HAMILTON, ON – April 9, 2020 – Local affordable-housing charity, Indwell, is partnering with the Hamilton Public Library to offer a new, 1,500 square-foot neighbourhood library in its four-storey McQuesten Lofts. This is Indwell’s second building at the corner of Parkdale and Melvin avenues, in East Hamilton. Scheduled to open by the end of the year, it will include 50 one-bedroom apartments, as well as the neighbourhood library.

“We’re thrilled with this development,” says Jeff Neven, Executive Director at Indwell. “Hamilton Public Library does such amazing work in creating third spaces for learning and community development. The library’s vision and values closely align with Indwell’s vision of hope and homes for all and is a benefit to the McQuesten neighbourhood.”

Affordable, supportive housing is desperately needed in Hamilton and the construction of McQuesten Lofts is considered essential by the Ontario government. Indwell will offer units to people who have been waiting several years for its housing. 

“Ensuring commercial tenants benefit the Indwell community and neighbourhood is key for our charity. This partnership with Hamilton Public Library more than meets this goal,” explains Hannah Pahuta, Indwell’s Commercial Tenancies Coordinator. “We couldn’t be happier.”

Funding for the Hamilton Public Library’s new library branch was approved by City Council. “Heartfelt thanks to our City and Indwell partners. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, it is great to share some good news. Serving all people of Hamilton equitably ensures a healthy, informed and connected community. Hamilton Public Library’s newest neighbourhood branch is an exciting addition to the Parkdale neighbourhood,” says Paul Takala, Chief Librarian and CEO, Hamilton Public Library. “This newest branch will provide Wi-Fi, public computers and printers, meeting spaces, children’s area and a location-based collection of new and best seller books, music and movies.”

About Indwell

Indwell is a Hamilton-based charity that responds 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. Indwell is building 400 more apartments in the next two years. On-site staff help tenants problem-solve, support health goals, encourage social activities, and connect with community resources and volunteer opportunities. To learn more, visit indwell.ca.

About Hamilton Public Library

Hamilton Public Library is a vibrant hub for information and culture, providing our diverse community the Freedom to Discover. As one of the largest library systems in Canada, it currently has 22 Branches two Bookmobiles and extensive digital collections. Visit us online athpl.ca. Follow us on Twitter @hamiltonlibrary. Like us on Facebook at HamiltonPublicLibrary.