Quick Escape 
Earlier this month on August 10th, YWCA Hamilton hosted an open house and welcomed community members to its new MakerSpace!
Housed at the Putman Family YWCA on Ottawa Street, the MakerSpace houses cutting-edge technology and tools like 3-D printers, a CNC machine, laptops, desktops, programming books and activities, wide format printer, and a craft cabinet. “Through our funding with the federal government we were able to expand our programming to create the MakerSpace” shared Khadija Hamidu VP of Economic Development at YWCA Hamilton.
“We started with just two things in this room, the wide format printer and an empty tool chest. We’ve completely outfitted this room with every kind of technology you can imagine: iMacs, desktop, laptop, 3D printers, a CNC machine. Our goal was to create a place where anyone, regardless of what they can afford can have an opportunity to use this technology” added Zac White, MakerSpace Coordinator at YWCA Hamilton.
The MakerSpace is meant to be a hub for creativity and entrepreneurship, and provide access to technology for all. Having the space filled with families, children, Putman residents and neighbours, local business owners, and members of the Ottawa Street Seniors Active Living Centre 55+ reflects these ideals.
On the note of access to technology for all, Zac expressed “We want to give people the opportunity to learn about this technology, it’s very hands on, and take that information and take it back to a profession or a career.” Khadija further shared “We wanted to eliminate that financial barrier, making sure that we are another space, another pivotal location for people in the community to have this for free. This is a free program where all you have to do is sign up and complete a free training module.”
Entrepreneurs can often feel alone in the process of starting and running a business, being able to have a space to connect with one another while learning new skills can ease some of that burden. The MakerSpace is also here to support entrepreneurs in the community by providing them with a space to learn, connect, and grow. Whether you are starting business or want to be creative, the MakerSpace is here for all. Brigitte Huard, Business Advisor for PowerUp program commented “This is going to be a great space for our as well as our participants to come in here and use the technology that we have, but also opportunities to connect with other entrepreneurs.”
The MakerSpace is also for people looking to make things with tools that they wouldn’t regularly have access to and get creative. The MakerSpace is already looking to expand into offering resources for those looking to create fibre arts like crochet, knitting, cross-stitch and sewing. “There’s so many opportunities to upskill or grow your capacity, or just take on a new hobby and enjoy the work that you’re doing and have fun with it, but in a safe space where you’re welcome and celebrated” added Khadija.
With the MakerSpace, the community and participants also have access to YWCA Hamilton’s new Uplift Digital Learning (UDL) platform – that offers free, inclusive learning tools and modules that can be completed online. The courses have a broad range of topics like career development, data analytics, math & statistics, computer programming, data visualizations, inclusive design and more. Visit here for more information and to register.
“We want to see more people in this space, we want to see more community in this space. We want to see businesses, small businesses, large businesses, whatever your needs, to come into this space and do that work here in the community,” noted Khadija.
Zac also shared “There is no limitation to what we can do, if you want to do something but don’t have the ability to do it, I’m happy to help, and if I don’t have the ability to do it, we’ll learn together.”
The MakerSpace is open for bookings! For guidelines and availability, visit https://www.Upliftdigitallearning.org/ywca-makers-space/
Thank you to the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario for their support on this initiative!
