Fuelling single moms on the road to independence

In a blog post in mid-April, Home Suite Hope (HSH) Executive Director Sara Cumming outlined the transportation challenges facing HSH’s single moms and why HSH has launched its new Drive to Thrive campaign.

This week – as Sara prepares to celebrate her own 50th birthday – she is issuing her own challenge for HSH supporters to celebrate with her – by donating $50 to the Drive to Thrive campaign.

It’s tough to get kids to daycare and then school and work, go grocery shopping or get to appointments without reliable transportation.

And transportation has a price tag.

It can be a vehicle, its gas, maintenance and insurance. It can be public transit, fares or passes. It’s usually expensive, especially for those who have tight budgets.

As Sara noted, a lack of reliable transportation isn't just an inconvenience; it's a major barrier to achieving financial independence. According to Sara's post, research across Canada has shown access to transportation is a key factor in lifting individuals out of poverty. Studies have shown low-income individuals with access to reliable transportation are far more likely to find jobs that align with their skills and ambitions. Without a car, job options shrink to a limited radius around transit routes — often excluding higher-paying positions or jobs with growth potential.

Transportation also plays a critical role in education, a key stepping stone to self-sufficiency.

Despite recent improvements, public transit options are not always ideal and for many, car ownership is not just a convenience, but practically a necessity.

All this against a backdrop of a shrinking support system.

As of March 1, 2025, all employment services for Ontario Works (OW) recipients have been shifted from municipal and district social services administration boards to Employment Ontario. Perhaps the most devastating blow is the elimination of employment-related benefits. As of February 28, 2025, the monthly benefits that once covered transportation costs, work attire, and other essentials were axed. For our mothers, this isn't just a financial inconvenience — it's a full stop to their progress.

Drive to Thrive offers numerous ways to help:

• Donate: Every dollar counts. Your contribution could help cover the cost of a driving lesson, a car safety inspection, or even a tank of gas.

• Sign your under or unused car over to us: Do your parents have a car they stopped using? Do you have a car for your children who have since moved out of your home, or purchased their own?

• Partner with Us: Are you a local car dealership? Consider donating a reliable used vehicle or offering discounted rates to our program participants.

• Sponsor a Driving Lesson: Many of our moms don’t yet have their driver’s licenses. Sponsoring lessons at a local driving school will give them the skills and confidence they need to get behind the wheel.

• Help buy a transit pass: Provide the ability for a single parent to purchase a transit pass.

When you give a mother access to reliable transportation, you’re not just giving her transportation — you’re giving her access to better job opportunities, a chance to complete her education, and the ability to care for her children with greater ease. You’re helping to break the cycle of poverty and build a brighter future for entire families.

This May, Sara is celebrating her 50th birthday in a way that drives real impact! Sara is asking our community to give $50 for her 50th to support our Drive to Thrive campaign — helping single moms gain access to safe, reliable transportation.

Every dollar moves a mom closer to stable employment, education, and independence.

Donate