What's New
News for 2026-27!!!
The Board of Directors has approved increasing the number of awards for most Ottawa schools from 4 students per school to 5 students. The award will remain at $160 per month for the full school year.
Riverside South and the Youville Centre have been added to the HOST Program, bringing the total number of Ottawa schools to 68.
This decision will add 61 new awards, increasing the total award budget to $534,400.
2025-26 Recipient Letters
We are excited to share amazing letters sent to us by 2025-26 recipients. They reflect personal stories of challenges and hardships, strength and hope. We will post a new letter every few days. Once we have received sufficient letters, we will post them in the "Student Letters" section under the "Our Program" banner.
"I personally live far from my school, and unfortunately, my school was unable to provide me with a bus pass. I was able to use the funding for a temporary bus pass, and later, during my second semester, I was enrolled in a program that required me to travel around the city. Because of where I live, public transit can be unreliable, so in times of urgency, I was able to use the support to get a ride to my co-op placement. It’s great to know that there are organizations here to help students in need, especially those in even more difficult situations than mine. If I hadn’t had the means to get around, I would have been forced to change schools during my final year of high school, which would have completely set me back. At my current school, there are specific teachers and resources available to support me, especially because I have a learning disability. It means a lot to have teachers who understand me and my specific needs, and I’m truly grateful that I wasn’t forced to change schools all thanks to your support."
Joyce Foundation Award
We are delighted to announce that we have received a three-year grant of $50,000 per year from the Joyce Family Foundation - for the 2025-26, 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years. The grant is in honour of the late Honourable Ed Lumley, P.C. C.M., the former Mayor of Cornwall, Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister. He was a tireless champion for vulnerable children and youth across Canada. He served as Board Chair of the Joyce Family Foundation since 2019 and trustee since 2010.
Reasons To Support
Graduation
Helping young people graduate, improving future opportunities, developing financial literacy skills and providing hope and recognition of effort.
Local Impact
Pay it forward by supporting youth in your community to become valued members and leaders of their community. Give hope to families by supporting their children and easing financial strains.
Encouragement
Many award recipients come from difficult circumstances. The acknowledgement of their hard work and good attitude gives them and their families hope for the future.
Leadership
Award recipients aren’t just students, they're future community leaders, innovators, and change-makers. Supporting HOST means investing in the leadership and compassion that will shape tomorrow’s workplaces, classrooms, and communities.
Learn About Our Program
Thanks to the generosity of our Board member, Peter Nicholson, for giving us his wonderful team of Jeff Todd and Patricia Santos for crafting this beautiful video. Since its production, the monthly award increased to $160 from $150.
From Our Students
2024/25 Recipient
“I was beyond speechless when I got told I received this award. I left my guidance counselor's office in happy tears with all the hardship my family has gone through. I honestly couldn’t be more grateful for this award and the help it has provided my family and me.”
2023/24 Recipient
"The HOST Program helped me with food when there was nothing to really eat at home…It has helped reduce my overall stress level over food and it has helped me attend school more."
2021/22 Recipient
“Every time I got that monthly income, it felt like I was being rewarded for all my sleepless nights, exhaustion, and frustration. I truly appreciate all the help I’ve received from this program! Thank you so much.”
