Advocacy & Community Navigation
Life can be challenging, and sometimes we all need a little extra support. Whether you’re facing a financial crisis, having trouble accessing community services, or just feeling overwhelmed by paperwork, you don’t have to go through it alone.
We’re Here to Help — Without Judgment
Our team is here to offer compassionate, confidential, and non-judgmental assistance. We can help you:
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Understand what financial or social services are available to you
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Fill out paperwork or navigate complicated online forms
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Access local resources in your community
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Find the right agencies or programs to meet your needs
No question is too small, and no situation is too complicated. We’re here to walk you through it — step by step.
Book a One-on-One Appointment
If you need guidance or aren’t sure where to start, make an appointment with Vicki or Donna. They will work with you to understand your current situation and help you create a plan to move forward.
Appointments are available by phone, in person, or virtually.
Contact us for more information
Email: vcane@houseoflazarus.com or dbourbonnais@houseoflazarus.com
Phone: 613-989-3830
Back-To-Work Program
Helping you dress for success
The Back-To-Work Program is part of House of Lazarus’ Outreach initiative. We accept referrals from employment services to provide individuals with clothing and footwear suitable for job interviews and office work.
This service is designed to remove barriers to employment and help clients feel confident, prepared, and respected as they return to the workforce.
What’s Provided?
- Interview-ready outfits
- Business casual attire
- Work-appropriate shoes
We work closely with local employment agencies and nonprofits. If you’d like to refer clients to our program or partner with us, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact Kim for more information
Email: kmerkley@houseoflazarus.com
Phone: 613-989-3830
Birthday Club
The Birthday Club is a program designed to bring joy to the children of food bank visitors. We believe that every child deserves a chance to celebrate their special day—regardless of financial challenges.
Who Can Join?
The program is available to children up to 18 years old who are part of families currently accessing services from our food bank.
How Does It Work?
Parents or guardians can enroll their children into the Birthday Club. Once enrolled:
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Families can choose age-appropriate birthday gifts from our selection.
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We also offer a variety of party supplies—including decorations, cake mixes, candles, and more.
Why It Matters
Celebrating a birthday can have a huge impact on a child’s sense of self-worth and belonging. By offering this program, we aim to support not just physical nourishment but emotional well-being too.
How to Enroll
Food bank visitors can sign up during their regular food bank visit or by contacting our team directly.
Want to Donate?
Donations for the birthday club are greatly appreciated! Items we accept are:
- Boxed cake mixes and icing
- Party supplies and decorations
- New gifts for children from ages 1-18
Contact us for more information
Email: kmerkley@houseoflazarus.com (Mountain location) or mvillemare@houseoflazarus.com (Ingleside location)
Phone: 613-989-3830
Christmas Programs
Christmastime is a busy time for House of Lazarus. In addition to Project Warmth and Heat for the Holidays, we also have the following seasonal initiatives:
- Adopt-A Program: “Adopt” a family, senior or couple for the holiday season and help give a memorable Christmas. Donation options include giving gifts for the whole family, supplying a grocery giftcard or giving both gifts AND a giftcard. This program is only open to currently-registered food bank visitors.
- Green Food Box Sponsorship: Sponsor a family from the HOL food bank with a month’s or year’s supply of Green Food Boxes (see Green Food Box tab in Programs for more information about the Green Food Box Program). You can purchase the small box for one year ($180) or the large box for one year ($300). Monthly donations are also welcome ($15 for small bag and $25 for large bag per month).
- Reverse Advent Calendar: Help us stock up on Emergency Food Boxes for clients in need during the holidays.
In addition to these programs, HOL is also an active participant in the North Dundas Christmas Fund, which includes the Christmas Hamper and Snowsuit Fund programs. HOL also runs the South Stormont Christmas Hampers. These programs are open to anyone- not just HOL food bank visitors.
