Hamilton Families Partner Impact Review - January 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.

If you’ve wondered how your organization can engage or what "making an impact" looks like in practice, look no further. Below is our January review—a tribute to the partners who moved from initial ideas to full execution this month. Let’s celebrate the teams turning compassion into action.

Creating Efficiency Through Infrastructure Investment

Adyen grant sponsored new cabling/internet infrastructure at Transitional Housing

“I’ve noticed a significant enhancement in reliability and speed, which has given me quicker access and made it much easier to complete my daily data input duties - like family case notes & referrals to services. Additionally, I no longer get suddenly dropped from important Zoom calls. This improvement has really streamlined my workflow and increased efficiency. Thank you for implementing these changes—they’ve made a noticeable difference”. - Crystal, Case Manager Coordinator

Creating Dignity Through Beautification

Salesforce Engineering Team Volunteers painted scuffed trim & walls at the shelter

“The 4th floor now has such a fresh, crisp look to it. It feels nicer, more dignified! It makes a big impact on how it feels in the shelter. When can they come back?!” - Claudio, Shelter Operations manager

Enabling Efficiency Through Organization

Individual volunteers Emily, Pam, Christine & Mia organizing the clothing closets

“When families arrive, they often come with very few things. Getting them set up with essentials - like clothing - is a critical first step before we can work on their longer-term goal setting and stability efforts. It is SO much easier to help families find clothing that fits with an organized clothing closet. This allows us to spend more time on the other efforts that will have an even bigger impact.” - Family Case manager

Providing Confidence through essentials

Individual volunteers Barbara, Christine, Greg, Jon, Megan, Mia, Michelle, Sarah, Sharon & Tonya setting up & helping shelter residents find new shoes

“It was heartwarming to see families come in with a look of total awe at the ‘shoe store’ we set up. One little boy- ~9 years old - stood out to me. He came in wearing super worn-down grey Crocs. His eyes lit up when he saw a pair of brand new black high-top sneakers in his size. He put them on and essentially floated out of the room. He walked so much taller in these new shoes.” -Shoe distribution volunteer