Pilot project to bring trio of affordable housing units back online
A recently launched pilot project is working to bring vacant affordable housing units in Hamilton back online.
In a press release earlier this month, CityHousing Hamilton and Habitat for Humanity Hamilton announced a partnership that will see three existing units repaired and rehabilitated" through the work of volunteers and students from across the city.
The work on the first home has already been completed ahead of schedule and underbudget," according to the organizations.
Speaking to The Spectator, Habitat for Humanity CEO Sean Ferris said the collaboration was spurred from their RePair Rescue program. Launched in August 2020, the project focused on providing home repairs and needed maintenance for vulnerable residents in the city.
Ferris said as that program continued to grow, their organization eventually joined the Hamilton is Home affordable housing coalition, where they connected with leaders from CityHousing Hamilton.
Talks about the pilot project began last year, with work completed by high school students and volunteers getting underway during the wintertime.
Ferris said the project is an example of how local organizations can work together" to find solutions for the city's growing affordable housing crisis.
These units are sitting vacant because it costs too much to repair them," he said. When we can leverage some of our suppliers as well as donated labour through volunteers and students, that dramatically reduces the cost."
Ferris said the work on the semi-detached homes, which are located in the McQuesten neighbourhood, includes new flooring, new trim, fresh paint throughout the homes as well as repairs to kitchen cupboards, installation of fixtures and exterior cosmetic fixes.
Work such as plumbing and electrical is done by tradespeople, he noted.
The students who work on the sites are taking part in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) - meaning they earn high school credits as they work.
Ferris said not only is the work directly benefiting the community, but it also gives students the chance to get their hands dirty" as they learn more about construction and other skilled trades.
He noted that with the first home completed, he can't think of a reason not to continue" expanding the project beyond the initial trio of units.
Affordable housing is a key issue for us here in the city," said Ferris. It's important that all organizations that are desirous of delivering affordable housing find ways to partner together to find a solution."
In a statement, CityHousing Hamilton maintenance manager Brian Kinaschuk said the project highlights the value of community partnerships" for the city at large.
Our collaboration will help put family units back online as quickly and efficiently as possible, while providing our local youth the chance to gain hands-on training and experience in real-life settings," said Kinaschuk.
Fallon Hewitt is a reporter at The Spectator. fhewitt@thespec.com