HAMILTON, ON – Indwell and Wentworth Baptist Church are today announcing a partnership for the development of new affordable housing at 120 Wentworth Street North in Hamilton. The site is currently home to the building in which the Wentworth Baptist congregation has worshipped for the last 97 years.
Indwell has taken over ownership of the site late last week through a long-term agreement that will allow the church to continue worshipping there.
Plans for the affordable housing community involve redeveloping the east portion of the site with roughly 40 newly constructed apartments for one- and two-person households, while the existing sanctuary, built in 1923, will be restored. The congregation will continue to worship there before and after construction of the housing occurs. Indwell plans to begin construction in 2022 to achieve occupancy by 2024. The apartments will be rented at a rate that is affordable on a limited or fixed income. Funding for the housing development is expected to be supported in part by Canada’s National Housing Strategy.
“We’re thrilled to be helping Wentworth Baptist imagine a new future for their historic building, while continuing their legacy of providing benefit to the community with permanent solutions to homelessness and housing insecurity. We look forward to creating hope and homes, places of belonging and community,” says Graham Cubitt, Indwell’s director of projects and development.
Wentworth Baptist Church has been worshiping and serving in the Gibson-Landsdale neighbourhood since 1890. Throughout their history, the church has served their neighbours through meal programs including some in partnership with Hamilton Out of the Cold, supportive housing to Hamiltonians in addiction recovery, and hosting newcomers to Canada.
“As the building has aged, it’s been increasingly challenging to maintain,” explains Rev. Seán McGuire, lead pastor at Wentworth Baptist Church. “Thanks to Indwell, the building and property will be renewed in ways our church would not be able to do on its own, to the glory of Christ and for the good of our neighbours in Gibson-Lansdale. This partnership ensures that our church can continue to worship and serve on the corner of Wentworth and Cannon for generations to come.”
This will be Indwell’s first affordable housing community in Hamilton’s Gibson neighbourhood. More information and opportunities for public input on the project will become available throughout 2021.
Media Inquiries:
Graham Cubitt, Director of Projects & Development, Indwell
graham@indwell.ca
905-546-7348
Rev. Seán McGuire, Lead Pastor, Wentworth Baptist Church
sean@wentworthbaptist.ca
289-775-2189
