“We were working out of the back of a pickup truck when we began our ministry,” shared Pastor Dale Noll of Hope Harbour Ministries. At the time, they were handing out sandwiches to people in need when someone thanked him and asked, “but do you have any groceries?”
Within three months, the community came together around their efforts. Through local fundraising, the ministry purchased a trailer, and soon after, two freezers were donated. One freezer is regularly filled with milk and dairy products, while the other stores meat. Shelves inside are stocked with canned goods, dried items, snacks and juice boxes, transforming the trailer into a fully mobile food hub.
“The community came together to build this beautiful thing so we can tow it around and give out food,” Dale shared. “These shelves would be empty if it weren’t for Harvest Hands and Second Harvest, and that’s the truth.”
In just one year, Hope Harbour Ministries has expanded from serving 40 individuals to 280, referred through various partner agencies.
“We have many families that have been renovicted, living in hotels with little children,” Dale explained. “It breaks my heart, but we’re able to give them some relief. Maybe they can even save a little for first and last month’s rent [with food support] and find somewhere new.”
Dale notes that the need continues to grow, as more and more people choose between rent and food. It’s a situation many community agencies fear is likely to worsen in Ontario with the introduction of Bill 60, which accelerates the eviction process and provides less room for appeals.
“But, thanks to Second Harvest, we’re getting food to feed individuals, single parents and full families who are working two jobs,” Dale added.
Alongside working families, many seniors on fixed in comes also rely on the ministry’s support. The mobile food hub allows Hope Harbour to reach people who may feel hesitant or unable to seek help through traditional channels, bringing support directly to their doorstep.
Even amidst so much struggle, Dale emphasizes gratitude for the opportunity to connect with people, offer relief and strengthen community bonds.
“This is not me, this is not our ministry. This is the impact of a community coming together to help a community,” he reflected.
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