A journey United Way Perth-Huron embarked on back in mid-September has taken another step forward. Announced in the wake of UWPH’s September campaign kick-off, the Stratford Connection Centre — a United Way project in collaboration with the City of Stratford and Choices For Change — now has a physical location and United Way is looking to raise $100,000.
“We’re pleased to announce the congregation at St. Paul’s Anglican Church has agreed to host the Stratford Connection Centre,” said United Way Perth-Huron Executive Director Ryan Erb. “Providing outreach in the downtown core and connecting with people where they are can have a powerful, positive impact on individual lives and the community as a whole. Now, Stratford & Area Community Committee chair, Martin Ritsma, and Manager Community Development, Stratford & Area, Elizabeth Cooper are working hard reaching out to local donors to help make the connection centre a reality.”
The connection centre is intended to provide a safe place for vulnerable people, empowering individuals to move toward a better life by connecting them with allies and supports. This includes access to basic needs such as a shower and laundry facilities, building social ties and trust with volunteers and staff and connecting clients to additional social services. Hiring is nearing completion and it is hoped the centre will open in the next few weeks.
People wishing to make monetary donations to the centre can contact United Way by calling 519-271-7730, in-person at UWPH offices at 32 Erie Street or through perthhuron.unitedway.ca. Members of the community wishing to help through offers of food, comfort kits and more can contact Stratford Connection Centre Coordinator Tanya Hefkey at Choices For Change by calling (519) 271-6730 to find out about needed items and arrange drop-offs.
Stratford City Centre is also throwing their support behind the connection centre project. Over the initial weekend of Winter Wander-land in Market Square behind Stratford City Hall, the organization collected donations via cash, cheque and tap machine, raising a total of $2,158.05. The tap machine allows people to simply tap their payment card on a square to give $20, $10 or $5. It will appear in businesses throughout downtown Stratford until December 17.