Source: Posted in the St. Catharines Standard on Feb. 2nd, 2024. Start Me Up Niagara (SMUN) recently moved from its home of more than 14 years at 17 Gale Cres. due to accessibility issues. The move came a month after SMUN had originally planned to leave the old site but was stymied due to permitting issues to complete construction at 211 Church St.
Welcome back, dear readers! It's that time of year again when we lace up our boots, bundle up, and step into the chilly embrace of winter for a cause that warms the heart—the Coldest Night of the Year St. Catharines. If you've been with us in the past, you know the feeling of community, camaraderie, and the immense impact we make together. For those new to the journey, get ready for an adventure that goes beyond the frosty air.
Start Me Up Niagara (SMUN) is very excited to announce the amalgamation of Niagara’s Mobile Closet (NMC) and SMUN to help those most in need in our communities. SMUN and NMC have a long history of ensuring that those living in low income areas and those experiencing homelessness have access to clean, new clothes, hygiene products and other community services. This mobile program allows individuals easier access to clothing, allows individuals to grow and to participate.
Jan. 24, 2022 – With temperatures dropping, Start Me Up Niagara (SMUN), Silver Spire United Church and Niagara Region have worked jointly to open a warming centre to give those who are vulnerable and may be experiencing homelessness a safe, warm indoor place to rest and access amenities in St. Catharines. Silver Spire United Church located at 366 St. Paul Street in St. Catharines will be opening its doors for the warming centre on Monday, Jan. 24, 2022.
With temperatures dropping, Start Me Up Niagara (SMUN) the City of Niagara Falls and Niagara Region have worked jointly to open warming centres to give those who are vulnerable and may be experiencing homelessness a safe, warm indoor place to rest and access amenities.
Start Me Up Niagara, SMUN wants to thank the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre for a great growing year, the first of a three-year partnership. With an OTF grant of $449,500 grant, Start Me Up Niagara was able to expand the Green Garden, a social enterprise and community gardening program that provides welcoming, inclusive activities. Start Me Up Niagara worked with participants in the garden on a 2.5-acre farm and in the kitchen to create some fanta...
In 2020, Start Me Up Niagara received a $75,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to deliver a project to conduct a feasibility study towards creating a comprehensive volunteer program. With a goal of building inclusive and engaged communities, this project will allow citizens to have a say in shaping services that matter to them and has an impact on the lives of 500 people in the community.
Start Me Up Niagara is pleased to hear of Susan Venditti receiving the T. Roy Adams Humanitarian award. Susan has been a guiding light in the city and region for those experiencing poverty, homelessness, mental health issues, and other significant life challenges. Susan has been a guiding light in the city and region for those experiencing poverty, homelessness, mental health issues, and other significant life challenges.
Start Me Up Niagara is proud to announce the opening of a new remote Resource Drop-In Centre in Niagara Falls. This additional Resource Centre will assist local Niagara Falls residents experiencing significant life challenges such as poverty, homelessness, unemployment, disabilities, addictions and mental illness by helping them to access the resources and programs that will provide them with opportunities to stabilize, participate and grow.
In contemplation of human disconnectedness, author Leo Buscaglia once wrote, “too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” So let’s find small, honest, and meaningful ways to connect and grow as a more thoughtful community.