L’Arche Stratford moving to next phase of construction at 426 Britannia Street:
It started with a vision and a desire to grow. And now, seven years later, L’Arche Stratford is thrilled to be holding its Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new community hub at 426 Britannia Street in Stratford.
This innovative 15,000 sq. ft. fully accessible building will provide eight affordable, independent living suites, thereby expanding capacity and easing our dependency on renting homes and the instability that brings.
Bright and spacious activity rooms will offer much-needed support for activities and reduce our waitlist by 56 per cent. A community kitchen will allow community members to share fellowship and meals.
In 2017, community members expressed a desire to welcome more people into L’Arche Stratford. Not only does this fulfill the mission of people with and without developmental disabilities sharing life together, but it also begins to address the overwhelming need for affordable housing for people with developmental disabilities in Huron-Perth.
With thanks to our generous donors and supporters, today marks the day we see the vision and need begin to be fulfilled.
The project is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Enabling Accessibility Fund mid-sized projects component, of $1,979,286, which will provide funding for accessible parking, washrooms, showers and doors.
Although we have not realized the full $6.5 million “Be Belong Become” capital campaign, we continue to plan for the future. Raising the entire amount will allow us to remain mortgage-free and build equity, while continuing to raise funds to purchase or build further affordable housing for people with developmental disabilities in Huron-Perth who require that support. In 2021-2022, only three per cent of people with developmental disabilities requiring a supportive living situation could be matched with new or existing supports. As we know, Canadians are experiencing housing challenges, rent is becoming more expensive, and owning future properties will reduce the instability that renting homes presents.
You may also like...
