The Y behind the Walk...

With so many social and economical barriers holding people back, Kelly wants to shine more light on a lost and overlooked demographic being hit the hardest. In 2023 alone, the YMCA HBB provided 226 men clean, safe and affordable transitional housing in the Hamilton Downtown Family YMCA Residence. Kelly wants to do something big to help raise urgently needed funds and awareness.  

On September 13 and 14, Kelly and 6 others are committed to walking a 72 km journey in just 2 days, while aiming to raise $25,000 in financial support for the men who are receiving support in Residence. Update: We successfully reached our goal and have now set our sights on $40,000 for the Men's Residence. Thank you to all of the generous supporters so far!

Update: On July 22, 2024, just days after launching the Long Walk Home, a fire broke out in our Men's Residence. While First responders quickly discovered and controlled the blaze in a unit on the third floor; crews determined that it was not safe for residents to return to their units. The building had to be closed for at least 48 hours due to the damage. The Red Cross helped the YMCA staff with setting up an emergency evacuation shelter in the primary and auxiliary gyms at the YMCA. The Red Cross is also providing 175 sleeping cots and hygiene kits for displaced residents. These men have already overcome so many hurdles before arriving home at the YMCA Men's Residence. Thank you for opening your heart to them during this difficult period. YMCA staff are working hard to ensure each and every resident is cared for in the manner they need. For a full timeline of the fire and the fire recovery efforts, please visit: Community Update: Hamilton Downtown Family YMCA Reopening and Ongoing Recovery | YMCAHBB.

Please make your pledge today and help save a life! If you need help processing your gift or to create an invoice, please contact Stephanie Brown, CFRE, Manager of Donor and Community Engagement at 289-922-9679 or stephanie.brown@ymcahbb.ca