We live in a prosperous community, yet many people struggle to find affordable housing. Rents have sky-rocketed. Good housing is out of reach for many. Some 6000 households are on the waiting list for affordable housing in the Region of Waterloo.
Carl Zehr, longtime mayor of Kitchener, oversaw the diversification of the region’s economy, leading to significant growth. He recognizes that unaffordable rental housing may be an unintended consequence of this positive community development.
Carl Zehr,
Capital Campaign Chair
Three strong and committed partners have come together to address the challenge of affordable housing: MennoHomes, St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church and Parents for Community Living (PCL). Our new project, divided into two phases, will create more than 80 affordable housing units.
Under MennoHomes’ oversight, Phase 1 will see the construction of a five-story building with 48 living units, worship space for St. Paul’s, a community room and kitchen for PCL, and a mix of shared and dedicated meeting space for the three partners and community groups. The location at the intersection of Bridgeport and Lancaster, in northeast Kitchener, provides easy access to many facilities, and has two bus routes at the door.
To make this vision a reality, the campaign for the first phase will raise $5 million.
The MennoHomes business model is simple and highly effective. For each project, construction costs are covered by a combination of government grants, private donations and a mortgage.
Your gift can be transformative. You will be helping many in our community to experience the dignity and stability that come from having a solid, safe and comfortable home.
CRA Charity #86304 7015 RR0001
-Steph, MennoHomes tenant
Now think about what it must be like to live in substandard housing. To wonder if you’ll be able to make rent and pay utilities. To run short of grocery money by the end of the month. To move frequently. To worry about the effect of your housing on your child’s health. To wonder what will happen to your adult child with disabilities when you can no longer provide care. To teeter on the crisis of homelessness.
Your gift can be transformative. It will make a real and measurable difference in people’s lives. Through it, you will reach out to many in our community who need affordable housing. Among them are seniors, adults with intellectual and other disabilities, people living with mental health issues, and single mothers. You will be helping them experience the dignity that comes from having a solid, safe and comfortable home. You will be supporting their physical and mental health, helping them stay well, thrive and contribute.