Organizations come together to help build affordable housing in Kitchener
Posted Jan 31, 2020 09:30:25 PM.
A new partnership is responding to the need of affordable housing units in Kitchener.
The project is by MennoHomes, Parents for Community Living and St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church.
They're going to erect a five-storey apartment building, featuring 48 units on Bridgeport Road near Lancaster Street.
The building is set to include community spaces and even a space for worship.
Executive Director of Menno Homes Dan Driedger tells The Mike Farwell Show on 570 NEWS there's been a large influx of people wanting affordable housing.
“If you look at the resale market, those prices have shot up dramatically. You've got people moving into this area even though our prices have gone up, they're coming in from the GTA.”
He says normal attrition of people moving out of rental housing into home ownership has really backed off, putting pressure on the market increasing its pricing.
Driedger is excited about the partnership to create affordable housing.
“I think the potential for future on this particular site is very exciting and I think the collaboration between us, Parents for Community Living and the church is also very exciting. We think that's going to be a springboard to a lot of future collaborations with future agencies.”
There is still a need to raise money for the project.
Carl Zehr, the former Kitchener mayor, is heading that initiative to raise $5 million.
He says this project is one way the community can go full circle.
“In terms of making sure that those that are in that kind of difficulty for housing, is that we community wise, we collectively have a responsibility to make sure that those people have a place to call their own home.”
You can help with the fundraising efforts here.
