NEWS RELEASE
THE LIGHTHOUSE SOUP KITCHEN AND SHELTER
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The Building Hope campaign team is excited to announce that the construction phase will begin next month on the much-anticipated and much-needed Building Hope project.
This week, W.S. Morgan Construction Limited was selected through a competitive tender process to build the Lighthouse Community Services Hub and The Lighthouse Supportive Housing that will include 20 separate units, offices and a community room at the facility’s new home on Queen Street.
“This is exciting news,” said Glenn Wagner, the co-chair of Building Hope. “We’ve been working on this project for several years. To know that construction is about to begin is a significant milestone.”
The new hub will replace The Lighthouse on Peter Street and will serve Orillia's vulnerable, offering a range of housing as well as emergency food and shelter, primary care, mental health and addiction services for people who are experiencing a housing crisis.
“Our goal is to promote overall wellness for individuals and families and help alleviate chronic homelessness, addiction and poverty,” said Linda Goodall, the executive director of the Lighthouse.
Building Hope is a multi-faceted plan to accomplish that goal.
It includes 20 supportive housing units in addition to the emergency shelter with 40 emergency beds for men, women, youth and families, a soup kitchen, a separate mental health wing with five beds, and “wrap-around” supports such as addictions counselling, mental health counselling, life skills training and spiritual support.
“This is much more than a shelter,” said Wagner.
The project has received funding from all levels of government.
“We now have the full backing of the City of Orillia, County of Simcoe, Province of Ontario and the federal government,” said Wagner.
Despite that, more money is needed for the ambitious project.
“While we have raised approximately $11.5 million to date, in order to open our new facility without a mortgage, we still need to raise $2.7 million,” noted Wagner, adding the fund-raising campaign team continues to work hard to attain that goal.
Donors are encouraged to give to project through a pledge over one to three years and can be made as a monthly donation. Several naming rights to space within the facility are still available or donors can choose a legacy gift from our gift catalogue, that will be on location for years to come. These items can be purchased on our website.
For more information on making your donation or having our team give a presentation to your group or business, contact Lynn Thomas, development coordinator and campaign manager at [email protected] or 705-329-2265.
Not only can you donate cash, donations of in-kind services would be appreciated. There are multiple ways to support the cause.
Hope can start with you.
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