Dear Friends,
The first half of 2019 has been an incredible journey of growth! As our team and our programs continue to expand, we are humbled and overwhelmed by God’s goodness and the support of our communities. While you read through the stories of hope and inspiration in this newsletter, I pray you’ll be encouraged by the impact that you are having on people’s lives.
One of the highlights from the last few months—which is featured in this newsletter—was the announcement from CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) that Indwell would receive a grant for showcasing its affordable and supported housing model. Homelessness and mental health are far too big for any one organization to address on its own, so this grant is a huge step towards working together to make hope and homes for all a reality.
Our Parkdale Landing project has been an example of our transformative and innovative approach, and our retrofit of the former tavern and banquet hall recently won the Inspiring Home award from Canada Green Building Council for best residential project in Canada! Construction of Phase II of this project begins this month. We highlighted the transformation in a video that we presented at the recent Hope & Homes Banquet in Hamilton.
One of our tenants, Victoria, received a standing ovation as she shared her story of transformation at the banquet:
The respect and support of Indwell staff, my clinic, and my family and friends have been essential to my progress in completing my Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Cultural Studies at McMaster University…this past year I secured part-time employment, and my future looks brighter than ever.
As we affirm the inherent dignity of people like Victoria and treat our tenants with respect, they begin to recognize their worth, and live out of hope. Would you consider how you might be a part of building this hope that transforms lives? Our fiscal year ends on August 31, and as we expand into new communities, we depend on your donations more than ever. Together we will secure hope and homes for all.
Jeffrey Neven
Executive Director
Articles
Welcome Judy Eising
Indwell recently welcomed Judy Eising to the new position of Director of Donor Relations and Fundraising. Judy’s connection with Indwell started four years ago when her brother Henry, who then lived in Simcoe, mentioned that Indwell had purchased Hambleton Hall to convert it into affordable housing. As a deacon in her church in Guelph, Judy
Indwell’s first program in London opening this summer
Julie (right) and Terri Louch, our new London Program Manager, in front of Woodfield Gate. Woodfield Gate will open its doors to 67 people this summer. The new building, which Indwell is leasing for the time being from the builder, is located at 356 Dundas Street in downtown London, on a bus route and near
Tenant Highlight: Bobby from Perkins
Many Indwell tenants keep a pet. Bobby relaxes at home with one of his cats. Bobby moved into the Perkins Centre in East Hamilton last fall. He’s known for his contagious smile and his collection of ‘paddy hats.’ “I was a totally different person,” states Bobby. “Before I moved here, I never felt safe. I
Indwell’s unique housing model showcased
Our partner project with Hughson Street Baptist Church will receive Passive House certification, and has been featured by several organizations for its innovative building standards. Indwell was chosen to receive a grant from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)’s Demonstrations Initiative to help us showcase four integral elements of our model. As others continue to
Projects Timeline
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July 2019
- Woodfield Gate will open in downtown London, providing 67 affordable one-bedroom apartments for people facing challenges accessing quality housing— often due to mental health challenges and other disabilities.
- Construction will have begun on 50 new homes for the second phase of our Parkdale Landing program in East Hamilton.
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July/August 2019
- Blossom Park Apartments will open in Woodstock, providing 34 new independant apartments in our first‑ever project built completely to Passive House standards.
– Preparation for renovations will begin on the former Norfolk Inn in Simcoe, with the goal of being completed by late 2020.
– Environmental cleanup begins on the property of the former Royal Oak Dairy in Hamilton.
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Fall 2019
– Construction set to begin on the future site of a 66‑unit affordable housing community in Mississauga, to be opened early 2021.
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Early 2020
– Our joint effort with Hughson Street Baptist Church will open at 500 James Street North
in Hamilton, bringing 45 affordable housing
units to the city and a brand new church facility
to serve the community.– We hope to begin construction on our second program in London at 744 Dundas, site of the former Embassy Hotel. Current designs envision 75 one‑bedroom apartments, with offices and commercial space on the ground floor.
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Late 2020
– The Norfolk Inn in Simcoe will reopen as permanent housing with supports for 32 people, and will include ground floor commercial space.
– Hamilton’s second phase of Parkdale Landing will open, adding another 50 one-bedroom apartments and a new community space.
Indwell is a Christian charity. We rely on the generosity of many donors each month to sustain and grow our ministry.
