Hamilton Jewish Family Services COVID-19 update

April 2020
Alexis Wenzowski


Hamilton Jewish Family Services (HJFS) has suspended all in-office non-essential services due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including its seniors programs, employment counselling, in-person client meetings and all workshops and courses. Services that will NOT be affected by these services are the Hamilton Kosher Food Bank and the Financial Relief Program. Our staff will be checking in with our vulnerable clients regularly, and use technology to engage our employment counselling clients. 

The Hamilton Kosher Food Bank needs your help. Our vulnerable clients live day-by-day, and are unable to stockpile goods. The rush to buy goods has made their lives even more challenging. One client told me of going to four different grocery stores to find chicken, and, after all of that, they still found none. Another client told me of being able to only purchase two rolls of toilet paper. There was none left in any of the stores. Please consider their stories when buying your own goods, and consider how you can support the needy in the community.   If you have any kosher goods such as canned vegetables, apple sauce, soup, beans, pasta, or rice, we will gladly take them. We are also needing shampoo, dish soap, hand soap, and toothbrushes.

Our clients are in need of extra supplies as they prepare for social distancing, or if they must socially isolate due to illness. We ask that clients phone HJFS to set up an appointment. Our number is 905-627-9922 x 21. 

We recognize that these are really tough times for people. If you are struggling due to the economic situation, call or email us. We will help with food and whatever else we can manage. Your information is confidential. You have support here and a safe place. You can reach out to us at info@hamiltonjfs.ca. Together, we will continue helping people in the spirit of Jewish values and traditions.