In their first meeting of the year, 100 Women Who Care South Simcoe, convened virtually to listen to the stories of three local charities: Habitat Huronia, Youth Haven and Higher Grounds Coffee House.
The purpose of quarterly meetings is to help raise awareness and funds for community organizations, with each attendee pledging $100 for the cause. After listening to speakers from each charity, the women vote on the one who they would like their money to go to most. The charity that receives the most votes walks away with 80 percent of the funds raised., with the other two charities splitting the remaining 20 percent.
The first to present in the Zoom meeting on Thursday was Jennifer Hastings from Habitat for Humanity Huronia.
Habitat helps families transition from being renters to homeowners. They believe affordable housing is a human right and enlist the help of dedicated volunteers to build simple houses with donated money and materials.
Habitat owns the mortgages of the homes and has families pay 30 percent of their income to mortgage payments.
The homeowners are then provided education in eight to 10 mandatory workshops in budgeting, mortgages, insurance and warranty and conflict resolution.
In total, they have been able to put over 44 families into homes.
"We're trying to provide a safe environment for families, and give them opportunities they've never had before," said Hastings.
Due to COVID, Habitat has not been able to host many fundraisers and not allowed to have volunteers on site to build homes. But the government has stepped in to help with building costs.
Habitat for Huronia services the Barrie, Angus and South Simcoe area. Most recently the Town of Innisfil donated property at 3122 25th Sideroad for the development of a Passive House Designated community. Passive House is a stringent designation that can result in up to 90 percent energy savings. which can be passed down to the homeowners.
They are currently seeking volunteers to help with the Innisfil Build, and no experience is necessary. Those interested can fill out a form on their website here.
Lucy Gowers from Youth Haven, an emergency shelter for youth in Barrie, spoke to the group about their mission in helping young people across Simcoe County.
Gowers noted that 67 youths accessed the shelter for the first time last year and over 300 accessed their services.
"Youth Haven is where they can find shelter, case management and intervention," explained Gowers. "Since 1987 we have made an important impact on thousands of youth...youth homelessness is a rising issue and the cost is rather severe."
Youth Haven is able to provide its services with the help of its community partners, donations, grants and fundraising efforts.
The average stay for youth staying at the shelter is three months before they go on to try and find their own place to stay, however, if unsuccessful, they are welcome to come back to stay at the shelter, Gowers said.
Youth Haven offers many services, including a health care clinic, referral services and life skills.
"We tend to do it all, we are like parents to the kids that come to us," said Gowers.
Dr. Tim Henshaw co-founder and chairman of the board spoke on behalf of Higher Grounds Coffee House, a volunteer, non-profit charity located in downtown Barrie.
The goal of the cafe is to make connections with the downtown community and the working poor.
"We don't see their problems, they are not defined by their problems or disability and can be defined by their potential," he said.
The cafe is three years old, but their journey began seven and a half years ago serving the disadvantaged people of Barrie. He described it as a stepping stones program where people can come to developing life skills by operating the cafe.
"We lose money every month but we're happy to give it away," said Henshaw.
During COVID, they have been open almost exclusively for takeout. They have low prices and a pay-it-forward program. Last year they gave away almost $6K in food from the program, which offers free food to those in need.
In November 2019, they started the React program that helps people deal with recovery from complex trauma. So far 10 people have completed all three phases of the 10-month program.
Another initiative that started last spring is 'Free Friday', where fresh produce and baked goods are donated by a local farm and feed 25-35 individuals. Henshaw said they are spending around $200-$300 a week on the initiative.
The latest project came in the fall, their 'Tiny Pantry of Hope', a self serve food bank filled with canned goods and non-perishables where people can take up to five items.
"Food is disappearing quite regularly," noted Henshaw, "we stock it three times a week."
After all three charities had a chance to speak and answer questions, the women voted on which charity should receive the majority of the donations.
It was a tough decision, but Higher Grounds Coffee came out on top, taking home 80 percent of the $2,400 pot. Habitat Huronia and Youth Haven each received 10 percent.
"Thank you so much," said Henshaw. "Thanks for making this happen, bless you."
Co-founder of 100 Women Who Care, Amy Simpson was pleased with the night's turnout.
"Thank you for continuning to show up," said Simpson.
In 2020, 100 Women Who Care South Simcoe raised a total of $9,700 for local charities. Their next meeting takes place Thursday, May 27, 2021.
The women are always looking to welcome new members. To learn more on how to get involved, visit here.