Advocacy Centre
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 Kristina. 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 Vicki or Kristina for more information
Email: vcane@houseoflazarus.com or kmcdermott@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
Because every child deserves to feel special on their birthday!
What is the Birthday Club?
The Birthday Club is a heartwarming program designed to bring joy to the children of food bank clients. 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
Clients 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 Kim or Marianne for more information
Address: 2245 Simms Street, Mountain ON K0E 1S0
Email: kmerkley@houseoflazarus.com
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.
- Angel Tree Program: The House of Lazarus Food Bank graciously accepts Christmas gifts for food bank client children.
- Green Food Box Sponsorship: Sponsor a family from the HOL food bank with a 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 either purchase the small box for one year ($180) or the large box for one year ($300).
- Kid’s Shopping Night: Staff and volunteers accompany children to shop, while parents relax. All gifts are wrapped so it’s a surprise for Mom & Dad on Christmas morning!
- Reverse Advent Calendar – Help us stock up on Emergency Food Boxes for clients in need during the holidays!
- Winter Heating: Check out the Project Warmth and Heat for the Holidays tabs in Programs to learn more about these programs.
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.
Contact Kim for more information
Email: kmerkley@houseoflazarus.com
Phone: 613-989-3830
Community Garden
Our garden, located at our Mountain location, includes 2 ground level plots, as well as four raised beds. Initiated by, and initially funded by, long time North Grenville resident Terry McEvoy, the garden serves the purpose that Terry intended… a community initiative to feed those in need. Terry was inspired by the story “The Giving Garden” and that spirit and Terry’s legacy lives on in the Giving Gardens he established both here and at the Ferguson Forest in Kemptville.
Our garden operates with the help of generous donations of seeds and plants from amazing business and individuals in our community.
We plant a large variety of vegetables and herbs, which are then distributed to food bank clients and used for various gardening and cooking programs. We also use fresh produce from our garden for our Dinner Take-Out on the House program during the summer months.
We are always looking for eager gardeners to help tend our garden. If you are interested in volunteering to help us with the garden, please see the Volunteer tab on our website.
Contact us for more information
Address: 2245 Simms Street, Mountain ON K0E 1S0
Email: kmerkley@houseoflazarus.com
Phone: 613-989-3830
The Giving Garden
A fable by Martha Attridge Bufton
On an early spring day, a man arrived in a land full of light and warmth and rich soil. “This looks like a fine place to live, “ He thought to himself. “I will find a house and plant a garden.” He bought a small cottage at the edge of the village and began to settle in.
A week later, just as he was preparing to begin work on the garden, he was visited by the old woman who lived down the way. “Good day neighbour,” he said. “What a fine day it is today for planting.” But his neighbour shook her head. “Oh no sir, do not waste your time,” she said. “I no longer plant a garden for this is a wicked land and thieves will steal my vegetables before I will be able to eat them.”
But the man was not so sure. “People can only steal that which is not freely given,” he thought and went ahead with his plans. First, he tilled the tiny plot, turning over the soil to let in fresh air and rid it of weeds. Then he used his hoe to make rows, one for potatoes, one for carrots, and one for beans. Finally, he carefully placed the seed in each row, covered it with earth, and sprinkled it with water.
All summer long he tended the plants, and they grew strong. Then one fine evening he knew that the crop was ready for harvest. He placed something at the end of one row and went to bed.
That night a poor and desperate child, who had been watching the man labour all summer, came to take everything in the garden. As she was about to sneak away with her arms full, she stumbled. Looking down, she could make out a small sign at her feet and by the glow of the bright moon, she read, “You cannot steal these vegetables for I have planted them for you.”
When the man went to the garden the next morning, he found a neat pile of potatoes, carrots, and beans, not the entire crop but just enough so that he would not go hungry that year. He smiled.
Be hopeful and give freely. The rewards are priceless.
Community Hubs & Warming Centre
The HOL Community Hubs, located in Morrisburg and Kemptville, are open to everyone. The Hubs are drop-in centres where community members can access the help they need. The Hubs offer help with: filling in government forms, answering questions, and connecting with community partners for financial assistance. Many agencies offer information sessions, programs and services at the Community Hubs- check out our calendar to keep updated of when these are happening. Additionally, HOL hosts income tax clinics, community kitchens, and many other outreach programs through the Hubs. The Morrisburg Hub doubles as a Warming Centre, with bedrooms, laundry facilities and showers for the unhoused population. If you or someone you know need assistance, and don’t know where to start, come and see us!
Morrisburg Community Hub & Warming Centre:
Address: 22 High Street, Morrisburg
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am-4:00pm
Kemptville Community Hub:
Address: 400 Prescott Street, Kemptville (St. John’s United Church)
Hours: Tuesdays, 9am-4pm
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 client 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.
The program gives monthly food bank clients (seniors, families, and individuals) receive a free Crockpot, if they don’t already have one. Then, each month, these participants will receive a recipe with all the required ingredients. Those who already have Crockpots will be eligible for the monthly recipe and ingredients.
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.
The purchase of 40 Crockpots was made possible through the North Grenville Community Fund, as well as a special deal through Giant Tiger Kemptville.
Contact Kim for more information
Address: 2245 Simms Street, Mountain ON K0E 1S0
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 Centres
House of Lazarus, through its Linking Hands initiative, has two free weekly morning drop-in centers 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, do crafts, attend a presentation, 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 11:00 am
Winchester United Church
519 St. Lawrence Street, Winchester
Contact Kristina McDermott for more information:
Email: kmcdermott@houseoflazarus.com
Phone: 613-989-3830
Green Food Box
House of Lazarus, through its Linking Hands initiative, 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.
North Dundas Green Food Box
E-transfers may be sent to: accounting@houseoflazarus.com
The Green Food Box has been an active program in the Township of North Dundas for several years now. Originally run by the township, the Green Food Box has been a Linking Hands project since 2014.
Currently, in North Dundas, Green Food Box orders – single/couple ($15) and family ($25) – can be placed at the House of Lazarus in Mountain, the Township of North Dundas office in Winchester, Community Food Share in Winchester, 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.
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, all SDG libraries South Dundas branches, 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. 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.
Can you add a pick up location in my town/village?
This program is mostly run through volunteers and no money is made by the service organization. To add a pickup location, committed, reliable volunteers would need to come forward to transport bags to the new pickup location, as well as man the pickup location.
I would like to volunteer. Who do I contact?
To volunteer for a Dundas County Green Food Box program, email vcane@houseoflazarus.com or phone 613-989-3830.
Contact Kristina for more information
Email: kmcdermott@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 Vicki 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, through its Linking Hands initiative, 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. Some presentations are interactive, such as the November “let’s get ready for Christmas” event.
While this event is free, registration is required, as we need to ensure there is enough lunch (and seating) for everyone.
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 17 different local schools. 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
- Canned vegetable 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
Phone: 613-989-3830
Email: kmerkley@houseoflazarus.com
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
Resource Guide
The Linking Hands Resource Guide was developed in an attempt to insure residents have access to information about available services and resources in the area. This guide is updated annually. If you notice any information that is incorrect or mission, please contact us and we will update as soon as possible.
To access the pdf for each category, simply click on the title.