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www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, December 8, 2011 · 4 Home Suite Hope has new lease on life HSH holiday By Nathan Howes OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF It was down in 2010, but certainly not out -- Home Suite Hope (HSH) is looking ahead to a brighter future after a year of transition. That was the consensus among members of the organization that exists to provide transitional housing to the homeless, at its first annual general meeting -- held a few days after its fifth Empty Bowls fundraiser. "It's been a very challenging time, but wonderful at the same time, as we take an organization that was very young in its development and start to move it to the new stage, so we are maturing," said executive director Janice Moro. "I realized there were some really key issues to look at organizationally, and felt the board of directors in the organization needed to look at where the agency was going and to look at crystallizing our strategic direction." In the last 18 months, HSH has refocused its strategy and resources on single-parent families, welcomed five new members to the board of directors and experienced a turnover of its entire staff. Moro said four key issues were identified by the board at a strategic planning session shortly after she came on board in April 2010. The first issue was its shared living model. "Home Suite Hope actually originated within a housing model where people come under the campaign MICHAEL IVANIN / OAKVILLE BEAVER DOING THEIR PART: Jules Graham-Hood, left, of Home Suite Hope (HSH), received a $1,200 donation from Boston Pizza Franchisee Donna Corrigan, Ron Rocheleau of Mott's Clamato, and Scarlet Estrada, community relations co-ordinator for Boston Pizza. The money was raised during a Best Caesar Competition hosted by the restaurant in early November. The funds will support Home Suite Hope work towards its support of individuals and families facing a housing crisis. same roof and they have shared accommodation, (which) has been a common way to handle transitional housing within North America," said Moro. "What we found in this last decade is this type of housing arrangement is coming out of favour because it places pressures on individuals to live under the same roof, and you're already dealing with the challenges of being homeless." Through research, HSH found that a shared living accommodation still resonates within the addiction recovery circles because that type of f program is "very much focused on mutual supSee HSH page 10 Home Suite Hope (HSH) hopes its new fundraiser will bring tidings of joy for those less fortunate this holiday season. Following on the heels of its Empty Bowls event, which raised more than $70,000 earlier this fall, comes its Hope 4 Holidays campaign. From December to February, HSH will be accepting donations at various locations and special events to raise money for those in need. "It's a gracious giving campaign, so people can give money and direct it to where the biggest need is. It's really important for us to be able to reach out to everybody, especially at this time of the year," said HSH director of development Jules Graham-Hood. HSH kicked off its Christmas campaign with several events last weekend. There was a four-day promotion at Mendocino boutique, at 283 Lakeshore Rd. E. -- a portion of sales supported HSH. On Friday, Dec. 2, Bronte Harbour Yacht Club (BHYC) hosted its 38th annual Turkey Roll Fundraiser and Banquet with a portion of proceeds supporting HSH. This fundraiser has generated more than $50,000 since its inception. St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School, which See Revera page 10 ...to an active retirement lifestyle at Vistamere, Oakville's premier retirement residence. Nestled in a well established neighbourhood, close to popular Hopedale Mall, living at Vistamere is like living in a fine hotel. Everything is included in your monthly fee; there are no hidden charges. Three meals a day in our beautifully appointed dining room, snacks, weekly personal laundry and linen service, daily housekeeping and so much more, have made Vistamere the choice for active seniors. Our fully equipped Residents Kitchen is ideal for personal baking. You Y can enj n oy a game of pool in our comforta f ble Club Room, have a game of bridge in our Card Room or just chat with new fr f iends in our bright and airy main lounge. We W even have a custom designed indoor shuffleboard court! Call today for your personal tour. W d love to have you join us! We' 380 Sherin Drive, Oakville, Ontario (905) 847-1413 www.vistamere.ca