There are a number of reasons why people come to the House of Blessing. They may be teens who are not able to live at home due to conflict or abuse, or young women who are pregnant. Usually they have no income or are on Social Assistance of which most might go for rent and very little is left over for food or clothing.

Then there are single moms or dads who are not working as they may be limited in education and any work they may be able to do, does not pay enough to cover child care expenses or transportation as well as their regular expenses. Quite often, they also receive no support from the other parent.

When couples split up, there is also quite often no income for one of the partners for some time until they can apply for Social Assistance, support, etc. so they need to use the food bank or clothing store. If it was an abusive relationship and the person uses the services of a shelter, when they are able to leave and be on their own, they have need of furniture, clothing, food, household goods etc. which we try to accommodate as best we can.

There are also men and women who have been laid off from their jobs or have been let go from Temporary agency positions which on the average last about three months. Employment Insurance is about 55% of wages earned and with a number of factory closings, we have seen an increase of recently unemployed people.

A number of our clients are unable to work due to physical or mental conditions. They are generally on ODSP or CPP Disability funding. Even though these pay more, it is still difficult to manage on this as rent in Stratford tends to be high and rent-geared-to-income have long waiting lists.

We also have the working poor who try very hard to make do with what they earn but circumstances such as an unexpected expense, moving expenses, medical emergencies etc. leave them with little or no income for food or clothing.

Seniors, though a smaller number of our clientele, may need to use the services of the House of Blessing if their old age pension, widow's pension or CPP is not enough to meet their needs.

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HOW DO THEY GET HERE?

A large number of our clients walk to the House of Blessing. Some also come by bus if they can afford a bus pass. Others will come with friends or case workers who will drive them when needed. Young mothers pushing strollers have a hard time in the winter as there are no sidewalks on our side and they have to cross four lanes on a very busy street. The bus also does not stop here so our clients have to carry all their bags to the Jenny Trout Centre or Chestnut Street. We may also give a bus ticket or cab ticket when available to those who are unable to manage their bags.

WHAT DO THEY RECEIVE HERE

The majority of our clients come for food or clothing. We also supply household goods such as linens, dishes, curtains, pots and pans, cutlery, etc. When needed, we also give furniture and appliances to set up new homes or replace worn out items.

They also receive emotional, physical and spiritual support. Some come just to say hi and receive the only hug they will get that week. As agencies and clients in the city and county say, "We don't know what we would do if you weren't there".

We will not be remembered by our words, but by kind deeds. Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by moments that take our breaths.

Today I wish you a day of ordinary miracles

A fresh pot of coffee you didn't make yourself

An unwxpected phone call from an old friend

Green stoplights on your way to work

The fastest line in the grocery store

A good sing-along song on the radio

Your keys found right where you left them