MEDIA RELEASE - May 24, 2024
$93,500 Grant from the Ontario Government Gives Dawn House a Lift
Kingston, ON - On Friday, local MPP Ted Hsu met with the team at Dawn House to hear more about the $93,500 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to help the organization build its resilience and sustainability by hiring new staff to address organizational needs.
“Housing is not meant to be a privilege, and Dawn House recognizes this,” said Ted Hsu, MPP for Kingston and the Islands. “They have done so much to house vulnerable and marginalized women in Kingston, and with renewed strength from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, they will continue to build up our community's resilience.”
Awarded in May 2023, this OTF grant was instrumental in helping remedy the challenges Dawn House faced during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, including dwindling board members and volunteer participation, a lack of fundraising campaigns, needing more work space and gathering areas, technology for remote teaching and meetings, and additional staff support and strategic planning. Thanks to this funding, Dawn House was able to hire a Wellness Coach and a Governance Coach to address these issues and build the organization’s resilience moving forward.
“The impact of this Ontario Trillium Foundation grant cannot be overstated,” said Maggie McLaren, Executive Director of Dawn House. “Our organization was not exempt from the challenges that COVID- 19 brought with it. Fortunately, with this funding, we’ve been able to make the necessary changes to address our needs. We can now function safely, adapt to changes in staff, volunteers, space usage and financial streams.”
Dawn House is a local non-for-profit charity supporting and empowering homeless, vulnerably housed, and marginalized women living in poverty. No one chooses to be homeless but our vision is for all women to live in safe, affordable, and accessible housing. Since its inception in 1986, there have been over 6,000 stays. If you would like to help or would like more information please visit our website at www.dawnhouse.ca or come join us on June 21 st for our Annual Golf tournament (details on our website).
“Non-profit organizations across Ontario deliver programming that makes a difference,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “That’s why funding that my ministry is providing through the OTF is so important. Our government wants to ensure that these programs and spaces remain the heart of communities across our province.”
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110M into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
Organization Contact for Media Inquiries:
Maggie McLaren, Executive Director
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