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DESIGN HOPE TARGETS HOMELESSNESS

     DUNDAS, ON — July 21, 2004: Usually, architects make buildings and houses. But there’s a bunch of architects in Hamilton who are trying to contribute to the shocking lack of architecture—shelter for the homeless.

     This socially conscious group of designers from competing firms, has come together to form Design Hope, a project that raises awareness of and funds for homelessness. Design Hope has given nearly $55,000, to Hamilton’s Out-of-the-Cold program, a rotating homeless shelter and kitchen that operates during the coldest months of winter. Design Hope recruits nearly 20 prominent architects, landscape designers and artists to create sculpture-houses that are raffled off at an annual benefit.

     After four years in Hamilton, Design Hope is seeking to build a national presence. It is hoped that a program will be started in Vancouver shortly, while Quebec-based architect Pamela Plumb will be making a piece for Hamilton’s Design Hope, in addition to nationally-acclaimed sculptor Reinhard Reitzenstein.

     Design Hope grew out of architectural firm Vermeulen Hind’s annual gingerbread house building party. Partner Chris Harrison and his spouse Cheryl Paterson brought home their gingerbread creation, suddenly mindful of the needs of others, who didn’t have gingerbread, mantels or even a home. So they had the idea to recruit others to make small sculptural houses and raise money by selling raffle tickets at a big benefit and collecting donations from building-related companies supported by the architectural community.

     Funds collected from the annual Design Hope campaign enable community churches to carry on the important work of fighting poverty and homelessness by helping vulnerable children, families, seniors and people with disabilities to have a hot meal and shelter for the evening. Last year, the money raised by Design Hope helped Hamilton Out-of-the-Cold to serve 11,487 guests, and gave 1,574 people a warm place to sleep. 

     Stayed tuned to our website for updates leading up to our December 10, 2004 Gala Evening at the Carnegie Gallery, Dundas. For additional information about Design Hope 2004 and ways that you can contribute and get the word out, please contact: