Bordering Hamilton’s North-end industrial corridor, the Port has a strong commitment to some of the city’s high-need neighbourhoods. Building relationships with agencies and organizations that serve those communities has been the focus of Hamilton Port Authority’s corporate giving. City Kidz, an organization that offers fun and educational experiences for hundreds of inner city children each Saturday, now has a new home on the port lands at Pier 15. With space to integrate its headquarters and bus parking lot, the organization has been able to expand programs and undertake more efficient planning.
The Port Authority Learning (PAL) Greenhouse project is presently under construction following a contribution from the Port Authority to the North Hamilton Community Health Centre (NHCHC). NHCHC helps new immigrant families and long-time neighbourhood residents build a path towards sustainable prosperity. The PAL greenhouse will support cooking classes and environmental education, and provide access to locally sourced ingredients.
The United Way of Burlington and Greater Hamilton continues to be the focus of a special program established in partnership with several Port partners. Multi-year contributions to United Way-funded organizations in Port neighbourhoods have helped establish new community support initiatives, renew public spaces and playground structures, support meal plans, and promote youth educational activities. For more than 50 years, the Hamilton chapter of Mission to Seafarers has offered a supportive home away from home for those who work at sea. Along with emotional support, the Mission provides seafarers with care in emergencies, a means to contact loved ones, and local social outings. HPA provides space for the Mission Centre, along with other resources, and has produced a video for use in outreach and to build new corporate partnerships by sharing the Mission to Seafarers story.