Join Our Board

Hope House is currently seeking dedicated individuals to join our Board of Directors. As a board member, you will play a vital role in guiding our organization, ensuring we fulfill our mission to support individuals and families in our community.

Hope House

Hope House operates and advocates on the belief that poverty, food insecurity, inequality, health and community are all interconnected. We offer services and programs that challenge the stigmas surrounding poverty and allow our community members to maintain their dignity and choice, while providing them with tactile skills developed in a community environment.

Hope House is located in the Guelph downtown core at 10 Cork Street East, which enables us to meet many of the city’s needs. With 30,000 square feet of usable space, our facilities include a gymnasium, an auditorium, café, two kitchens, offices and meeting rooms. An accessible entrance and elevator are located on our Church Lane entrance.

Our mission is to provide tangible, compassionate assistance and care to those in the Guelph community and abroad through immediate relief and ongoing support with the goal of a greater level of independence. Our three core values are dignity, belonging and advocacy.

Accountability

The Board of Directors is collectively accountable to its members, the community we serve, donors, and other stakeholders.

Authority

Individual board members have no authority to:

  • Approve actions by the organization

  • Direct staff

  • Speak on behalf of Hope House

Unless given specific authority by the board, all directors hold equal authority.

Time Commitment

Board members can expect to commit approximately six to eight hours per month, which includes:

  • Attending board and committee meetings

  • Preparing for meetings

  • Participating in board retreats and special events

Term of Office

Board members serve a three-year term, renewable up to a maximum of nine consecutive years.

Responsibilities

Board members are responsible for ensuring Hope House:

  • Is fulfilling its mission

  • Is planning for the future

  • Complies with laws and regulations

  • Meets high standards in financial and human resource practices

Primary Duties

Each member of the HH Board of Directors including board’s officers, is expected to do the following:

  • Abide by the by-laws, code of conduct, conflict of interest and other policies that apply to the board

  • Participate in the review of the mission and objectives and in the development of a strategic plan

  • Keep informed about community issues relevant to the mission of Hope House

  • Help the board to monitor the performance of Hope House in relation to its mission, vision and values

  • Participate in the approval of the annual budget and monitor the financial performance on a regular schedule

  • Help the board approve, review and monitor operational policies

  • Participate in the hiring of and if required, the release of the Executive Director

  • Participate in the evaluation of the Executive Director

  • Establish, review and monitor the implementation of policies on the board’s own practices

  • Participate in the evaluation of the board itself (annual board self evaluation)

  • Prepare for and participate in board meetings

  • Listen to others’ views, advocate their own, identify common interests, alternatives and be open to compromise

  • Support decisions once made

  • Contribute to the work of the board as a member of a board committee

  • Identify prospective board members and help recruit them

  • Attend and participate in the Annual General Meeting

  • Be an ambassador for Hope House

  • Attend a HH staff meeting

Qualifications

We are looking for individuals who:

  • Have knowledge of poverty alleviation and community needs

  • Are committed to Hope House's mission and strategic goals

  • Are willing to commit their time and participate in ongoing learning

Evaluation and Accountability

Board members are expected to fulfill their outlined duties. The Board Chair will follow up with members who are not meeting expectations.

Removal of a Board Member

A board member may be removed by a two-thirds (⅔) vote for:

  • Attempting to exercise unauthorized authority

  • Not following the code of conduct or applicable board policies

  • Being absent from multiple consecutive board meetings without notice or reasonable cause (subject to board determination)

Interested in Joining?

If you are passionate about making a positive impact in your community, we invite you to apply.

Apply Now

For more information, please reach out to us at board@hopehouseguelph.ca.