Contact Kim or Marianne for more information
Email: kmerkley@houseoflazarus.com (Mountain location) or mvillemare@houseoflazarus.com (Ingleside location)
Phone: 613-989-3830
CRA Tax Program
HOL free provides one-on-one assistance with filling out CRA Tax Returns each year. You do not have to be a Food Bank visitor to access this program, as it is open to anyone with a basic income tax return.
By completing an income tax return, you could discover you’re eligible for benefits you aren’t currently receiving.
Do you need help completing your tax return?
Contact Gayle for more information
Address: 2245 Simms Street, Mountain ON K0E 1S0
Email: ghewitt@houseoflazarus.com
Phone: 613-989-3830
Crockpot Cuisine
Crockpot Cuisine is an HOL Food Bank program that started in February 2019, geared for food bank visitors currently registered at our Mountain location.
The program gives monthly food bank visitors (seniors, families, and individuals) a recipe with all the required ingredients for a crockpot.
In a recent survey, the food bank discovered that roughly 40% of clients were going hungry at least one full day each month. Crockpot Cuisine is just one of HOL’s programs created in an effort to address this issue.
Looking to help?
The HOL food bank accepts new or gently-used crockpots to hand out to our visitors so they can access this program.
Contact Kim for more information
Email: kmerkley@houseoflazarus.com
Phone: 613-989-3830
Dinner on the House
HOL started its weekly community meal program, Dinner on the House, in May 2017. After a break during COVID-19 our Dinner on the House is back at a new venue!
A 2019 Food Bank Client Survey revealed that roughly 40% of adult clients are going full days without food. In addition to offering a weekly opportunity to address this issue, the community meal initiative has one other goal: to bring the whole community together in a social setting, potentially breaking down the barriers that divide neighbours.
Join Us!
This free community meal is open to everyone. Unless otherwise advertised, it happens every Thursday between 4:00PM and 7:00PM. The dinner is a drop in style with no appointment needed.
Winchester United Church
519 St Lawrence Street, Winchester, ON
K0C2K0
Contact Kim for more information
Hours: Thursday 4PM – 7PM
Email: kmerkley@houseoflazarus.com
Phone: 613-989-3830
Drop-In Breakfasts
House of Lazarus has two free weekly morning drop-in breakfasts in Dundas County; Monday mornings in Morrisburg and Wednesday mornings in Winchester. These events are open to everyone and they include free breakfast, as well as an opportunity to do one or more of the following: socialize, play games, and get information about local services and resources. These events are welcoming and inclusive.
South Dundas
Mondays from 8:30am to 10:00am
St. James Anglican Church
22 High Street, Morrisburg
North Dundas
Wednesdays from 8:30 am to 10:00 am
Winchester United Church
519 St. Lawrence Street, Winchester
Contact Donna for more information:
Email: dbourbannais@houseoflazarus.com
Phone: 613-989-3830
Green Food Box
House of Lazarus provides two opportunities every month for ordering the Green Food Box. The program provides community members the opportunity to get fresh produce at a wholesale price. There are no limits to how many bags a person orders and they may use both North and South Dundas service; the Green Food Box program is open to everyone. The program offers participants the opportunity to select their own produce from a list of options that is updated on a monthly basis.*
*Produce availability is subject to change due to availability with distributor
North Dundas Green Food Box
E-transfers may be sent to: accounting@houseoflazarus.com
Currently, in North Dundas, Green Food Box orders – single/couple ($15) and family ($25) – can be placed at the House of Lazarus in Mountain, Happy Face Daycare in Winchester, Chesterville and South Mountain, Christ Church United in Chesterville and Nor-Dun Seniors’ Centre in Winchester.
The North Dundas Green Food Box Program pick up dates are the fourth Tuesday of the month (see schedule for specific dates). Pick up locations include Nor-Dun Senior Support Centre in Winchester, House of Lazarus in Mountain, Happy Face Daycare in Winchester, Chesterville and South Mountain, Christ Church United in Chesterville, and Winchester Arena.
