Join the Mayor’s Challenge

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Homelessness is hard. For everyone. It is a critical issue that affects the very fabric of our community. Despite our best efforts, there remains a significant gap in funding needed to create a safe and supportive hub for those without a home. This is why I have partnered with United Way Hastings and Prince Edward and am issuing a challenge to all of you: let’s come together to bridge this gap and make our vision a reality.

The Vision: A Homelessness Hub

Our goal is to establish a comprehensive homelessness hub that will serve as a beacon of hope and support for our most vulnerable citizens. This hub will provide:

Shelter and Safety: A secure place to sleep and rest.
Support Services: Access to healthcare, mental health services, and addiction counseling.
Employment Assistance: Job training programs and employment resources.
Community Integration: Programs to help individuals reintegrate into the community and rebuild their lives.

The Challenge

We have a goal of raising $250,000 to complete Phase 1 of this project. The Mayor’s Challenge is a community-wide effort to bridge this funding gap. Here’s how you can get involved:

1. Donate

Every dollar counts. Your donation, routed through United Way Hastings and Prince Edward, will go directly towards the construction, renovation and carrying costs of the homelessness hub.

$50 helps purchase construction materials like nails and screws.
$100 buys paint and supplies for a room.
$500 contributes to the installation of plumbing fixtures.
$1,000 helps fund the construction of private, safe rest areas.
$5,000 supports the building of communal areas such as kitchens and lounges.
$10,000 aids in major structural elements like roofing and insulation.

2. Fundraise

Become a fundraiser by organizing events or campaigns. Here are some ideas:

Charity Runs/Walks: Organize a sponsored run or walk.
Community Dinners: Host a dinner and collect donations.
Garage Sales: Sell unused items and donate the proceeds.

3. Spread the word - Use social media to spread the word and encourage donations.

We believe in transparency and community engagement. Our progress tracker will be updated above in real time to show how close we are to reaching our goal.

Thank You

Together, we can create a brighter future for everyone in our community. Thank you for your generosity and support.

Warm regards,

Mayor Neil Ellis, City of Belleville, ON