The Mississauga Library received a generous donation from the P. and L. Odette Charitable Foundation for $390,000 in support of its homelessness initiative the Open Window Hub. The pilot project helps homeless, at-risk individuals and vulnerable youth and adults in Mississauga. The program connects them with resources, outreach programs and better access to services to help raise their quality of life. Over the span of three years, the Library will receive $130,000 per year to support the program.

“We are really grateful to be the recipient of this very generous donation from the P. and L. Odette Charitable Foundation who has a history supporting homelessness prevention initiatives in the Greater Toronto Area,” said Mayor Crombie. “We remain committed to doing everything we can to elevate the quality of life for our most vulnerable citizens. This past week, during our budget deliberations, our City Council agreed to allocate additional Library funding that would transition the Open Window Hub from a pilot program to a permanent community service allowing us to continue to assist at-risk and homeless individuals rebuild their lives.”

The Foundation chose the Open Window Hub for its donation after learning about the work of the initiative from the City’s Homelessness Prevention Outreach Worker, Kevin Berry.

“Open Window Hub addresses the growing needs of individuals experiencing homelessness, or at risk of homelessness, in Mississauga. There has been an increase in individuals connecting with services, so we know there is a direct need for it,” said Lori Kelly, Director, Library Services.“ Continue reading “Mississauga Library Receives Generous Donation for Homeless Outreach Initiative”