News & Updates

Stay connected with the latest news and updates from Start Me Up Niagara.

Stock up on shampoo and toothpaste: Stuff the Truck is returning to Fairview Mall

Stock up on shampoo and toothpaste: Stuff the Truck is returning to Fairview Mall

Posted Sep 19th, 2024

Start Me Up Niagara’s Mobile Closet Stuff the Truck event returns Sept. 22 to help collect personal hygiene items for those in need.

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Work at Start Me Up Niagara’s new location being finalized

Work at Start Me Up Niagara’s new location being finalized

Posted Aug 15th, 2024

Start Me Up Niagara is a step closer to moving into its new home as construction moves into the final stages of the Church Street location. The agency, which offers help to people who have low-income, are food insecure and experiencing homelessness, sold its previous location at 17 Gale Cres., in St. Catharines after accessibility issues became a concern.

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Start Me Up moves into new home after leaving behind Gale Crescent

Start Me Up moves into new home after leaving behind Gale Crescent

Posted Aug 15th, 2024 in News & Updates

Start Me Up Niagara (SMUN) recently moved from its home of more than 14 years at 17 Gale Cres. due to accessibility issues. The move came a month after SMUN had originally planned to leave the old site but was stymied due to permitting issues to complete construction at 211 Church St. “What we’ve done is we’ve moved all our programs into 203 Church St., with the resource centre at the front and employment in the back, and housing in one of the side offices,” Dumas said.

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Walking Together: A Journey of Hope in the Coldest Night of the Year

Walking Together: A Journey of Hope in the Coldest Night of the Year

Posted Jan 22nd, 2024

Welcome back, dear readers! It's that time of year again when we lace up our boots, bundle up, and step into the chilly embrace of winter for a cause that warms the heart—the Coldest Night of the Year St. Catharines. If you've been with us in the past, you know the feeling of community, camaraderie, and the immense impact we make together. For those new to the journey, get ready for an adventure that goes beyond the frosty air.

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Amalgamation of Niagara’s Mobile Closet and Start Me Up Niagara

Amalgamation of Niagara’s Mobile Closet and Start Me Up Niagara

Posted Nov 10th, 2022 in News & Updates

Start Me Up Niagara (SMUN) is very excited to announce the amalgamation of Niagara’s Mobile Closet (NMC) and SMUN to help those most in need in our communities. SMUN and NMC have a long history of ensuring that those living in low income areas and those experiencing homelessness have access to clean, new clothes, hygiene products and other community services. This mobile program allows individuals easier access to clothing, allows individuals to grow and to participate.

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Warming Centre to open in St. Catharines for the vulnerable

Warming Centre to open in St. Catharines for the vulnerable

Posted Jan 24th, 2022 in News & Updates

Jan. 24, 2022 – With temperatures dropping, Start Me Up Niagara (SMUN), Silver Spire United Church and Niagara Region have worked jointly to open a warming centre to give those who are vulnerable and may be experiencing homelessness a safe, warm indoor place to rest and access amenities in St. Catharines. Silver Spire United Church located at 366 St. Paul Street in St. Catharines will be opening its doors for the warming centre on Monday, Jan. 24, 2022.

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Warming Centre to open in Niagara Falls for vulnerable

Warming Centre to open in Niagara Falls for vulnerable

Posted Jan 18th, 2022

With temperatures dropping, Start Me Up Niagara (SMUN) the City of Niagara Falls and Niagara Region have worked jointly to open warming centres to give those who are vulnerable and may be experiencing homelessness a safe, warm indoor place to rest and access amenities.

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OTF Grant Helps Start Me Up Niagara to Expand Community Garden

Posted Nov 3rd, 2021

Start Me Up Niagara, SMUN wants to thank the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre for a great growing year, the first of a three-year partnership. With an OTF grant of $449,500 grant, Start Me Up Niagara was able to expand the Green Garden, a social enterprise and community gardening program that provides welcoming, inclusive activities. Start Me Up Niagara worked with participants in the garden on a 2.5-acre farm and in the kitchen to create some fanta...

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OTF GRANT GIVES COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER PROGRAM A BOOST

OTF GRANT GIVES COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER PROGRAM A BOOST

Posted Oct 19th, 2021 in News & Updates

In 2020, Start Me Up Niagara received a $75,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to deliver a project to conduct a feasibility study towards creating a comprehensive volunteer program. With a goal of building inclusive and engaged communities, this project will allow citizens to have a say in shaping services that matter to them and has an impact on the lives of 500 people in the community.

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Susan Venditti Named 2021 T. Roy Adams Humanitarian Award Recipient

Susan Venditti Named 2021 T. Roy Adams Humanitarian Award Recipient

Posted Aug 7th, 2021 in News & Updates

Start Me Up Niagara is pleased to hear of Susan Venditti receiving the T. Roy Adams Humanitarian award. Susan has been a guiding light in the city and region for those experiencing poverty, homelessness, mental health issues, and other significant life challenges. Susan has been a guiding light in the city and region for those experiencing poverty, homelessness, mental health issues, and other significant life challenges.

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