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Monday 8:30am - 4pm Tuesday 8:30am - 4pm Wednesday 8:30am - 4pm Thursday 8:30am - 4pm Friday 8:30am - 4pm

Social Planning and Research Council of Hamilton (SPRC)

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Social Planning and Research Council of Hamilton (SPRC)

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We work in partnership with community members and organizations to provide relevant social research and analysis which helps inform decision making.

SPRC Hamilton is an independent voice, serving to inform the community about demographic trends, highlight social inequities, and promote solutions that will improve social conditions. We provide consultation services to help organizations better understand and analyze their data, and we facilitate community programs which help address existing and emerging needs. Our work is centered around issues related to poverty reduction; housing security, equity and inclusion, and the healthy development of children and families. MISSION: To promote equity, inform policy and planning decisions, and increase community engagement to improve social conditions. We accomplish this through research, policy analysis, community partnerships, and program delivery. VISION: A sustainable Hamilton community that is caring, inclusive, empowering, and accessible to all. VALUES:

Integrity - We uphold high standards in our work and activities, adhering to evidence-based practices and transparency. Inclusion - We value diversity and respect the equal rights of people of all backgrounds. We listen to and honour the voices of lived experience in all our work. We create opportunities for community involvement. Innovation - We commit to continuous learning. We stay attuned to emerging social issues and are innovative in the way we conduct our work, the ways we collaborate with others and how we communicate information to advocate for social change.

10/26/2026

It's Municipal Election Day in Hamilton. Polls are open from 10am - 8 pm. Make sure to make your voice heard!

More information at https://sprchamilton.ca/2026-municipal-election/

10/19/2026

This article in the Hamilton Spectator highlights the work that SPRC did to engage marginalized voices regarding the upcoming municipal elections. Housing, social services, and public transportation are key municipal election concerns for Hamilton food bank users.

The Social Planning and Research Council of Hamilton’s survey of food bank users aimed to elevate marginalized voices ahead of the Oct. 26 vote.

10/19/2026

This CBC Hamilton article is about the Child and Youth Poverty symposium held at the Hamilton Public Library last week. The 24,000 Reasons pledge asks candidates in the upcoming municipal elections that, "If elected, I commit to working with children, youth, families and community partners to help reduce child and youth poverty in Hamilton and address its impacts." The 24,000 Reasons refers to the number of children in the city experiencing poverty, based on the Family and Child Poverty Report that SPRC released in May, which can be found at https://sprchamilton.ca/family-and-child-poverty-in-hamilton/

You can read this article at https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/municipal-election-child-poverty-9.7382377

A 19-year-old student who experienced child poverty in Hamilton is calling on municipal election candidates to help improve living conditions for kids in the city. Madisen Dean spoke about the call to have candidates make a pledge at a panel this week.

10/19/2026

This article in the Hamilton Spectator highlights the work that SPRC did on engaging marginalized voices regarding the upcoming municipal elections. Housing, social services, and public transportation are key municipal election concerns for Hamilton food bank users

The Social Planning and Research Council of Hamilton’s survey of food bank users aimed to elevate marginalized voices ahead of the Oct. 26 vote.

10/15/2026

Thank you to everyone who participated in our municipal election pop-up engagements and our two Community Conversation events. We invited local candidates and the general public to learn about community priorities, concerns, and solutions, and the Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion (HCCI) provided resources on how to engage with local candidates.

As the election approaches, let's keep the conversation going and remember to cast your vote!

10/07/2026

Opinion | There are 24,000 reasons to tackle child and youth poverty in Hamilton.

Hamilton has made progress on child poverty before. We can do it again.

But right now, the numbers are moving in the wrong direction. Read more at

https://www.thespec.com/opinion/contributors/there-are-24-000-reasons-to-tackle-child-and-youth-poverty/article_993621c8-855d-5c5c-8f69-bfc57d1460cf.html

A “solution symposium” is being held on Oct. 14, focused on how poverty affects children and youth.

To register for the symposium, go to https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/tackling-child-and-youth-poverty-in-hamilton-tickets-1999703291375?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwY2xjawUwlq9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mAWJyaWQRMVFGZG1XRzc2bWVXcVFMWmpzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe_jUiOLURGhXHvUHxfwFPTL4_G02KpBXV1pA-YMozQEgtn3udAqJqPrEFYO8_aem_D_zjEwAqmlr4wxe3kdBmRQ

A “solution symposium” is being held on Oct. 14, focused on how poverty affects children and youth.

10/02/2026

Please join us at the annual Homeless No More Memorial on October 8th at the City Hall Forecourt to honour the lives of those in our community who have passed due to homelessness. This event is dedicated to commemorating those we have lost, supporting those still experiencing homelessness, and fostering a sense of compassion and community.

The Public Memorial will include performances from local artists, speakers, and a commemorative art project. Food, harm reduction supplies, and connections to local service agencies will also be available. The peer gathering space is an intentional space for anyone who has lost loved ones and friends.

Event Details:

Thursday, October 8th, 2026

City Hall Forecourt (71 Main St W)

3:00 – 5:30pm – Peer Gathering Space

4:00pm – Public Memorial

Advance bus tickets can be picked up at Good Shepherd Women’s Services (30 Pearl St N), Missions Services (196 Wentworth Ave N), and the Hamilton Community Legal Clinic (203-100 Main St E).

Canadian Mental Health Association (Hamilton), Good Shepherd Hamilton & Toronto, YWCA Hamilton, Mission Services of Hamilton, Interval House Hamilton, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton Regional Indian Centre, Wesley, Hamilton Community Legal Clinic, The Hub Hamilton, Native Women's Centre, Positive Health Network, St. Matt's, De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre

09/29/2026

Hamilton’s Municipal Election is just around the corner!

Curious about the top priorities of Hamilton residents? Want to feel informed and empowered as you prepare to vote? Join us at our upcoming special community event!

📅 Thursday, October 1, 2026

🕡 6:30–8:30 PM

📍 Beasley Community Centre, 143 Wilson Street

Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion (HCCI) will present on educational tools and resources on how to engage with municipal candidates and participate in the election process.

Refreshments, childcare, and bus tickets will be available.

Candidates are welcome to attend and listen to community members share their priorities and concerns.

Come out, connect with your neighbours, and make your voice heard!

09/29/2026

Tackling Child and Youth Poverty in Hamilton
A Community Solution Symposium

Wednesday, October 14, 2026 4:00–7:00 p.m.
Hamilton Public Library, Central Branch
(Main Floor Auditorium, 55 York Boulevard)

Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/tackling-child-and-youth-poverty-in-hamilton-tickets-1999703291375?aff=oddtdtcreator

More than 24,000 reasons to act!

One in five children in Hamilton is living in poverty.

A new report from the Social Planning and Research Council of Hamilton finds that Hamilton’s child poverty rate has doubled since the pandemic, reaching 21.1% in 2023, representing more than 24,000 children. The rate is now higher than both the Ontario and Canadian averages.

Behind those numbers are children, young people and families dealing with the everyday consequences of inadequate income, rising housing costs, food insecurity and barriers to opportunity.

On Wednesday, October 14, we’re bringing the community together to talk about what we can do about it.

Food and refreshments will be provided.

For full flyer download here: https://hamiltonpoverty.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/TCYPH-Symposium-Flyer.png

Address

350 King Street East, Suite 104
Hamilton, ON
L8N3Y3

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 4pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 4pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 4pm
Thursday	8:30am - 4pm
Friday	8:30am - 4pm

Telephone

+19055221148

Website

http://sprchamilton.ca/

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