Kitchener, Ontario – St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Kitchener will become Indwell’s first affordable housing program in the Region of Waterloo.
St. Mark’s became available for other ministry purposes when St Mark’s, St John’s, and Reformation Lutheran churches merged to become Trillium Lutheran Church in late 2018.
Rev. Dr. Michael J. Pryse, Bishop of the Eastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, says, “I am inspired and encouraged by the witness of congregations like St. Mark’s and Trillium who are seeking to address potential challenges and liabilities in creative ways that actually increase the church’s capacity to advance God’s mission. Through the faithful utilization of assets and the forging of effective partnerships, we are able to bless and serve our neighbours and communities in new ways. This is precisely the kind of faith-fueled and courageous discipleship that church communities are being called to advance in this time and context.”
Indwell will finalize the purchase of the property from Trillium Lutheran Church in June 2020. Current design plans include preserving the sanctuary as a common space and adding another floor above the church hall to create 40 affordable housing units. Construction is anticipated to begin within in the next year, and the first tenants will move into their new homes about two years after that.
“Indwell’s vision is to provide hope and homes for all. By providing affordable supportive housing at St. Mark’s, we will continue the church’s legacy of providing care and support for their neighbours and building community for those that are marginalized. This collaboration with faith communities in Kitchener will enable many in Waterloo Region to experience health, wellness, and belonging, and will help address the significant need for affordable housing in the Kitchener-Waterloo community,” says Jeff Neven, Executive Director at Indwell.
About Indwell
Indwell is a Christian charity that is responding to the urgent need to address homelessness in Southern Ontario by providing high quality affordable supportive housing. Indwell has more than 600 tenants in its programs in Hamilton, Woodstock, Simcoe, and London, and is looking forward to expanding into Kitchener and Mississauga—creating 400 more apartments in the next two years. Indwell builds for long-term sustainability with a focus on energy efficiency using the Passive House standard. On-site staff help tenants problem-solve, monitor their health, offer addiction counseling, encourage social activities, and connect with community resources and volunteer opportunities. To learn more, visit indwell.ca
