Shelter Initiatives

SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THESE PILOT PROGRAMS!

Overnight Warming Program (Safe Sleep Space)

First Light Foundation of Hope was honoured and privileged to be one of the pioneers of an emergency overnight system. We operated a low-barrier walk-in safe sleep space for 3 winters. From December 2020, December 2021, and December 2022. We established a model where additional emergency shelter spaces could be made available to individuals not able to access the standard shelter system or not willing to enter the standard system. This model has now been embraced by the Durham region, which now operates several overnight warming spaces and walk-in emergency shelters.

 

 

 

Outreach Center-Breakfast Program

First Light Foundation of Hope operated from our outreach center, an early morning breakfast program from November 2018 until June 2024. Reaching out to the vulnerable, homeless, and marginalized during the most vulnerable hours of the day. We fed 60-90 members of the homeless community Monday to Friday from 6 am to 8 am. We provided showers, bathroom facilities, clothing, food, and multiple resources. In 2025, we hope to acquire a larger location to facilitate the continuation of these services. 

 

Out-of-the-Crisis Restorative Shelter at Camp Samac
(May 1, 2020 – October 31, 2020)

 

In preparation for the conclusion of our In Out of the Cold program which ended April 30th, several conversations were held with the Durham Region government about the continued need to help the homeless in the midst of COVID-19.

As a result of these good discussions, we are pleased to announce a new joint venture between First Light Foundation of Hope and Christian Faith Outreach Centre to help care for homeless persons throughout the spring and summer months at Camp Samac.

We have dubbed this new program ‘In Out of the Crisis (IOTC)’.

The IOTC Restorative Shelter Program is the first of its kind, with two Christian organizations partnering with the government of Durham Region to help the needy and homeless throughout the area.

The Region of Durham has leased Camp Sumac to allow us to operate a 24hr a day, 7 days a week shelter program. This program, in its infancy, is providing a safe place where homeless persons can get off the streets and away from the risk of COVID-19, but also do so in a safe and supervised drug and alcohol-free environment.

The doors of the new Restorative Shelter Program opened on May 1st. Our maximum capacity, while practicing social distancing, allows for 25 individuals to be fed 3 meals a day, and to provide shelter, mattress, pillow, fresh sheets, laundry, and a host of other support services. Some of these services include Durham Mental Health, OW & ODSP support, music and art therapy, and an introduction into a safe, peaceful, loving community environment.

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Hope House is now Redemption House and is being operated by Redemption House of Recovery. For program information please call (647) 554-4673. 

This program model proved to be a very successful pre-treatment facility. Our next intention is to open Durham Region’s first Faith-based 12-month drug rehabilitation program, aiming for 2025. Stay tuned for what God has in store! 

 

Over a 2-year period, we attempted to purchase three different properties. Each time looked better than the last. However, all three doors were closed until the 27th of June, 2022. The board had decided to rent a home that Monday night; we found Hope House Tuesday morning, viewed it the same afternoon, negotiated the lease Wednesday, and had the keys in hand Thursday morning. Once we took possession 40 days later, we were ready to open and thus began the journey. That’s how our God works! Hallelujah!

Hope House is a pre-treatment residential detox and discipleship center designed to prepare the homeless and addicted for placement in 1-year recovery programs such as Teen Challenge.

What Hope House offers:

  • 24/hrs, 7 days a week support
  • Withdrawal Management
  • Physical Fitness
  • Three meals a day
  • Group Therapy
  • 12-Step and Spiritual Support
  • Next steps to treatment or transitional living
  • Pastoral/Church visits

To see a typical day at Hope House, please click here Hope House Day Schedule.docx