Northumberland County – On Wednesday February 1st, 2023, Habitat for Humanity Northumberland (Habitat Northumberland) handed over the keys to two homes in Northumberland County to Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre (Cornerstone) to pilot a second stage housing program for the next year.

 

Habitat Northumberland purchased the two homes with plans to renovate them to accommodate additional families in the future. However, with plans already underway for building projects in 2023-2024, Habitat Northumberland knew that the renovation of these units would be at least a year away. This provided a unique opportunity to create much-needed rental housing for the short-term.

 

Habitat Northumberland approached Cornerstone, and together the Hope Grows Second Stage Pilot Project was launched. The second stage project focuses on providing safe affordable accommodation for short periods of time to allow clients time to rebuild and plan for their next steps. Cornerstone has leased the housing units from Habitat Northumberland and is facilitating a second stage program for our clients which provides Cornerstone the opportunity to house 8 additional individuals or family members. These projects also keep clients engaged in service where staff can provide emotional support, safety planning and referrals.

 

Meaghan Macdonald, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Northumberland, explains that this partnership is part of Habitat Northumberland’s overall strategic plan to have a greater impact on the housing crisis within Northumberland County. “We are consciously focussing on partnerships with more individuals and organizations to increase our impact when it comes to ensuring that community members are safely housed. Our vision as an organization is to ensure that everyone has a decent place to live, and this partnership is one of the projects that can help us in our efforts to achieve that vision.”

 

Nancy Johnston, Executive Director of Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre, shares how the Hope Grows Second Stage Pilot Project aligns with our strategic priorities and values. “We are very excited to be a part of this partnership project. To be able to coordinate and deliver programs and services of this kind is a privilege and will have a great impact on the organization, and our clients. Working with Habitat to find alternative housing solutions is something we are proud of and allows us to foster relationships and work collectively for greater impact.”