Serving as many as 200 of the city's most vulnerable residents, many of them living rough, in encampments or shelters, the goal of Urban Hope is not only to feed the needy, but to see their lives transformed.
"This is a place where they are loved, not judged. We want to walk life with them and bring healing," says Christine Lakatos, director at Urban Hope, a not-for-profit community outreach based out of The Vineyard Church in Cambridge.
“We see elderly, young people and families. We do what we do because they are family.”
The organization offers lunch and other services at their Elgin Street North church on Tuesdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and hot dinners on Thursdays and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
They also provide clothing, laundry facilities, showers, haircuts, prayer, and support to those most vulnerable in the community.
And the need continues to grow.
“The climate is so hard if you are homeless. With the death of a loved one, or divorce, it can all spiral to homelessness. And with the rise in inflation and lack of affordable housing, we are seeing new folks coming in. The need is increasing,” said Jeff Hesselink, ministry director, at Mission to the Margins.
“If you are homeless, the shower at Urban Hope is the only shower available in the community,”
Hesselink partnered with Urban Hope in August to help expand and carry on the mission of helping those in need.
He works as a chaplain for those living on the streets and assists churches in helping find new ways of engaging with the needy.
“We are a Christian ministry, and our faith here is free.”
For Hesselink, it’s about being a bridge between the church and the needy.
Being homeless, is something Hesselink, is familiar with.
“When I was young, I found myself, homeless and living on the streets. You feel like others think you are dangerous. Having been there, I understand. And as a Christian, this has tweaked my compassion,” Hesselink said.
“People see those that are homeless on the streets. They do not know them. There is such a divide.”
Lakotos said Urban Hope provides a safe place, where everyone is welcome, and everyone is loved.
During the pandemic, indoor eating was not possible at Urban Hope. But with help from the Waterloo Region Food Bank, it was able to serve cooked meals ‘to go’.
“To eat, and to have a meal together, is what many have missed during COVID-19. Since the pandemic, so many were alone,” Hesselink said.
The Cambridge Vineyard is located in Galt. It includes historic old buildings, a licensed children’s daycare as well has a restored building that has a kitchen, cafeteria, a shower, clothing room, and a grocery cupboard.
Volunteers provide coffee, a warm meal, clothing, showers, haircuts and most importantly, peer support.
“We build a culture of love, we sit down, and we talk with them,” Lakatos said.
“And they look out for us too.”
Since 1989, Lakatos has reached out to her community. She and and her husband George have done ministry work outside of Canada, including Cuba, Miami, and Haiti.
Since having a family, the couple decided to stay local, and Urban Hope came to be.
As the need continues to grow, Lakatos is grateful for all the community support received over the years.
Urban Hope accepts financial donations. Tents, tarps, and back packs are always needed. Men’s clothing is always in demand, as well as personal hygiene products.
“The grocery cupboard empties quick, so there is always a need for donations of food. For people living on government funding only, this really helps,” Hesselink said.
At the Vineyard, everyone is committed to gather with compassion, as a community.
"After having been in the shoes of someone who is homeless, it is about treating people with love, dignity and respect. We bless and welcome people,” Hesselink said.
“This isn’t just a one-off, we are always here,”
For more information about Urban Hope: the Cambridge Vineyard Church, visit here.
