Ray of Hope Inc - Kitchener, Ontario

Joanne L.

CNOY event today 2025-Feb. Ray of Hope is a very well organized place for those in need to get assistance

Marylou K.

The very Best loving people they really go out of there way to help you

Tracy J. S.

To the 3 ladies who helped boost my spirits today and gave me hope, thank yoy. And everyone who works at Ray of Hope and volunteers too your all amazing.

E S.

Oct 18, 2024. The organizations that volunteer to come in the evenings, with food they prepare for the patrons using the services, continue to be wonderful. Unfortunately, it is sad to say that some staff have reached a point of showing less concern/respect for the well-being of the patrons. For example, tonight there was a cold draft coming inside from the open door(propped open) leading to the outside. Staff, upon request refused to close the the door leading outside (fans were running). With fans running and the draft from this door, cigarette smoke from the outside was being filtered inside. Again, when requested for the door to be shut as some have allergies to cigarette smoke and their health can be compromised from second-hand smoke, the request continued to be ignored. It is a shame. It is sad to see the decline in respect by some of the staff who work here.

Do I still support donations be given to this organization as I did in the past? I still say yes with 100% certainty.

Without donations to their food bank program, and financial donations many programs offered by The Ray would disappear just like being opened longer on Saturdays and the shut down of the breakfast program during the week, and doors no longer open sooner than 11am during the week due to lack of funding.

Programs offered here are very important to those seeking support to better their lives from addiction programs to religious celebrations to resources such as computer and printer availability to look for work and housing to a place where a nurse practitioner is available to those seeking medical attention.

Without donations, from you, the broken washing machines could not be fixed or replaced allowing patrons to wash their clothes so they do not have to be in dirty clothes to keeping the power on which are a few examples of how much donations do for the most vulnerable.

I strongly urge that if you have loose change, save it up and then donate to places like the Ray in Kitchener and the Vineyard in Cambridge because your loose change combined with somebody else's loose change helps more than one person - it is not just those down on hard times you are helping but you are also helping to keeping that employee keep their job.

I pray that the disrespect I have seen is just a hiccup and a temporary slide that will have a turn-around. The important thing to remember whether it's here or anywhere else, when those less fortunate see disrespect of people who have fallen on hard times it becomes difficult to focus on one's recovery for fear of being judged for using these resources.

Respect needs to be a two-way street - something I try to practice every time and every so often remind my fellow patrons. Without respect these much needed resources will disappear from volunteers and paid employees not wanting to work in an environment where complaining, rather than gratitude,and disrespect exist to patrons not using the available resources due to fear of being judged for using these resources. Worst case scenario, we do not want to be like some areas in the U.S. where people become so desensitized that they walk by an "unconscious" person only for someone, finally hours later, showing care and compassion find the person frozen to death (real story shared by a friend who actually was one of those compassionate citizens who found a frozen dead homeless person).

In the end, BE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER. YOU JUST NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU WILL NEED THAT PERSON OR THAT SERVICE OR THAT COMPASSION TO HELP RAISE YOU BACK UP - WE ALL HAVE A STORY that has ups and downs in it - some unfortunately have been fighting demons for a little longer than others.

So, please make those coins count for more than one person by contributing to places like the Ray, The Vineyard, and shelters.

Have a blessed day.

November w6, 2024...Holly please see this video and it will explain why you are attacking me unjustly and trying to destroy my reputation but many know that I am honest as my actions match who I am.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/18wCnJF31U/

Christine J.

A nonprofit organization serving unsheltered, street involved, marginalized, & low-income people. The community centre offers two(2) hot meals daily, programs & a marketplace for free. It's a warm place to escape the cold 🥶or to cool down in hot weather 🥵, find food, clothing & services. The staff & volunteers are mostly friendly, supportive & empathetic( as always, it depends on the person). They are trained to deal with all kinds of situations & de-escalate conflicts. Volunteers help to prepare meals & cleanup. It's a real blessing.

There are many programs offered too from medical care, social skills, showers, laundry facilities , visits from other agencies, etc. It's on their website.

Accessibility: ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐

Everything thing is on one(1) level. The entrance is a ramp to an automatic door that has not worked for over six(6) years.
Fortunately there are many who are willing to hold the doors & help.

The aisles are wide enough for wheelchairs but the tables are very close together, so those with mobility devices have to sit on the end.

There is one barrier free washroom, only the family washroom has grab bars, a raised toilet & space to manoeuvre. No automatic door.

They have a roll-in shower with handheld showerhead, seat, grab bars & extra chairs.

For meals, they ask patrons to let people with mobility aids be first in line. Everyone seems to comply.

All in all, the Ray of Hope is a real blessing in the area. Thanks to all the volunteers & staff!👍🏽😀
Hours: M - F 11 -8( take out window- 8:30)
S 11 - 2
Sun 4-6:30

Joseph A.

Great meals and help in anyway you need it

Raquel L.

AMAZING PEOPLE HERE!!!!
Volunteers that truly care about the ones they are serving!!!

Mike R.

A most wonderful group of people, helping the less fortunate in our community.. They are not acknowledged sometimes, but they should be. Thank you to all!!