Weekend brunches help people at A Better Tent City connect through shared meals

The weekend brunch at A Better Tent City in Kitchener helps residents connect through shared meals each weekend.

It launched to coincide with their methadone program two years ago. When that program moved to a different time, the brunches continued as a way of creating community through shared food. 

"It could be a big beautiful meal, or it could be a poor person's soup. I believe that if shared with people you love and you like being around and you enjoy, it doesn't matter what it is — food brings people together," said resident Beverly Melanson, with a plate of blueberry pancakes in front of her with jam spread over top, some fruit, yogurt and muffins.

Melanson has been a part of a Better Tent City for over three years.

"Food is important to us because when you're living out there on the streets … sometimes you don't eat in a whole day," she told CBC Kitchener-Waterloo.

"It's hard. Certain places aren't open on the weekend. I used to dread the weekends because there really wasn't no place to eat."

A Better Tent City is a a collection of 43 tiny homes, accommodating 50 people. It sits on property owned by the Waterloo Region District School Board by Highway 8.

It's not part of the region's official shelter system; some people pay a modest rent and otherwise funding comes from community donations and a church partnership.

Organizations like Branches for Hope and Slate Church help with the brunches, and food is provided by The Food Bank of Waterloo Region and COBS Bread.

"I think the thing about food here is that it's a great connector and it's a wonderful way for volunteers to meet residents, and you'll see people having conversations about what they like and don't like," said Laura Hamilton, a board member with A Better Tent City.

"Food is something we all have in common and it really does support relationships, right?"

A Better Tent City was conceived over three years ago, starting in a convenience store in downtown Kitchener by shop owner, Nadine Green. 

It moved out to Lot 42, a former industrial site, where they started building the tiny homes. When that property was sold, the community relocated to its current home down the street.

Not only are the brunches nutritious but they also serve another purpose. 

"We have lots of fruits, lots of veggies, muffins, pancakes, French toast," said Green, who lives on site and acts as site co-ordinator. "And when you eat that, it reminds you of your life before you became homeless. It just brings you back." 

"Most people would say, I remember when my grandmother used to do this or my wife or my ex-wife did this, or my aunt, so they think of the good [time], because most people here always had a good time," said Green.

Food means a lot of things at A Better Tent City. It's feeding the soul of the residents, and keeping the community bond intact.

"The other night we had like four big humongous containers of hot chocolate that we made, and marshmallows — it was great," Melanson said.

"Everyone was sitting in here, and you know, marshmallow and chocolate all over their faces and stuff, but it was great."

Sounds of the Season is our annual holiday fundraiser in support of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. Our goal is to raise money, donations and awareness for those facing food insecurity in Kitchener-Waterloo.