MennoHomes

MennoHomes Inc is in its 10th anniversary year. In response to an invitation from a MCC Housing Working Group, a group of local Mennonite reps from area churches and community agencies gathered for a consultation in May, 2001 in the MCC Ontario Board Room at 50 Kent Avenue, Kitchener. The meeting focused on the extremely low apartment rental vacancy rate, and the severe difficulties encountered by seniors, singles and families in obtaining affordable housing. With prayer and earnest reflection, the gathering unanimously supported the concept of initiating a new organization with a mandate to provide affordable housing. By September, 2001, MennoHomes came into being as a non-profit charitable organization.

Realizing that 2011 would be a milestone year, the Board of MennoHomes set a goal of 100 units by its 10th year. That goal is being achieved. There will be 100 units in 10 years representing $10 million in affordable housing
stock. These numbers are significant because of more than 200 people who have had their lives bettered through improved living conditions. One tenant reported that every member of her family felt better both physically and emotionally, the day after moving into a new unit. Another family saved $1,000 a month through lower electric and heating bills during the winter months. Along the way, homeowners who initially resisted the presence of units supplied by MennoHomes, came to befriend their new neighbours.

Much prayer support and sharing of personal resources are invested within the 100 units. For this, MennoHomes offers a hymn of gratitude and praise to God and God’s people, along with an appreciative acknowledgement to Federal, Provincial and Regional Governments for their contributions.

Benefit Concert by Menno Singers

Floradale Mennonite Church Saturday, May 14, 2011.

Concert starts at 7:30 p.m.

Followed by refreshments. Menno Singers with guest soloist Brandon Leis will perform a gospel-themed benefit concert in support of MennoHomes’ four Elmira housing units.

The ticket price is $20.00. Concert tickets will be available through MSCU branches and choir members.

Donations over and above the ticket price will be fully tax-receipted.

A collection will be held.

Elmira Build 2011 Partnerships

MennoHomes is very happy to announce that Clare and Bonnie Brubacher will serve as Project Managers for our Elmira Build 2011. The Brubachers are members of the Floradale Mennonite Church and both are owners of Woolwich-based businesses, Clare of Paradigm Homes and Bonnie of Royal LePage Elmira. They can be reached at: 519-669-3192.

We asked the Brubachers to say how they came to take on the role of Project Management. Here is their response: ”Because both of our careers involve homes, construction and real estate, the opportunity to be Project Managers for the Elmira Build 2011 seemed to be a great fit. It enables us to give back to the community and to work with a fine organization which exists entirely to provide affordable housing, as its name denotes. We look forward to a positive experience with the community, the many volunteers, the donors and supporters and the positive results we can achieve by working together.”