The board of directors and staff of St. Matthew’s House have developed a Strategic Plan for 2024 – 2029, which was launched at the organization’s Annual General Meeting held in June at Cathedral Place.
“This Strategic Plan reflects our understanding of what our community values most about St. Matthew’s House and addresses the opportunities and challenges we face in providing high-quality support to individuals and families experiencing economic barriers,” said Mary Burnett, board chair of St. Matthew’s House.
The plan includes refreshed mission and vision statements, discerned after a strategic planning session and a number of community consultations. The mission of St. Matthew’s House has been refocused to ensure its many programs and initiatives are centered on empowering people to lead fulfilling lives.
“Over the next five years, we will assess and deepen our approaches to our work, taking on a leadership role with an expanded group of community partners and actively engage more donors,” said Renée Wetselaar, executive director.
With a fresh perspective on its mission, understanding what it does well, and the environment in which it operates, St. Matthew’s House will pursue the following strategic directions:
- Enhance and expand community supports through new and existing partnerships
- Invest in the people of St. Matthew’s House
- Elevate fundraising efforts to better support its mission; and
- Focus community engagement on equity and justice outcomes.
“We are so excited and proud to use these strategies as our guiding lights,” said Wetselaar.
Founded in 1967 by local Anglican churches in inner city Hamilton with a focus on supporting vulnerable populations in the surrounding neighbourhoods, St. Matthew’s House continues to play a vital role in Hamilton. Figures included in their 2023 Impact Report show that 2584 meals were served at the Cathedral Café in December, 95 evictions were prevented, and their Holiday Hope program provided care, hope, and love to 2271 families and seniors.
“Over the past year, we have responded to emerging community needs through a number of new initiatives and partnerships,” said Burnett. “The Warming Bus, the Cathedral Café drop-in program, expanded street outreach, thriving childcare centres, and the groundbreaking of the 412 Barton residence—all exemplify our commitment to translating listening into meaningful action.”
To learn more, visit their website at stmatthewshouse.ca
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