Newmarket’s community meals program will now run seven days a week until the end of March 2021, thanks to a $45,000 grant and the work of a coalition of citizens who are committed to helping the homeless and those at risk of homlessness.
The United Way Greater Toronto grant was made possible with COVID-19 emergency funding from the federal government under its national homelessness strategy, Reaching Home.
The money will be used to redesign and expand Newmarket’s existing hot meals service, which includes hiring a cook to ensure physical distancing can be maintained in small local kitchens.
“We were very exhilarated that we were approved for the grant because it creates stability for the community meal program in Newmarket, and I think that is worthy of appreciation and praise,” said Rev. Ross Carson, chairperson of the newly formed Concerned Citizens for the Homeless in Newmarket.
The multi-faith group is made up of members of Trinity United Church and St. John Chrysostom Roman Catholic Church, with representatives from agencies including Inn from the Cold, and others with lived experience of homelessness.
Now, together with a coalition of churches and Newmarket’s seasonal homeless shelter, Inn from the Cold, the free community dinners will provide greater food security as the impacts of the pandemic continue, Carson said.
“The money will be principally used for the costs of food supplies by three of the four coalition partners, and for the cost of a cook at two of the four coalition partners,” said Carson.
The Newmarket supper program partners include St. John Chrysostom and St. Elizabeth Seton parishes, Trinity United Church, Crosslands Church, and Inn from the Cold.
Valley View Alliance Church on Davis Drive will continue to fund and prepare its Sunday night take-away meal.
Due to continued COVID-19 restrictions, the community meals will be cooked and distributed at least five nights a week from Inn from the Cold’s Penrose Street facility.
“To the many who give of their time and talent and financial resources to provide greater food security, those at the Concerned Citizens for the Homeless in Newmarket say thank you,” Carson said.
The group received a $7,330 Local Love grant from the United Way in early June that has provided nearly 1,200 hot take-out dinners to the community's vulnerable in June and July.
For more information on Newmarket’s community meals, visit Inn from the Cold here.
