Indwell’s Hope and Homes Dinner to return to Woodstock

Emily Stewart, Echo Correspondent

As a token of appreciation, Indwell will host an annual dinner reflecting on what the organization could do for vulnerable populations with community support.

Indwell will run its annual Woodstock Hope and Homes Dinner on Nov. 5 at Maranatha Christian Reformed Church from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event will showcase the organization's achievements over the past year, made possible through community support.

"It's really just to express our gratitude to the community for their ongoing support because without their support, Indwell would not be able to have these programs, affordable supportive housing for our vulnerable population,” said Tracy Daichendt, program manager for Indwell’s Woodstock programs.

Indwell is a Christian-based organization providing affordable housing for vulnerable populations, including those with mental health conditions. More than 1,300 tenants live in 1,062 households across Ontario, including the Blossom Park Towers and Harvey Wood Lots in Woodstock. Indwell’s supportive housing programs are also in Hamilton, Waterloo, Peel, St. Thomas, London, and Haldimand-Norfolk.

Daichendt said that events like the Hope and Homes Dinner demonstrate the impact of the community’s generosity.

“It shows that with community coming together, we can provide open homes for all and that we can help reduce homelessness,” she said.

Along with attending the Hope and Homes Dinner, Oxford County residents can support Indwell through volunteering, and donating money or items.

"It doesn't always have to be monetary. It could be donations of personal care items. It could be clothing, coats, that sort of thing,” said Daichendt.

The Gifts of Hope program, which provides meals for residents during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, is another way to give back through financial donations. The pamphlets for the upcoming Gifts of Hope campaign were just finalized and are expected to be in churches and other community spaces within the next month.

Tickets for the Hope and Homes Dinner are $40 each and anyone interested in attending can RSVP online by Oct. 25 through visiting https://indwell.ca/events.