As Ontario began to enter lockdown last March, there was much uncertainty in the building industry. Would our construction projects come to a halt? While we did run into some supply chain issues at times, thankfully, our projects were considered essential, and with new health and safety measures, we could continue to build affordable housing that is so desperately needed.
Not only was “continuing” an option, though – the pandemic highlighted the significance
of the housing and homeless- ness crises and compounded the need for Indwell’s work in providing affordable and supportive housing. Acknowl- edging the human suffering that has expanded because of the pandemic has also opened new opportunities form Indwell to deploy public and private investments into longterm solutions.
In August of 2020, we opened North End Landing in Hamilton, in partnership with James North Baptist Church, bringing an additional 45 new affordable apartments to the city (with another program about to open a few months later). Several other projects were launching around the same time, with over 750 units either in development or being planned!
We consistently receive calls from municipal leaders, churches, and other potential partners seeking solutions. The pandemic has been a night-mare for so many people, but we’re thankful that, in some cases, it’s expedited opportunities for those who are in crisis.
