HAGERSVILLE — Sometimes, all it takes is a good idea. For Luke Armstrong, a reverend who grew up in Hagersville, that idea was to start a local outreach program to help those struggling with homelessness in the town he grew up in.
For over a year, Armstrong has been doing his best to provide help, making contact with a local homeless encampment and bringing them needed supplies including food, water, and clothing.
Now, that effort has blossomed into the ‘His Loving Hands’ outreach program, which will officially launch at the Hagersville Market Square on October 30, 2025 at 7 p.m. It will then operate twice monthly on Thursday evenings.
Armstrong has seen growing support for the project since an initial Haldimand Press story in August, with the local Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, United and Reformed churches, Haldimand Council, and local businesses stepping up to help take this outreach from an idea to a reality.
It began with a phone call to Ward 4 Councillor Brad Adams to inquire about using the market space.
“I met with Brad Adams and MPP Bobbi Ann Brady and told them my vision and they seemed really supportive,” said Armstrong, noting Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley also reached out to him to offer support.
“I have had people get a hold of me and offer to come help with both volunteering and donating food, clothes, and hygiene products to go towards those in need,” he added.
The Chamber of Commerce helped secure the needed market space and ensure it is properly lit during outreach operations, Hagersville United Church offered its kitchen to prepare food, Giant Tiger donated several new winter coats, and Adams helped Armstrong connect with County staff to acquire needed permits.
“I’ve monitored his progress along the way and both the mayor and I indicated we were supportive in his venture and would help in any way necessary,” said Adams, noting the importance of working with local organizations. “They have the finger on the pulse and can help get the word out and create more community buy in and further involvement to ensure success. Many of these groups have invaluable experience to share with people starting new initiatives in the community and can save us from reinventing the wheel.”
Among those community organizations is the Lions Club. Lion Chris Huskins said two Lions have been working with Armstrong, bringing him to a recent meeting to share his outreach vision and inspiring the club to donate funds toward start up insurance costs.
“The Hagersville Lions made a decision that the program was a good start for helping homeless and hungry people of need within our community, which is one of our pillars of Lions International and one we believe in,” said Huskins.
He added, “With the current food support system open one day a week (at Hagersville Food Bank), this leaves the rest of the week with people in need not having a place to look to for their daily food requirements if they cannot secure it for themselves. This is especially compounded by homeless people who cannot provide a permanent address in order to receive help.”
He said the club plans to keep in touch with Armstrong and “continue to monitor and help if we can in the future.”
Armstrong is hoping the general community will see the value in this project and pitch in as well.
“This outreach can always use non-perishable food items like baby food, peanut butter, breads, pasta, cereals … etc. to help those in need. Hygiene products such as wipes, soap, shampoo … etc. are also needed, including but not limited to female hygiene products,” said Armstrong.
He continued, “In the winter months things like hand warmers, coats, scarves, gloves, toques … etc. are appreciated. I will also accept money donations as 100% of money donated will go towards buying any supplies needed for the outreach.”
Those looking to help can contact Armstrong by calling or texting 289-700-5853.
With the launch happening next week, Armstrong is feeling thankful to all those who have helped propel his effort forward.
“Once we are down there the outreach will basically be a table – or set of tables as it grows) – with food being handed out somewhat equally,” he shared. “I plan on having several people out with me to love on people and hand things out. It will be on a first come first served basis with people just getting in line.”
He encouraged the community to keep the donations coming, noting that as of yet he doesn’t have any sort of permanent funding to purchase needed items.
“If people want to donate clothes to the outreach, I just ask that they be in good condition, clean,” said Armstrong, noting that socks and underwear must be new and unopened. “I do ask people to be mindful of others in need and to pray that this outreach is successful and able to help those in need.”
Adams suggested that those looking to replicate Armstrong’s idea in other towns begin with their local councillor. In the meantime, those looking to support people in the Hagersville area can attend the His Loving Hands launch on October 30 and make a donation if able.
Armstrong concluded, “If we don’t help those less fortunate and perhaps give them a second chance within our community, then where can they go and what can they do? Hopefully a program like this helps feed and provide assistance to get these people back on their feet.”
