By Ken Dick, Speroway President

At the core of what Speroway does, is our activity to support community agencies that are making a difference in the lives of people every single day. Especially during times of economic uncertainty and unemployment, we must be focused on resourcing people in need. My interest is to support smaller agencies that are reaching out to people in need, but because of their smaller size, they are often neglected by providers of the goods that they require. Last week, a staff member and I had the opportunity to visit the Helping Hands Street Mission, a Hamilton agency with a small store front presence that is reaching out to those in need.

On our visit, we met Tom and Helen Norris, the mission’s founders. It quickly became evident that this couple has the heart and the desire to help Hamilton’s neediest people – many of them who are living on the streets.  Tom and Helen started the work seven years ago by donating their own money to fulfill their dream to share God’s love. They are thankful for the many volunteers that helped them along the way and today they are providing many services to meet vital needs in Hamilton.

The free store is open four days a week and anyone is welcome to come in, look around, have a cup of coffee, and leave with some clothing and other items they may be in need of. Helen told us that even after people are done ‘shopping’, many sit in the chairs at the entrance to visit. Helen and Tom understand that these people need supplies, but more importantly they need friendship. By getting to know them, their needs can be identified and met on a regular basis.

Next door is the Helping Hands Program Center. This center is a welcome place for all – offering men’s and women’s support groups, writing and craft workshops, a café, meals and even haircuts.  All of these programs welcome people who are in need – treating them with dignity by offering a helping hand.

Speroway supported Helping Hands last week by providing boxes of soap, shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste. Tom and Helen were very grateful for the donation and we left the facility with a bounce in our step knowing that our support was appreciated and necessary. It is a privilege for Speroway to partner with organizations that are having a positive impact in the lives of needy people.

Please visit www.hhsmhamilton.com to learn more about Helping Hands and their work in the city of Hamilton. Together we are delivering hope!