Hamilton Families Partner Impact Review - February 2026

Merilee McDougal

Events & Community Partnerships Manager

Partners & Potential Partners, 

The best part of my role is collaborating with people who care deeply about their community and take proactive steps to drive change. 

February is known as the month of love, and that sentiment was on full display through the incredible community partnership love we experienced this month. If you’ve wondered how your organization can engage or what "making an impact" looks like in practice, look no further. 

Below is our February Review—a tribute to the partners who moved from initial ideas to full execution. Let’s celebrate the teams turning compassion into action and showing our families what true community support looks like. 

Creating connections & memories through entertainment 

Dolby has been a key partner for over 10 years, supporting our work with annual grants, benefit sponsorship, and volunteering. This month they donated 4 TV / sound systems, came to help install AND funded Super Bowl parties for our residents at both locations! 

"WOW! The new TV and sound system made our Super Bowl showing feel like we were in a theater! And having festive game-day food and beverages brought the families together in a festive way. There was so much joy and excitement. And we will be able to use the set up for many gatherings to come."  - Ruby, Children’s Services Specialist

“The families ALWAYS want to be in here watching shows together now!” - Eduardo, Transitional Housing Facilities Operations Manager

Providing teens their own cool & safe space to hang 

Canva one of our newer partners - and the employer of one of our Mission Committee members - provided a grant + ‘people power’ to create an EmpowerEd Teen Space – giving our teens a spot to do homework, play games and chill – in a safe spot that is not right underfoot of siblings & parents.  

"What a transformation! Canva’s EmpowerEd grant enabled an under-utilized space to completely transform into a teen haven! It is fantastic to have somewhere safe – but inviting – for our teens to hang out.” - Diana, Children’s Services Manager 

Enabling Stability during a school strike with a fast fundraiser   

Mission Committee Member, Ali Rae, launched a quick workplace fundraiser, with a single Slack message bringing in funds to help cover the added expense of full-day programming. 

“A sudden week off from school is a kid’s dream – and a parent’s struggle! Our team scrambled to pull together full-day programming (we normally run after school only) so our parents could focus on their work stabilizing their families.” - Diana, Children’s Services Manager 

Enabling Connectivity to Education and Opportunities  

Bridging Tech contributed 30 refurbished & tested laptops to families in our Housing Services Program. 

“One of our participants received a donated laptop, which transformed his ability to homeschool his three children. Previously, he struggled to access the online materials they needed. Since receiving the donation, he has successfully taught them new material, including a course on cybersecurity, and they are now eager to continue learning how to stay safe and responsible online.” Bridget, Rapid Re-Housing Program Coordinator 

Enabling Efficiency through organization

Bernstein + Lick-Wilmerding High School PPPP teams sorting donated clothing into size bins at our Shelter’s Clothing Closet.

“When the clothing closet is not organized, we do not have the time to find families what they need. We had a mom show up the other day with three kids in tow. The kids were anxious about the new school they would start. Finding them all new clothes that fit helped them feel better about the transition.” - Shelter Family Services Case Manager

Creating Dignity through beautification 

Turner & Townsend Team Volunteers painted scuffed trim & walls at our Shelter.

“Fresh paint makes things just FEEL nicer. And when things around you feel nicer, you feel nicer.” - Shelter Residential Program Aide

Providing the stability and joy of traditions & a warm welcome 

“Kids in our programs have had to be strong in so many ways. Traditions and festive touches are a way to add stability, normalcy and joy.” - Shelter Family Services Case Manager 

Providing dignity through essentials – while making it easy for their team members to engage 

  • Databricks sponsored hygiene kit making at their Marketing team offsite.  

“Many groups want to help their communities but are already spread so thin – on-site volunteering just isn’t realistic. It is rewarding to help create ways for individuals and organizations to help in a way that works with their realities.” - Merilee, Corporate & Community Partners  

How CAN YOU join the mission to end family homelessness? 

  • Connect us to grants opportunities your organization offers 

  • Organize a fundraiser or drive within your work team 

  • Consider joining as a regular or weekly volunteer 

  • Make a donation OR lead a peer-to-peer fundraiser with your team

Ready to turn your team’s ideas into impact?  

Let’s connect to brainstorm how we can build something meaningful together 

Schedule a quick call on my calendar here.

In Gratitude,

Merilee McDougal, Events & Community Partnerships Manager

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