing to enjoy a Christmas meal.
Anne Newman, Executive Director of Transition House stated that, “We’ve been lucky in Northumberland County during this pandemic to be awarded multiple opportunities for community partnerships and funding that has helped our clients immensely”. According to Newman, it was only natural when this opportunity arose to work with the Thirsty Goose as they had been supporting Transition House clients in motel since the beginning of the program. Hot meals have been provided daily while also ensuring affordability for the shelter in this time, costing less than a community ‘meals on wheels’ program.
Partnerships like this are what create a thriving community. “It gives me pleasure to know that I have been able to actualize a vision. Contributing to food security through small business partnership is a way to serve all and I am proud to be a part of that collaboration”, said Cameron Green, owner of the Thirsty Goose. The Christmas dinner was just the beginning. Cameron has many ideas brewing about ways to keep the community engaged in food security and says we should stay tuned for what’s to come. “We aren’t just providing food, we are looking for engagement and community well-being”. That will continue to be the focus of this partnership while the two entities work together to enhance food security in Northumberland County.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
