MennoHomes

Story and Photo by Barb Draper
Editorial Assistant - Canadian Mennonite
Crosshill, Ont.

With a spirit of confidence, the MennoHomes Inc. board presented the progress on its project to provide affordable housing for rural families in Waterloo Region at a consultation held at Crosshill Mennonite Church on April 15. Even if government funding is not available, MennoHomes has enough support to begin building at least two units.

The urgent need for affordable housing for large rural families----including Low German families----was identified by MCC and four rural outreach workers:  Brenda Gingerich, Esther Janzen, Sue Martin and Shirley Redekop.

In response MennoHomes is building two sets of semis in Wellesley.  The plan is to build the first semi this summer and fall as a "barnraising" project.  For example, members of Old Colony Mennonite churches in Ontario----of which many Low German families are members----pledged to do the framing, roofing and shingling during the Labour Day weekend in September.  They also will provide the fencing, both materials and labour.

In the spirit of "barnraising" and Christian community service, many subtrades from local churches have already committed to donating their services in time or materials or a combination of both.  The enclosed lists identify which trades are already covered and which ones still need to be covered.  MennoHomes is hopeful that additional trades will join with the others in covering the needs of this vital service project.  General labourers will be needed throughout.

The goal is to have the first set of semis ready for occupancy by November.  If there are enough resources, we will want to start work on the second set of semis as well.  Tenants will be selected from the caseloads of the four outreach workers on a priority basis.

Murray Leis Construction (Murray Leis) will serve as Project Manager as Murray's contribution to this "barnraiser".  Nothing would make Murray happier than to have all the trades covered.  If you have questions, or wish to inform him of your participation, please contact Murray at 519 656-3083 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Go to "Read More" for List of Trades

MennoHomes Inc. Wins Urban Design Award of Excellence for The Rockway Gardens Village

1420 King St. East, Kitchener

On October 6, 2007, at Kitchener City Council, the City presented its Urban Design Awards, an event held every two years.  Eligible properties were constructed between Jan 1/06 and Dec 31/07.  Of the three dozen or so projects nominated, the 12 finalists included institutional, multi-residential, commercial and industrial candidates.