Jarod's Journey

08/11/2026

One of the most beautiful things about doing this work is being reminded that community care doesn’t always come in the form of big gestures. Sometimes, it looks like someone simply saying, “What do you need?” — and showing up, week after week.

We want to take a moment to recognize Port Thrift Shop for the incredible support they continue to give Jarod’s Journey. Every single week, without hesitation, they help us make sure we have what we need to support the people we meet in our community.

There’s no judgment. No hesitation. No questions about whether someone “deserves” help.

Just community helping community.

Because of partnerships like this, we’re able to continue providing clothing, footwear, hygiene supplies, and other essentials to people who are experiencing homelessness or are otherwise struggling to meet their basic needs.

What makes this especially meaningful is the consistency. It isn’t just a one-time donation or a helping hand when it’s convenient. It’s ongoing support. It’s people choosing to care, week after week.

And that’s what community is supposed to look like.

When local organizations, businesses, volunteers, donors, and community members come together, we can accomplish so much more than any one person or organization could do alone.

Thank you, Port Thrift, for continuing to stand beside us and the people we serve. Your support reaches much further than you may realize, and we are incredibly grateful to have you in our corner. 🧡

07/18/2026

At Jarod’s Journey, we believe in supporting other like-minded organizations and standing together as a community whenever we can.

Recently, the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre put out a call for donations to help support those impacted by the devastating wildfires happening right now. The wildfire situation is about so much more than flames and smoke — it means people being displaced, families facing uncertainty, communities being affected, and countless individuals needing support during an incredibly difficult time.

When we saw the call for donations, we knew we wanted to help in whatever small way we could. Jarod’s Journey has put together a box of hygiene products to contribute to the collection.

We also want to encourage our community to consider contributing if you are able. If you have donations you'd like to contribute, Jarod's Journey is happy to pick them up in the surrounding area and add them to our donation. Every donation, no matter how big or small, has the potential to make a difference for someone who is currently facing circumstances they never expected.

Thank you to the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre for organizing this important collection and for continuing to support those in need. 🧡

07/08/2026

86,000 plus homeless individuals in Ontario and only 7,000 shelter beds available in Ontario. That's a huge gap!!

This is a world issue but we only have the man power to focus on our city......a city that is in crisis over it all. The answer isn't to tape up an eviction notice on their tents. You're actually creating an even bigger problem. So why continue to do this? Why are we telling them they will go to jail if they don't leave market square? Where do you want them to go? What is our cities focus? I'm sure there are people being paid to try and help the situation but it's only getting worse? So at what point do we sit back and say "this approach isn't working?"

06/13/2026

A heartbreaking decision impacting real lives

Today, our Consumption and Treatment Services site closes its doors after 7.5 years of providing safety, connection, care, and life-saving support 💜

This space has been so much more than a service. It has been a place of trust and compassion. It is a community hub where people found support, built relationships, accessed healthcare, connected to treatment, and received critical information to help keep themselves safe. It has also been a place where countless lives were saved.

This closure comes at a time when overdoses continue to rise in our community. The evidence is clear: when CTS sites close, substance use does not stop, it moves into more isolated and dangerous environments where overdoses are more likely to be fatal. Following CTS closures in other Ontario communities, within six months EMS overdose calls increased by 70%, emergency department visits rose by 67%, and opioid overdose deaths increased by 20%. In May 2026 alone, Niagara EMS responded to a record-breaking 164 calls for suspected opioid overdoses.

We are heartbroken by this decision and deeply concerned about its consequences. Every person deserves dignity, compassion, and access to evidence-based care, regardless of their substance use. The loss of this service will be felt not only by those who used it, but by families, healthcare providers, first responders, and the broader community.

While this chapter is ending, our commitment to advocating for the health, safety, and well-being of our community remains unwavering. We will continue to stand alongside those affected by substance use and advocate for the evidence-based supports that save lives.

