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 focusing 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.”
For more information about this partnership head to www.habitatnorthumberland.ca/cornerstone-partnership.
About Habitat for Humanity Northumberland:
Founded in 1998, Habitat for Humanity Northumberland is a non-profit organization working towards a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Habitat for Humanity brings communities together to help families build strength, stability, and independence through affordable homeowner. Habitat for Humanity Northumberland and its volunteers have assisted 64 partner families in obtaining affordable homeownership and 149 families maintain affordable homeownership.
Habitat for Humanity Northumberland is one of 54 local Habitats working in Canada. Habitat for Humanity Canada is a member of Habitat for Humanity International, which was established in 1976 and has grown to become a leading global non-profit working in more than 70 countries. For more information on Habitat for Humanity Northumberland, please visit www.habitatnorthumberland.ca.
About Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre:
Established in 1983, Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre (Cornerstone) is an accredited violence against women agency working to end gender-based violence by providing accessible, compassionate, and best practice modeled programs and services inclusive of shelter, counselling, housing support, and prevention through a support system that inspires hope, creates safety, and fosters resilience. Our services provide a range of options and entry points, helping women gain the right kind of support at the right time in their journey. All services are free, confidential, woman-centered, inclusive, and accepting. All woman-identified individuals are welcome in all our spaces, including cis and transwomen. For more information on Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre, please visit our website cornerstonenorthumberland.ca.
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