A new inclusive coffee shop has opened in Hamilton

A new coffee shop recently opened in Hamilton that’s not like any other café in the city.

That’s because The Inclusion Coffeehouse is a community-building initiative that makes space for, and employs, locals with intellectual disabilities.

‘A place where everyone is welcome’: L’Arche Hamilton opens inclusive coffeehouse #HamOnthttps://t.co/y4VkbQz0BF via @fallonhewitt_

— Kate McCullough (@katejmccullough) December 31, 2021

Officially open as of December 2021 within the Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre on Cannon Street East, The Inclusion Coffeehouse is run by a collective of Hamilton residents who are “people with and without intellectual disabilities creating a community coffeehouse where all can gather and learn about each other, while enjoying some delicious treats!”

The whole thing has been spearheaded by L’Arche Hamilton, the local branch of an international organization supporting those with intellectual disabilities through programs, housing, and community-building.

Members of the local L’Arche community operate the coffeehouse in various roles, from baking to serving visitors from a selection of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, juice, bagels, muffins, cookies, and more.

Though their operations are currently limited due to the surge in COVID-19 cases, the hope is that the Inclusion Coffeehouse can more fully develop into a local hub through community events, art displays, and more.

Locals who want to stay updated on The Inclusion Coffeehouse can follow them on Instagram here.

Lead image courtesy of @larcheinclusioncoffeehouse

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• cafe
• Charity
• city
• coffee
• coffeehouse
• community
• Hamilton
• HamOnt
• inclusion
• Inclusion Coffeehouse
• L'Arche Hamilton
• opening