NEWS RELEASE
THE LIGHTHOUSE
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Members of the community are all invited to join us in celebration of the opening of The Lighthouse Community Services and Supportive Housing to the public on Saturday, June 11.
The long-awaited celebration of labour, passion and hard work of the Building Hope capital campaign has come to fruition. The capital campaign to open the new 30,000-square-foot facilities in August 2021 to the participants, was realized officially at the end of April 2021.
Due to the global pandemic, the shelter could only allow registered participants inside for services, and only at half capacity due to assessment by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. Bagged lunches and resources have been continuing to be provided to the public in need, but will now be open for services to the public after the protocols are lifted this month.
The Lighthouse has been sheltering up to 33 individuals since August 2021 in the emergency shelter and being at that capacity with a waiting list for people looking for shelter since then. The Supportive Housing apartments, 20 bachelor units, have been full almost consistently since July 2021. This program also includes support from staff to assist the residents to find wellness and independent living
The Open House Celebration will take place on Saturday, June 11 from 1-4 p.m. at 75 Queen St. E. Welcome Ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. out front of the facility and everyone is welcome to come in for a guided tour, stop by our Student Hope Ambassador “Bake Sale”, hear how you can volunteer, view our “brand new” video by Heidman Definition with three testimonies from The Lighthouse participants who have used the services, and stop by the sales table to pick up a few items to support the charity.
The event is open to all ages, free of charge, however, a donation would be appreciated. Monetary donations can be given at our sales table. For a list of non-monetary donations to bring with you, go to the website at orillialighthouse.ca under our 'About Us' page and look under 'What We Need.'
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