Ordering is as simple as visiting one of the order locations, where order forms are available OR printing the order form from the website and taking it to an order location. Please be reminded that Green Food Boxes are paid for in cash or by e-transfer when ordered. Green Food Boxes can also be paid for when picked up.
South Dundas Green Food Box
E-transfers may be sent to: accounting@houseoflazarus.com
Currently in South Dundas, Green Food Box orders – single/couple ($15) and family ($25) – can be placed at House of Lazarus in Mountain, Happy Face Daycare in Morrisburg, Dundas County Community Living Inc. in Morrisburg, Mustards Variety in Iroquois, and J.W. MacIntosh Community Support Services in Williamsburg.
The South Dundas Green Food Box Program pick up dates are the second Tuesday of the month (see schedule for specific dates). Pick up locations include the House of Lazarus Community Hub in Morrisburg, the Royal Canadian Legion in Iroquois, Dundas County Community Living Inc. in Morrisburg, Happy Face Daycare in Morrisburg, and J.W. MacIntosh Community Support Services in Williamsburg.
Payment in cash or by e-transfer must be made at the time of ordering or when picking up the order. Ordering is as simple as visiting one of the order locations, where order forms are available OR printing the order form from the website and taking it to an order location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the $15 and $25 bag?
The $15 bag is suited for singles or couples having at least one or two items of each variety of produce, whereas the $25 bag is suited for families having at least four to six items of each variety of produce.
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- Large Bag
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- Small Bag
Do I have to live in the area to be eligible to buy a bag?
No, where you live is not a determinant for eligibility.
Do I have to make a minimum amount of money per year to be eligible?
No, the program is open to everyone regardless of income.
Am I limited to one bag per month?
No, you may purchase as many bags as you like. Buying power increases with the number of bags ordered.
Can I buy from more than one Green Food Box program?
Yes. The programs are open to everyone and there are no limits.
Where do you buy the produce?
We purchase our produce from a wholesaler.
How much of the money I pay for my bag is used to buy the produce?
All of it.
Contact us for more information
Email: ssummers@houseoflazarus.com
Phone: 613-989-3830
Grow-A-Row
Grow-A-Row is a people-helping-people program to assist in feeding the hungry in our own community. Community members looking to help can plant and grow an extra row of fruits or vegetables and donate the harvest to HOL’s food bank.
Fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet. By sharing the harvest of individual and community gardens, it helps provide nutritious produce to food bank visitors who oftentimes lack fresh produce in their diets.
The Grow-A-Row program started in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1986, initiated by Ron and Eunice O’Donovan. Since then, many Canadian communities have adopted this program to provide fresh, healthy foods to their neighbours. Learn more about the roots of the program here.
Contact us for more information
Email: kmerkley@houseoflazarus.com
Phone: 613-989-3830
Handyman Heroes
Handyman Heroes is part of HOL’s Neighbours Helping Neighbours initiative, which was created to help maintain stability in the lives of those in need. The goal is to help with basic needs, such as transportation, housing, and food security.
The Handyman Heroes project matches licensed tradespeople with families in need of home renovations or auto repairs that are urgent in nature. The volunteer professionals provide the labour, while HOL provides the parts and materials needed.
This project, like most HOL projects, is only possible through the generous contributions of community volunteers, those who volunteer their time, energy and expertise, as well as those who contribute financially.
Recipients of the project are asked to “Pay it Forward” by finding a way to use their skills or talents to help someone in their community.
The Handyman Heroes Program is sponsored by: Bent Wrench Garage, Ideal Roofing, M Cross Contracting, RONA Kemptville Building Centre, and Winchester BMR.
