Hope House Guelph is a treasured community hub, where vulnerable adults, youth and children can find both immediate relief and ongoing supports.
“At Hope House, we say the opposite of poverty is community, because we believe that if people have access to the resources they need to thrive, they are able to move forward into a better future,” says Jaya James, Executive Director.
The mission of Hope House is to increase the well-being of vulnerable community members. They operate and advocate on the belief that poverty, food insecurity, inequality, health and community are all interconnected.
“Hope House supports many newcomers, the employed and unemployed, and the housed and unhoused. 76% of our community is housed. We are here to help make connections to local services and provide some food programs, wellness programs and community,” says John Collins, Community Engagement Manager.
Some of the services they provide include a free food market, counselling, free clothing and free haircuts. The programs and services they offer challenge the stigmas surrounding poverty and allow community members to maintain their dignity and choice.
There’s certainly no denying the incredible impact that the organization is having. In the last year alone, between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024, there were 5,193 individuals who accessed their services. In that time period, Hope House:
- registered 844 new households, which includes 563 children
- distributed 16,475 free meals to community members, and
- provided 2,433 fully stocked new backpacks to school-aged children via the Guelph Community Backpack Program, in partnership with the Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition, the Salvation Army, the Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington, Immigrant Services Guelph-Wellington and the YMCA of Three Rivers.
Hope House is hosting a much-anticipated fundraiser that makes possible the valuable programs they provide. Join us for the 20th year of the Joy Home Tour - a self-guided tour of professionally decorated homes to get you in the holiday spirit.
The Joy Home Tour 2024
Mark your calendars! You won’t want to miss the Joy Home Tour on Friday, November 15th and Saturday, November 16th.
This year you can choose from two ticket options:
The first is the traditional Joy Home Tour Ticket, a self-guided tour of six stunning homes—some of the most unique and beautiful residences in the area—that have been professionally decorated for the holiday season. This option allows you to explore each home at your own pace and the price includes a ticket for the Celebration Raffle.
The second is the 20th Year Experience Ticket, which gives you exclusive access to seven homes, including a “mystery” home. It also includes transportation, a Celebration Raffle ticket and a Celebration Soirée held at Barn Swallow Fields after the tour. You definitely won’t want to miss the Celebration Soirée, with its delightful festive cocktails, delicious appetizers, music and exciting silent auction.
Please note that a limited number of 20th Year Experience Tickets will be available and that this portion of the event will happen on Saturday, November 16th from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
When you buy any ticket for the tour, you are entered into the Celebration Raffle. The winner will have a designer and florist collaborate to decorate the main floor of their home for the holiday season, a highly coveted prize that is sure to set the stage for memorable hosting and entertaining this Christmas.
Whether you choose to tour the homes at your own pace or you purchase a ticket that includes a driver, it will be a tour to remember. Gather your friends and get your tickets now!
Best of all, when you purchase a ticket you are making a difference in the lives of vulnerable adults, youth and children here in Guelph.
“The Joy Home Tour brings awareness to the Hope House community and provides a lot of help. We always need volunteers, food donations, clothing donations and of course financial help,” says James.
Learn more about Hope House Guelph or call 519-265-4299. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram @hopehouseguelph.
SAVE THE DATE!
Joy Home Tour: A fundraiser in support of Hope House Guelph
- Friday, November 15th & Saturday, November 16th, 2024
- Get your Joy Home Tour tickets here.