HHSM’s storefront is constantly busy not only with people there for clothes, but with people there in need of love and belonging. The folks at HHSM have succeeded not only in helping clothe folks, but have created a community for people who are alienated and excluded from society. The store front functions as a meeting place a safe haven for the hurting, the lonely and the troubled in this neighbourhood. HHSM creates community for those who have none.
 
The residents and clients of The Bridge frequently express their appreciation for HHSM.. Men who have been incarcerated feel stigmatized, judged and rejected by others. But HHSM is one place where folks know who they are and accept them anyway. Often people leaving the detention centre have nothing but the clothes on their back which, if they were arrested in the summer and released in the winter, is woefully inadequate. The Bridge frequently refers our clients to HHSM to begin to rebuild their wardrobe. I have watched men arrive with only what they are wearing and within a few days, have a couple of changes of clothing, immediately changing their ability to interact with others by addressing key hygiene issues. Over a month or two I have seen them build up a decent wardrobe. For these men, this change connects directly with a change in their self-respect and their confidence. They look better, they feel better about themselves, and they are more confident in dealing with others. HHSM provides a key resource in helping people discharged from prison rebuild their lives.

                    - James Bowick, Executive Director, The Bridge Program

Thanks to Tom and Helen’s courage and faith in Gods calling to open Helping Hands Street Mission, my family and I have been provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with people in the downtown core of Hamilton.  The Mission exposes us to a population of people we don’t often meet in our privileged community of Flamborough.  We have been introduced and made friends with a number of people who have experienced various life situations and backgrounds, but are fundamentally the same as us.  We all seek the same thing in life - to be loved and accepted by others.  This is what I feel God is calling us to do: love on another; to listen, support and lift each other up.  My life is enriched when I have the opportunity to bless others.

                    - Dena