For 50 years, Indwell has been providing supportive housing that transforms lives. Every door we open together becomes a solution to homelessness.
A legacy built on Dignity, Hope, and Love
In 2024, Indwell celebrates a remarkable milestone — half a century of compassion, innovation, and unwavering commitment to providing dignity and independence for individuals with disabilities. From its humble beginnings to becoming a beacon of hope across communities, Indwell’s journey is a rich tapestry of triumphs, challenges, and profound impacts. As we honour this 50th anniversary, we invite you to explore the captivating stories and pivotal moments that have shaped Indwell’s legacy. Your engagement and support will help propel us forward as we continue to create inclusive communities, embrace new challenges, and embark on the next 50 years of transformational work together.
Timeline
The Homestead
A determined group of Christians in Hamilton put their heads together to devise solutions for adults with mental health disabilities. Starting with seven residents, The Homestead began Indwell’s vision of dignity and independence, supported by dedicated house parents.
A Change in Our Model
Following changes in psychiatric treatment and the rise of psychosocial rehabilitation, we pivoted to prioritize independent apartment living with a spectrum of supports. Caroline Apartments was born, offering 24/7 on-call supports and partnership with community organizations. Indwell now operates 13 supportive, affordable housing buildings in Hamilton.
Woodstock
We expanded to Woodstock, acquiring a group home. A successful grant led to Blossom Park Apartments in 2008, providing 61 supportive homes. In 2015, Harvey Woods Lofts opened and by 2018, Blossom Park added 34 Passive House-certified apartments, enhancing energy efficiency and affordability.
A New Name
It’s our 40th anniversary and a new name: Indwell evoking the presence of Jesus in our lives and ministry, and the welcome provided in a safe, stable dwelling.
Simcoe
By the mid-2010s, the demand for supportive housing grew in surrounding communities. Leaders in Simcoe contacted us and, with government funding and donations secured, Hambleton Hall opened. In 2022, Dogwood Suites doubled Indwell's presence in Simcoe.
London
We expanded to London with Woodfield Gate Apartments welcoming 67 individuals, in collaboration with St. Joseph’s and the Canadian Mental Health Association. In 2022, Embassy Commons opened, marking Indwell's 1,000th home.
St. Thomas
Railway City Lofts in St. Thomas is home to 15 residents. Funded by provincial and city grants, it offers intense therapeutic services. Some tenants from Railway City Lofts, after achieving more stability, moved into The Station, which opened in 2023 and offers more independence.
Waterloo Region
A partnership with Waterloo Regional Housing began, initiating Indwell’s programs in municipally-owned buildings Robert Kerr Manor and Weber Street Apartments. We’re grateful for similar partnerships with the cities of St. Thomas, London, and Hamilton. In 2023, St. Mark’s Place opened in a former Lutheran church in Kitchener.
Mississauga
Years of prayer and advocacy led to expanding into Mississauga. Lakeshore Lofts opened with 68 supportive affordable apartments. Cornerstone Suites opens in 2024, and we’re hopeful for a program in Clarkson as well.
The Future
Indwell now houses over 1,250 people in seven regions. What’s next? Among other projects, we’re excited to repurpose two London buildings – the old War Memorial Children’s Hospital and the Health Services Building – to create 138 supportive homes as part of Vision Soho Alliance. Because we’re not stopping until we see hope and homes for all!
We are indwell
The values that drive us
Dignity
We affirm the image of God in everyone.
Love
We love our neighbours.
Hope
Hope is the foundation of what we do.
Donate
Through your gifts you are providing affordable housing, supports, and community for Indwell tenants. This helps each person achieve health, wellness and belonging.
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Indwell is a Hamilton-based Christian charity that has been supporting vulnerable adults dealing with mental health challenges for 50 years. We are the fastest growing developer of new supportive affordable housing in Ontario. Indwell’s communities support over 1250 tenants in regions across Southern and Southwestern Ontario—with several projects currently under construction or pre-development. Indwell empowers tenants to achieve health and wellness goals, and to constructively engage with their communities.
