Community Connections: Making Sure No One Feels Alone this Holiday, Thanks to Port Cares

The holiday season is a time when connection matters deeply. In communities like Port Colborne and Wainfleet, that connection is found in everyday moments: neighbours checking in on one another, volunteers lending a hand, and local organizations opening their doors with care. Port Cares, supported by United Way Niagara, is part of this shared effort, working hand in hand with the community to help ensure no one feels alone.

Through the Reach-Out Centre, Port Cares provides essential nutrition support, including a food bank, meal programs, and emergency assistance. For many community members, this is where support begins. Access to food brings relief, comfort, and a sense of stability, while also creating space for trust and connection to grow over time. From there, individuals are often connected to additional wraparound supports that help address broader needs and support long-term stability.

“As simple as it might seem, food is often how people first connect with us,” says Meagan, Warehouse Supervisor at Port Cares. “It’s a place where trust can start. Once someone feels welcomed and respected, they’re more likely to reach out for other support and become part of the community here.”

That sense of welcome is at the heart of Port Cares. Staff and volunteers work side by side to create a warm, respectful environment where people feel comfortable asking for help and confident they will be met with understanding. The care offered feels deeply local, shaped by a community where neighbours look out for one another and step in when support is needed most.

The impact of this care is deeply personal. When John first connected with Port Cares, he was chronically unhoused and living in his vehicle. Through support at Port Cares, he was rapidly rehoused, bringing safety and stability back into his life. Today, John is a valued volunteer whose lived experience and compassion strengthen both the organization and the people it serves.

“One of the things I value most about working with John is how much we learn from one another,” says Meagan. “His wisdom and perspective have meant so much to me, and I’m grateful for the respect and care that guide our work together.” At Port Cares, John is considered not only a volunteer, but a friend and a member of the Port Cares family.

United Way Niagara’s support helps make moments like these possible in Port Colborne and Wainfleet. By standing alongside local organizations that are deeply rooted in their communities, United Way helps ensure support is offered with care, dignity, and a true understanding of local needs.

This holiday season, the partnership between United Way Niagara and Port Cares is a reminder of the power of coming together. Hand in hand, neighbours are supporting neighbours, and small communities across Niagara are creating spaces where people feel cared for, connected, and hopeful.

Learn more about the work of Port Cares at portcares.ca