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.