Housing continues to be a challenging issue for many people. According to the Vital Signs Report released by the Waterloo Region Community Foundation, home prices have seen a dramatic shift for all income levels in recent years, but the pinch has been felt most acutely by folks living on low incomes. Rents skyrocketed as housing prices increased, and if you factor in the high cost of living in general, affordable housing is out of reach for more and more people in our communities. Beyond Housing, a recipient of Kindred Credit Union’s Charitable Fund, has a plan to help.
Beyond Housing provides quality affordable housing rental homes throughout Waterloo Region so that a diverse range of people in households with low to moderate incomes have improved access to housing. However, they also want to build communities in those places where people can feel safe and comfortable. Since their start in 2001, Beyond Housing has created 258 homes in 14 locations, housing over 400 people in Kitchener, Elmira, Waterloo, Wellesley, and St. Jacobs.
Beyond Housing’s current project, a partnership with Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region, is called New Beginnings: A Place to Call Home. What’s unique about this project is the intentional mix of units to support a diverse community. 40% of the units will be dedicated to assist women and their children who have experienced domestic violence and are living in emergency shelters.
While the design will support women transitioning to independent living, it is also intended to support people living with low-income, those with accessibility needs, and both small and large-sized families. Beyond Housing will build and operate the homes, while Women’s Crisis Services will continue to provide supports to the families living there.
“This build is different from typical townhouse developments, in that there will be a mix of units – a variety of sizes, from one-bedroom to four-bedroom, along with fully accessible barrier-free units,” explains Dan Driedger, Executive Director of Beyond Housing. He continues, “On a property that used to house just one family home, we’re building a community that will provide homes for 20 families.” 40% of the units will be what is called deeply affordable – meant to meet the housing needs of those with very low incomes.
The property has been donated by a local family. Kindred’s early seed funding in the project helped to fund the first phase of architectural design. Many other sources of funding only flow to “shovel ready” projects, however site plans and architectural drawings are needed in order to get to that point. Kindred is pleased to have provided the early support needed to get the New Beginnings project moving forward.
This project is a reflection of Kindred’s deep purpose and values. By giving a fresh start to these women and children who have been through so much, the New Beginnings project will create spaces that will become homes and communities for years to come. Our communities are more peaceful when we create space and support for everyone.