Serving Up Social Justice for Most Vulnerable During Lockdown

The proof is in the pancake: Stella’s Circle celebrates the conclusion of its most successful Pancake Day fundraiser for homelessness with impressive social justice stats.

Stella’s Circle quickly pivoted to a takeout format for its annual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser last week, selling more pancakes than previous years and raising $1,330 for its housing and homelessness programs. The organization’s flagship social enterprise, Hungry Heart Café, had months of experience operating a safe kitchen during COVID-19 restrictions. Companies Costco and Executive Coffee donated supplies for the pancake fundraiser, allowing more funds to go toward real housing help.

Now the organization is celebrating its past month’s housing achievements. Housing case managers completed 12 new intake assessments from individuals in shelters requiring housing; actively worked with 325 clients, and housed 12 individuals in secure, long term housing.

“We focus our work on recovery – it’s operating beyond the crisis response, and instead working toward the long term, just solution,” said CEO Lisa Browne. “Our success helping people find stable housing means fewer people needing band aid fixes.”

One of those individuals in new stable housing describes himself as “overwhelmed with happiness.” He shares that sitting on the couch with his dog while watching tv “is something I couldn’t do for years, I’m so happy.” This remarkable achievement is all the more impressive considering he moved in on day 4 of the current Alert Level 5 restrictions, thanks to the dedication of Housing Services staff at Stella’s Circle.

“Most of our staff are frontline providers and we’ve been open every day since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Teams meet to review public health guidelines and figure out innovative ways to meet the needs of vulnerable people. I’m so proud of their response.”

Living by our tagline “Hope Lives Here,” Stella’s Circle continues to demonstrate that even under the tightest lockdown restrictions, hope isn’t cancelled.

Media Inquiries:

Laura Ivany
Marketing Manager
[email protected] 
709.693.8466