When you contribute to YWCA’s Keep a Roof Campaign, you directly support residents at Tiny Hope and all other YWCA housing and poverty intervention programsOur housing programs are called “supportive housing” because we provide more than a roof over the heads of women, men, youth, and women-led families. Our residents are linked to a network of services including those that give them the opportunity to develop a variety of life skills. We help them set goals, increase their employability, and become better able to contribute to their community and broader society.Our Supportive Housing program includes our residences (Kains St Tiny Homes, Horizon House, Unity House, Harmony House, Fairwinds for Youth, several independent living apartments, YWCA Women’s Residence, and our Women-Led Family Transitional Home)Your donation will go directly into our supportive housing and poverty intervention programs, helping to meet both immediate needs and long-term goals for the individuals and families we serve.Funds may be used to purchase:New mattresses and bedding – ensuring residents have a safe and comfortable place to sleepEssential appliances – a new fridge or stove, which allow families to store and prepare healthy meals at homeBasic furniture — a table where a family can eat together, a desk for someone returning to school, or a sofa for a youth to finally feel at homeHygiene supplies – allowing residents to live with dignityNon-perishable food – supporting food security needsProgram materials – connecting residents through life skills and communityTransportation – assisting residents to appointmentsUpkeep of shared spaces and improvements that make our housing more welcomingEvery dollar makes a direct impact — helping people not just survive but build a foundation for a better future.

Hope for the Holidays helps women and families in St. Thomas-Elgin feel supported, safe, and connected during a season that can be stressful and isolating.Your gift strengthens YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin programs that provide practical support, skill-building, and community for women working toward stability and independence.Every contribution—of any size—keeps local women and families moving forward, together.

By choosing to support our Area of Greatest Need, you are giving us the flexibility to direct your gift where it can have the greatest impact at the time it is needed most.Your generosity helps the YWCA respond to the changing and often urgent needs of the women, children, youth, and families we serve. Your gift may help provide essential supports, strengthen programs, assist with affordable and supportive housing and poverty intervention, or help us respond to an emerging need in our community.This flexibility is incredibly valuable. It allows us to put your donation to work where it can make the most meaningful difference: helping us meet people where they are and provide the support, resources, and opportunities they need to move forward.Your donation is more than a financial gift. It is an expression of compassion, trust, and belief in the people we serve.Payment options:Credit Card - up to a maximum of $4,999 per transactionPAD (Pre-Authorized Debit) - up to a maximum of $20,000 per transactionCheque - made out to YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin and mailed to 16 Mary St. West, St. Thomas, ON N5P 2S3If you would like to pay via E-Transfer, please call our office at 519-631-9800 for details.