Contact Cathy for more information
Address: 2227 Simms Street, Mountain ON K0E 1S0
Email: cashby@houseoflazarus.com
Phone: 613-989-3830
Healing Pathway
Healing Pathway is an energy healing model similar to reiki. It is based on Healing Touch used by the medical professions. Trained volunteers help you relax, let go of anxieties and stress, and bring your body, mind and spirit into balance, so you can heal. Healing Pathway emphasizes self care and making the most of your body’s ability to heal itself. We offer several ways to experience it: a half hour in-person session with two practitioners; an individual session over the phone or by videochat; or in a group gathering like our weekly meditation on Zoom. It is free for anyone in the community who would like to try it.
While these sessions are free, registration is required.
Contact us for more information
Email: vcane@houseoflazarus.com
Phone: 613-989-3830
This program was developed for the United Church of Canada but it is accessible to anyone regardless of their religious connection. Practitioners use language about the sacred that the receiver is comfortable with. We believe the gift of healing ministry is for all people and have no desire to promote our own branch of religion. For more information, including the code of ethics see www.healingpathway.ca
Heat For The Holidays
House of Lazarus (HOL) and Community Food Share (CFS) have partnered with Winchester BMR to bring Heat for the Holidays to several local food bank families. Delivered just in time for Christmas, Heat for the Holidays provides free fuel for fireplaces and woodstove’s. Each household receives approximately 1 month’s worth of the Eco-Energy Logs.
In 2017 and again in 2018, each household received 84 boxes of the Eco-Energy Logs and each 24-lb box contained eight 100-per-cent-hardwood logs. The length of burning time depends on many variables, including type of wood-burning appliance, size of the room/house being heated, and insulation.
In 2018, deliveries more than doubled with the team delivering Eco-Energy Logs to 22 food bank clients between December 18 and December 20. Each day saw a representative from CFS, two from BMR, and four from HOL gather at the County Road 31 store before heading out on a pre-planned delivery route that covered towns and villages in North Dundas, South Dundas, and North Grenville.
Contact Kim for more information
Email: kmerkley@houseoflazarus.com
Phone: 613-989-3830
Hope Bags for the Homeless
Hope Bags for the Homeless is a program that was put in place due to the number of individuals who were experiencing homelessness. This program is a 3-phase program that allows us to supply essential belongings, a resource sheet, food bags and shelter related items to those in need. With the help of our community, local businesses and the OPP we have gathered and prepared all necessary supplies and can ensure the bags are being distributed to those in need.
Contact us for more information
Address: 2245 Simms Street, Mountain ON K0E 1S0
Email: kmcdermott@houseoflazarus.com
Phone: 613-989-3830
Linking Hands
Linking Hands is an initiative of the House of Lazarus, created to address issues of poverty in Dundas County, as part of the mission’s advocacy outreach.
Linking Hands is run by a Steering Committee comprised of representatives from more than a dozen local agencies. The goals of this initiative include: advocating for the needs of rural people living in poverty to all three levels of government; identifying gaps that affect the rural poor and starting projects that reduce poverty in our communities; informing the community about available services; linking people living in poverty with each other and with their community; and, providing opportunities for people in poverty to come together for mutual support.
Contact Kristina for more information
Email: kmcdermott@houseoflazarus.com
Phone: 613-989-3830
Lunch & Learn
HOL provides free monthly events for Dundas County residents of all ages and backgrounds. These events are held from September to November and from January to June.
Generally held on the 3rd Monday of the month, these events start at 11 am and end at 1 pm. They include lunch, as well as an education &/or entertaining presentation.
While this event is free, registration is required, as we need to ensure there is enough lunch (and seating) for everyone.
Check out our events calendar to see what’s coming up.
Contact us for more information
Email: vcane@houseoflazarus.com
Phone: 613-989-3830
Medical Supplies
HOL typically has a supply of assorted medical supplies or equipment. Supplies are contingent on donations.
Typical supplies include, but are not limited to: walkers; commodes; wheelchairs; bathroom bars; and, more.
If we have them in stock, these items can be given to people in need through our Outreach Program or they can be purchased through our Mountain Treasures store.
