Wesley Urban Ministries: Homelessness and Poverty in Hamilton

Andrea Buttars, program director at Wesley Urban Ministries outlined the various support programs that help children, youth and families, regularly assisting 1250 individuals on a daily basis. Programs cover three areas: Children Youth and Family, Housing and Homelessness, and Neighbourhood and Newcomer Services. With over 30 programs in 19 locations the organization is committed to making a long term impact. Using evidence based research to plan and make decisions Wesley Urban Ministries works with newborns to seniors and is responsive to both individuals and neighbourhoods. In 2013 it launched the first social enterprise that offered interpretation and translation services for a fee with the funds used to help others. Another addition to the services provided is assisting up to 320 refugees a year that come to the City of Hamilton.

The organization has a full time and part time staff of 200 with an additional 150 providing relief services. The largest majority of funding is provided by various levels of government with smaller amounts coming from foundations, businesses and individual donations.