Update on our Cathedral Café

We want to update you on the status of the Cathedral Café, through which by God’s grace we have been able to extend a sense of belonging, care and practical support to those who are vulnerable in our neighbourhood.

Following the closure of Myler Hall after the August ceiling incident, we have been exploring options for continuing the program with St. Matt’s. Yesterday, we learned that the City of Hamilton will not be renewing its funding and program agreement with St. Matt’s for the Cathedral Café's daytime drop-in program as part of broader plans to transform the city's homelessness response system.

This is challenging news for us. For the past three years, the Cathedral Café has been a place where people found relationship, material assistance, and a sense of belonging. We know that guests, volunteers, staff and our supports will feel its loss keenly. Please hold everyone impacted in your prayers.

St Matt’s and we are working collaboratively with the City and other service providers to ensure that people who depended on Cathedral Café can access available community supports during this transition. While this chapter of the Café is ending, we remain committed as followers of Jesus to walking with those who are vulnerable. We will continue working alongside St. Matt’s in their discernment of future ministry opportunities.

Your Corporation will do their best to keep you updated on any further developments. In the meantime, Cathedral Place will continue to be used to connect with our neighbours through the Holiday Hope program run by St. Matt’s. The program brings dignity and Christmas cheer to low-income families and seniors in Hamilton. Through much of December, Myler Hall will serve as a community hub for gift drop-offs  (and later pick-ups). We will also be hosting our annual Christmas dinner in Myler Hall.

I am deeply grateful for your support of the Cathedral Café over the years, and for your understanding and patience in some of the challenging situations we have encountered. Please know that your compassion, hospitality and practical help has improved the quality of living for countless people and in some instances, has saved lives.

Paul reminds us that the one who began a good work in us will bring it to completion (Ph. 1.6). I urge you please to pray in confidence for the next iteration of God’s ministry through us with and to those crying out for what we have been so freely given.

Yours in Christ

Tim+

(on behalf of Corporation)