Contact us for more information
Phone: 613-989-3830
Neighbours Helping Neighbours
The Neighbours Helping Neighbours Outreach Program was created with the objective to improve the quality of life of people in need.
This program encompasses a variety of activities that will help maintain stability in the lives of those in need. This program aims to help with basic needs, including transportation, food security, and housing stability. This program is intended to “bridge the gaps” that exist between government funded programs and the people in need of food, transportation and/or housing by using community resources. Community resources may include local businesses, donations, and volunteers.
This program covers the House of Lazarus catchment area, which typically includes the Counties of Dundas and Grenville. This program is subject to the availability of community resources.
Current projects within this Outreach Program include:
- Handyman Heroes
- Heat for the Holidays
- Project Warmth
- Youth Hunting Certification
Contact us for more information
Phone: 613-989-3830
Operation Backpack
Operation Backpack was launched in January 2019. Initially, House of Lazarus was partnering with three local schools to offer a supply of nutritious meals and snacks for 235 children to eat over their weekends, free of charge. As of today, our Operation Backpack program provides bags of food each Friday in the school year to students in our community who might otherwise go without meals over the weekend. We help about 300 students from 16 different local schools in South Stormont, South Dundas, North Dundas and North Grenville. Each bag contains food for 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 4 snacks, with fresh produce and nutritious food included. Over the course of the 2024-2025 school year, we distributed 10,592 bags. The goals of this program include:
- to provide a free source of food for children of at-risk families
- to provide children with a nutritious supply of food over weekends, including snacks, breakfasts and lunches
- to support the health of children of at-risk families
- to provide nutrients through both perishable and non-perishable foods
- to partner with local schools
- to provide volunteer opportunities
Looking to help?
We gratefully accept community donations to keep this program running. Commonly needed items include:
- Canned brown beans in sauce
- Apple sauce
- Granola bars (no nuts)
- Boxed mac n’ cheese
- Oatmeal packets
- Canned tuna
- Canned vegetable/tomato soup
- “O” shaped breakfast cereal
Looking to sign your child up?
Talk to your school’s administrative team or your child’s teacher to sign up for this program.
Contact us for more information
Email: kmerkley@houseoflazarus.com
Phone: 613-989-3830
Project Warmth
Helping Local Households Stay Warmer, Safer, and More Energy-Efficient
Project Warmth is a seasonal initiative that provides free plastic window insulation kits to individuals and families who need support staying warm during the winter months.
Drafty windows can significantly increase heating costs—especially in older or poorly insulated homes. Project Warmth helps reduce energy loss, cut down on heating bills, and improve home comfort with a simple, effective solution: window insulation kits.
Why it Matters
Energy efficiency is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.
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1 in 4 Canadians spend more than 30% of their income on housing.
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70% of renters spend more than they should on rent.
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Up to 1 in 5 low-income households spend 10% or more of their income just on energy bills.
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Some families are forced to choose between heat, food, and medicine.
(Source: Statistics Canada, Fraser Institute, McGill University, Zoocasa, Modus Research)
Many homes in our region struggle with old windows, poor insulation, and high energy costs. For low-income families, even a small improvement—like sealing windows—can make a big difference.
Who’s it for:
Project Warmth supports:
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Low-income families and individuals
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Seniors on fixed incomes
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Renters and homeowners in older buildings
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Anyone struggling with high heating costs
If you or someone you know could benefit, reach out to us.
How Can You Help:
Project Warmth runs on community spirit. You can support the program by:
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Donating – Financial donations help us purchase more kits.
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Spreading the word – Share this program with friends, neighbors, and local organizations.
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Partnering with us – Businesses and service groups are welcome to join our efforts.
Every donation, share, or kind word helps keep someone warmer this winter.
Contact us for more information
Email: kmerkley@houseoflazarus.com
Phone: 613-989-3830