Hope Centre director heading to Habitat
Carl looking forward to the next stage of his career but proud of what he accomplished
The Hope Centre in Welland is in the process of a major transition as its long-time executive director is leaving to take on the lead role at Habitat for Humanity Niagara.
Effective Aug. 7, Mark Carl will take over for Alastair Davis, who is retiring after 12 years at the helm of the non-profit organization.
Carl, also a municipal councillor since 2010, won’t be seeking re-election in October’s local contest so he can focus on his new position, he said in a recent interview.
Looking forward to the next stage of his career, the move is also bittersweet, but he’s very proud of what he has accomplished in the six years he spent as the lead the centre, a place that has been helping Welland residents address issues with mental health, homelessness, and addiction.
The facility on King Street in Welland currently shelters 60 people on a daily basis and serves a total of 100 local residents through programming, including the food bank that started it all 4 years ago.
There are six agencies offering services under its roof, including the Canadian Mental Health Association, Community Addiction Services of Niagara, and YWCA Niagara.
Carl was instrumental in transforming the centre into the social service hub it is today by attracting community partners to co-locate with one another within the organization, a move he is also proud to be a part of.
He helped secure $3 million for an additional 20-unit supportive housing program and has established corporate partnerships that will allow for continuous improvement of this model.
“It’s a one-stop place for people to get help under one roof,” he said, also noting the growth of the agency is also the result of its board, staff, and volunteers.
“It really gets to the root of what’s causing difficulty in people’s lives,” he said about having multiple services for people in need at one address.
He also said making the centre a comfortable and safe environment, without judgement, is a goal he feels has been achieved at the Hope Centre.
“It’s removed barriers from getting assistance. That’s one of the things I’m most proud of,” he said.
Lack of jobs aren’t necessarily the biggest contributor to the problems people who come through the door are dealing with. Addiction and mental health are the greatest concerns today, he said.
“That’s what is creating a lot of challenges in people’s lives, and families’ lives,” he said.
As he prepares for his first day at Habitat, Carl said he is eager to work toward a goal of building another 42 homes in Niagara by 2022, on top of the 62 that have been constructed since 1993, giving parents and their children a sense of renewal.
“It instills confidence in the families and really allows them to improve their lives and move forward,” he said.
The Hope Centre operates on funding from the United Way, Niagara Region, the City of Welland, community donations, and corporate sponsorships.