Hard work leads to more affordable housing for seniors
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 09/03/2016 (3853 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Plant a seed and watch it grow.
In the fall of 2007, the Advocacy Committee of Seniors for Seniors submitted a report to the board regarding safe, affordable housing for seniors in Brandon. Glenora Slimmons, chair of the committee, stated that the challenges be presented at the annual meeting of Seniors for Seniors regarding the experiences, perspective and ideas of seniors. Housing is a complicated matter and it was felt that a special committee should be asked to explore the part that Seniors for Seniors can play in improving this significant social dilemma.
In October 2007, Harry Paine, chair of the committee, informed the minister of finance that there are many factors contributing to the housing problem. Federal funding was stopped in the early 1990s and effects were now being seen.
A Manitoba news release of October 2007 stated that in Winnipeg, $1.2 million was invested in Spence Neighbourhood Affordable Housing Projects. “Investments in housing, neighbourhoods and people are investments in our future,” said Minto MLA Andrew Swan. “Projects such as this demonstrate what we can accomplish when there is a vision, a will and co-operation of partnership to put housing first.”
Again in September 2008, the Advocacy Committee’s priority of safe, affordable housing, assisted living accommodation and full-service accommodation for seniors with moderate income was brought to the board by chair Larry Todd. The wish was to build three buildings on the same site with adequate space for parking.
An inaugural meeting was called for May 12, 2009. In order to get the non-profit co-op started, keep it going and undertake a feasibility study, $25 was accepted from support members. Brandon East NDP MLA Drew Caldwell stated that he and his office would do everything they could to support the board created at this meeting. He spoke of his involvement with Slimmons as being one of the reasons for his involvement. Many interested seniors put their name on the line to incorporate and register the name Western Manitoba Seniors Non-Profit Housing Co-Operative, so that now they could officially deal with the provincial government and apply for housing grants.
A body has now been formally constituted to deal with government in an official capacity to engage resources, seek assistance, council, consultants and undertake a lot or work required before we can put the spade in the ground. This body was originally initiated through the Advocacy Committee for Seniors for Seniors.
It was moved by Caldwell and seconded by Larry Todd that the following be nominated as the table of officers who would serve a two-year term. President: John MacKenzie; vice-president: Harvey Douglas; recording secretary: May Scheel; treasurer: Vic Hercum; corresponding secretary: Janette Brown.
A board of directors was also nominated by Caldwell and seconded by Hercum: Slimmons, John MacKenzie, Jeannette Holm, Julia Hamel, Doreen Bottley, Eugene Skakun, Harvey Douglas, Larry Todd, Lois Todd, Ed Clark, Sheena Duncalfe, Fred Nowitski, May Scheel, Hercum, Fred McGuinness, Janette Brown, Roberta Baskier, Tena Kilmury and LeeAnne Jaworsky.
On Sept. 10, 2009, a report was received by Douglas that there are possible sites in various areas of Brandon. Discussions were to take place between owners and the City of Brandon.
On Oct. 9, 2009, CMHC approved a $10,000 grant and a further $10,000 loan.
On Oct. 23, 2009, membership stood at 121 members.
On Feb. 8, 2010, membership was nearing 150.
After months of hard work, many meetings and consultation with many resources, the spade actually hit the ground and the first Western Manitoba Seniors Non-Profit Housing Co-op was finally under construction for 34 units at 620 McDiarmid Dr.
Approximately two years later, a second 60-unit building is about to be constructed by W.M.S.N.H.C. on the northeast corner of Brandon Avenue and 22nd Street.
Congratulations to Seniors for Seniors, the Advocacy Committee and all those whose worked so hard to see the idea become a reality. It is with gratitude that many seniors are now able to have safe, affordable housing in Brandon. Well done!
“The longest journey begins with a single step.”
LOIS TODD
Brandon