The housing crisis in North Grenville has been well publicised, as affordable homes to buy or rent are increasingly becoming out of reach for most residents. The situation for older members of the community is particularly bad, as many of those on a fixed income simply cannot afford a place to live. Now a new initiative has been launched to address that issue.
Shalom Small Homes Kemptville is an innovative and practical project with the aim of providing small homes for over-55’s in the community, on the basis of affordable lifetime rental agreements. Approximately 30% of those over 55 suffer from an increasing inability to meet the rental costs of their homes which they have lived in for years. This project, it is hoped, will allow them to live out their lives with dignity and peace. Peace is in the very name of Shalom Small Homes.
The homes will be available to residents of North Grenville, and rent will be tied to actual income, whatever that may be in each case. Further details will be announced in the coming months.
Major steps have already been taken, with the Municipality of North Grenville signing a 40-year lease on property in Kemptville on which to build the first four homes. The lease costs Shalom Small Homes just $1 a year, a sign of the belief the Municipality has in the project. Mayor Peckford commented on the arrangement:
“For some years now, Council has endeavoured to increase access to affordable housing, through the establishment of the Mayor’s Task Force, the implementation of new policies and incentives, as well as both direct and in‑kind support for projects like Habitat for Humanity’s Kemptville Korners project and the Counties’ Courthouse Apartments project. We are eager to see the Shalom Small Homes Kemptville pilot project for four tiny homes under the leadership of Janne Ritkes and the Board of Shalom Homes come to fruition. We are hopeful it is only the beginning!”
Three local women are at the heart of Shalom Small Homes Kemptville, Janne Ritskes, Cora Beking, and Mary Ritskes, and already the community has stepped up to help them achieve their vision. Janne explained her reasons for starting the project.
“After returning to Kemptville from working with the poorest in developing countries for the past 43 years, I have become aware of issues of poverty within our community. As a woman of faith, I am always challenged to help our neighbours who are hurting.”
Cora has been involved in her community for many years, as well as in overseas projects with Rotary. She, too, felt compelled to join in the work. “I’m committed to making a difference in our community and in the lives of our vulnerable seniors by using the gifts God has given me.”
Similarly, Mary, recently retired, saw the need for affordable housing for the over-55’s. “It is very clear to me that we cannot look to the government to “fix” everything and there is now a serious housing issue for many who just do not have enough money to be able to pay their rent. As a Christian, I am called to serve God and my neighbours. Participation in this project is one way I have chosen to do that.”
Another partner in the project is House of Lazarus, and Cathy Ashby, Executive Director at HOL, was very pleased to get involved. “Basic needs of food, shelter and transportation are beyond reach for many in our community. Seniors are vulnerable, especially when they are alone. I view Shalom Small Homes Kemptville as a solution for seniors living in poverty. Offering seniors a chance to live in a safe, affordable place will lessen their stress levels and allow them to live their lives with dignity.”
Until Shalom Small Homes gets charitable status, HOL is providing a forum for donating to the work.
The work designing and building the homes is completely a voluntary effort, and the entire community is invited to lend a hand in whatever way they can. It is hoped to begin work on the first four homes this spring, and the long term plan is to add many more small homes in the coming years. This is an initiative that could revolutionise the housing situation in North Grenville, and will provide a template for people in other municipalities to do the same. It is a community helping its own, providing stable and affordable homes for older friends and neighbours: what could be a more worthy goal? A virtual tour of the planned homes, as well information about how to donate your time, energy, or money, can be found on the website: https://shalomsmallhomeskemptville.org.
