Community invited to “rebuild hope” with House of Lazarus
The House of Lazarus (HOL) has been meeting the needs of surrounding communities for decades, but now the local mission needs the community’s help funding a building initiative that will see its food bank take up residence in a new permanent home.
“We are calling on the generosity of individuals and businesses in our community to help us raise the final necessary funds to complete the new building,” HOL’s board of directors stated in a recent letter campaign. “Your support will ensure that we continue providing food security, warmth, and hope to those who need it most.”
In addition to a letter campaign – Help Us Rebuild Hope, sent to potential donors – fundraising efforts for the building initiative include a Moose FM Radiothon set for May 9, 2025. Those who donate a minimum of $250 will be memorialized in an art installation that is set to be featured in the new building, while those who contribute $500 or more will be honoured with a personalized plaque on the donor tree, as a lasting tribute to the community’s compassion and commitment.
“Every donation, no matter the amount, will bring us one step closer to securing a long-term space for our essential services,” the letter stated.
The food bank is currently housed at 10506 Clark Rd, where it has been serving clients since losing its previous home to fire in April 2023. Following a financial donation from Scotiabank in 2024, the receipt of the insurance claim proceeds, as well as a previous two-acre land donation from Jack and Cathy Hoogenboom in 2019, HOL’s board of directors decided late last year that it was time to move forward with the project.
The new building, which is being constructed by Watko Construction Ltd., a Kemptville-based company, will be situated on Ronson Road in Mountain, kitty corner to HOL’s current headquarters. John Koenjer, owner of Watko Construction Ltd., is acting as general contractor for the build.
The new structure, which is expected to house HOL’s food bank, food bank warehouse, its new furniture store, as well as its offices, is projected to be move-in ready in the spring of 2025. This will leave the existing stores, HOL Boutique and Mountain Treasures, at their current location on Simms Street.
“Your donation is not just an investment in a building, it is an investment in the well-being of our neighbours, friends, and families,” the letter continued. “We sincerely hope you will join us in this mission by making a contribution.”
The letter also noted that in the past six months, HOL has addressed food insecurity by feeding more than 820 people through its food banks. In addition to that, HOL has distributed more than 5,000 bags of food to students to eat over the weekends and has provided more than 6,000 community meals.
HOL has also taken several measures to address housing insecurity. Three families are currently housed in HOL rent-geared-to-income housing units, while HOL’s Community Hub and Warming Centre has had more than 800 visits in the past six months. The hub has also provided a safe space for 38 people experiencing homelessness.
“At House of Lazarus, our mission is simple yet powerful: Building Community – Sharing Hope,” HOL’s board of directors said. “Our vision is to be a first-stop community hub that coordinates support and provides resources to those in need. By supporting this initiative, you are directly contributing to that mission, helping us create a space where no one in our community goes hungry and where compassion thrives.”
Donations can be dropped off on May 9th during the Moose FM Radiothon, made online at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/house-of-lazarus-outreach-mission/, made by e-transfer to accounting@houseoflazarus.com, or made by cheque made payable to House of Lazarus. Cheques can be mailed or delivered to 2245 Simms Street, Mountain ON K0E1S0. Charitable receipts will be issued for every eligible donation.
To learn more about HOL, as well as its many outreach programs and initiatives, visit the mission’s website at hol.community, call 613-989-3830, or email cashby@houseoflazarus.com