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 team
“The families ALWAYS want to be in here watching shows together now!”
- Eduardo, Operations team
Providing teens their own cool & safe space to hang
Canva team 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 1 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 our families
“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 Rehousing Program Coordinator
Enabling Efficiency through organization
Bernstein + LWHS 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 3 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.” - Family Case manager
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