To every person who walked through our doors: thank you. It has been a profound privilege and honour to share this space with you we will be forever grateful for the relationships, resilience, and community built over the past 7.5 years 🫂

06/07/2026

Making a difference doesn’t require grand gestures.

With a nice afternoon, a free 30 minutes, a few cold protein shakes and waters, and some chocolate bars you can make others smile.

Take the time, start conversations, and become a safe familiar face 🧡

06/06/2026

When Jarod’s Journey first began, there were doubts. Some questioned whether we could make a difference, whether the need was really there, or whether meaningful change could come from simply showing up week after week.

Today, we see the answer in the faces and names of the people we have come to know. We see it in the conversations, the trust that has been built, and the relationships that have grown far beyond handing out supplies. Every week, the list of names we know becomes longer, and every week those connections become deeper.

What started with a desire to help has become a community. We have laughed together, cried together, celebrated victories together, and stood beside people during some of their hardest moments. These are not just numbers to us — they are friends, and they matter.

Despite the doubts that existed in the beginning, we continue to witness the incredible impact that compassion, consistency, and simply showing up can have. We are reminded each week that kindness matters, that people deserve to be seen and valued, and that real change happens through relationships.

Along the way, we have also been incredibly grateful for the support and guidance of Beyond The Streets Inc.. Their willingness to share their knowledge and experience has played an important role in shaping our efforts to make the greatest impact possible as we found our footing. We are thankful for their encouragement and for the example they set through their own dedication to the community.

To everyone who has believed in this journey and supported us along the way, thank you. The names, the stories, and the connections continue to grow, and with them, so does our hope.

This is why we do what we do. 🧡

Because in the end, it's not about numbers. It's about people. And every person deserves to be seen, valued, and reminded that they matter.

06/04/2026

*Posted with the individual’s permission*

Today, someone very special to the Jarod's Journey family took a brave step forward and began a treatment program!

We met this individual through outreach, and over time we've had the privilege of watching their strength, resilience, and determination shine through even during some of life's most difficult moments. While many people see addiction through the lens of stigma, judgment, or misunderstanding, we see what addiction can never take away: a person's worth, humanity, and potential.

Choosing treatment is not a sign of weakness. It is an act of incredible courage. It means facing fears, embracing change, and believing that a different future is possible. That first step can be one of the hardest steps a person will ever take.
Today, we want this friend to know how proud we are of them. But even more importantly, we are happy that they are proud of themselves.

Recovery is not about being perfect—it's about having the courage to keep moving forward, one step at a time.

To our friend: You've already shown incredible strength by making this decision. We believe in you, we are cheering you on, and we will continue to celebrate every victory along the way.

You've got this. 🧡

06/02/2026

🐾 Please Share 🐾

Holy Trinity Welland will be hosting a Free Rabies Vaccine Clinic for cats and dogs on June 22.

Those who pre-register will be prioritized and assigned a timeslot, so be sure to register in advance if possible.

This is a wonderful opportunity for pet owners in our community. Please help spread the word by sharing this post with friends, family, and neighbours who may benefit.
❤️🐶🐱

06/02/2026

Compassion in action 🩵🧡

05/31/2026

☀️ SUMMER FUNDRAISER ☀️

With the warm weather arriving and summer fun beginning, we have a small summer fundraiser in support of Jarod's Journey's outreach efforts!

We have a variety of affordable, used summer items available for purchase:

🏊Swim Goggles — $1 each
🥽Swim Masks — $2 each
💦Pool Arm Floaties — $5 per pair
🦺Children's Life Jackets — $5 each

Every dollar raised helps us continue providing essential items, support, and hope to individuals experiencing homelessness and hardship in our community.

Whether you're shopping for your own family, grandchildren, or looking for an affordable way to prepare for summer fun, your purchase will make a meaningful difference.

To purchase or learn more, send us a message!

As always, thank you for supporting Jarod's Journey and helping us continue our mission of spreading hope, one step at a time. 🧡