Our community has made it through another long winter, thanks to the warmth of our members and the dedication of our supporters and donors.

We got through the cold months by coming together to celebrate and create moments of joy and community. The holiday season included a Christmas party and a New Year's Eve brunch, while our Carnival-themed day brought games, music, laughter, and fun treats to the centre. At Easter, members enjoyed a special visit from some scaly and furry friends from Repti-Zoo, which brought smiles and excitement to everyone!

This winter and spring have also been filled with meaningful activities and opportunities for creativity. Our members participated in dance workshops led by Ariana Pirela Sanchez, contributed writing to The Beat, Intro to Tech workshops to learn and practice on electronic devices and enjoyed visits to Café Chat L'Heureux for coffee and cat snuggles. We also completed a five-week woodworking project led by Vanier College SET intern Lillian Porritt-Wonnacott. The project culminated in a beautiful piece of furniture for our main room—designed and built by our members.

Another highlight this spring has been the return of our former Art Program Coordinator, Lysanne Picard. Lysanne is facilitating a series of six art workshops as part of a project called Cities of Care, which explores what makes a city comforting, welcoming, and nurturing to the senses. The workshops have included drawing sessions, photo walks, and conversations about the sights, sounds, and experiences that help us feel safe and well.

Meanwhile, our small but mighty team has been busy supporting members in many different ways. Our Community Worker, Luka, has been leading our community garden project. Together with members, he has planted a variety of vegetables and herbs that will be used in our kitchen—including tomatoes that were started from tiny seeds right here at the centre. Our Community Worker, Cassandra, has been blending wellness and creativity through meditation sessions, a spa day, and by accompanying members to medical appointments to provide advocacy and support. In the kitchen and beyond, our Kitchen Supervisor, Mark, has been sharing his love of music through one-on-one lessons and informal jam sessions. We are continually amazed by the talent, creativity, and resilience within our community.

As the needs in our community continue to grow, our team is working hard to adapt. For most of the centre's history, we have closed for the month of August. While this provided an opportunity for staff to recharge, it was often difficult for members who rely on the centre for meals, support, and a sense of belonging.

This year, in response to rising food costs and the increasing challenges faced by many in our community, we will remain open throughout the summer, closing for only one week instead of four.

We are deeply grateful for the support that makes our work possible. Every meal shared, every activity offered, and every moment of connection at the centre is made possible by people who believe that everyone deserves community, dignity, and care. If you find yourself with a little extra to give this summer, we invite you to share it with our community. Your support helps us continue providing a welcoming and positive space for people facing homelessness, mental health challenges, addiction, and isolation.

Thank you for being part of our community.

The St-James Drop-In Team