PERTH — The community effort to fund Perth’s newest affordable housing build has passed the midpoint, with the volunteer-led Community Housing Initiative Perth reporting nearly half of its $300,000 goal now secured for the Halton Street project. The campaign supports construction costs for a 15-unit apartment project at 63 Halton Street, across from the Perth Fairgrounds.
CHIP co-chair and fundraising lead Claire Smith said the response has been steady since the campaign launch. She said the group has $150,000 left to raise, and each contribution moves the community closer to opening doors for people who have been waiting for stable housing.
The total cost of the development is $4.6 million. CHIP launched the project four years ago and now plays an advisory and fundraising role.
Carebridge Community Support, which operates nine similar buildings in Lanark County, will own and manage the development. Carebridge provides affordable housing, developmental services and senior programs across the region.
Halton Street project construction underway
The Town of Perth recently approved the final permit. Saumure Group construction crews have poured foundations and completed underground plumbing. Work is now focused on enclosing the building before winter conditions halt progress. The two storey, wood frame structure will include 11 one-bedroom units and four two-bedroom units.
Growing demand for affordable units
Carebridge housing director Alison Newson said the Halton Street project will help respond to a local crisis in which seniors, single parents and residents with disabilities struggle to secure permanent homes. She said stable housing directly supports health, education and employment. She also cited research showing that people in reliable housing use fewer emergency services and experience better long-term health outcomes.
The development will offer a mix of rent geared to income (RGI) and affordable rental units. Affordable rent is set at 80 per cent of market rates. RGI rent is based on income and other eligibility factors. Tenants for RGI units will be selected from Lanark County Social Services’ wait list. Affordable rent placements will come from Carebridge’s own wait list.
More than 460 people waiting
CHIP co-chair David Kroetsch said the county’s list of people waiting for housing has grown from just over 400 at the beginning of the year to more than 460. He said the Halton Street build will ease some of the financial pressure for residents who are paying high rents while trying to meet basic needs.
Smith said the group is hoping for continued support as the holiday season approaches. She said the project represents a chance for residents to make a direct impact in their community.
Donations can be made at perthhousing.ca or chip-housing.ca.
Submitted by Community Housing Initiative Perth.
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