A leading Hamilton nonprofit is stepping into metal this winter in its efforts to support food insecure people in the community.

Homeless Cars, a charitable foundation that uses the proceeds of used car donations to support the work of local nonprofits, has partnered with Out of the Cold Hamilton to support its essential take-out service.

This is the second year the two organizations have teamed up to help keep Out of the Cold Hamilton’s eight distribution centers fully stocked and up and running for the winter months.

“Due to the challenges of last season, we were especially grateful for the support, compassion and consideration given to us by Homeless Cars donors,” said Janice Ormond, Executive Director of Out of The Cold Hamilton, in a press release.

“We have seen a significant increase in expenses due to packaging costs and the increased cost of food. Homeless Cars funding allowed us to provide such a much needed service last season and supports the growth of Out of the Colds this season. “

According to the release, last year the average cost per meal fell from $ 3.08 per person to $ 3.22 and the take-out package alone cost more than $ 10,000. These costs are expected to double during the 2021-2022 winter season.

Out of the cold the operating season began on November 1, with approximately 16,800 meals to be served out of distribution centers between November 2021 and March 2022. So far, Out of the Cold is on track to double the 8,400 meals served on three of its centers during the 2020-2021 season.

Statistics published on the Homeless Cars website show that a given car can provide meals to up to 150 people thanks to Out of the Cold.

Donors can have their old bucket of rust picked up by the charity within 24-48 hours and will receive a tax receipt for the value of the car.

“Homeless Cars offers donors an easy way to support Out of the Cold without dipping into their personal finances this season,” Georgina Rosenberg, executive director of Homeless Cars, said in the statement.

“Donors can call Homeless Cars… to have their vehicle picked up within 24-48 hours. Donors will then receive a minimum tax receipt of $ 500 for the donation of their vehicle as of November 2021. ”

Homeless cars is a relatively young charity that gained a foothold throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

To date, the foundation has collected over 1,000 donated vehicles and raised over $ 100,000 for charities in Hamilton and across the GTA. There is also a branch of Homeless Cars in Winnipeg.

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