Happy 50th birthday to Indwell

Indwell has called Woodstock 'home' for 20 years

By MARK SCHADENBERG

Indwell is inviting everyone to its 50th birthday party on Nov. 1 in Woodstock. 

This past summer they had a 20th birthday for their presence in Woodstock

The local connection to the housing organization was established 20 years ago and is now the home to both Harvey Woods Lofts at 18 Vansittart and also the three residential buildings at Blossom Park just north of Devonshire. Indwell at Blossom Park had a barbecue with balloon and cake in July and I attended.

Indwell was originally established as Christian Homestead in 1974 in Hamilton with a home for adults with disabilities. 

Now, Indwell supplies many affordable accommodation services in several other cities in southern Ontario including London, St. Thomas, Cambridge, Waterloo, Mississauga, and Simcoe, and many more projects appear on the horizon.

In Woodstock, the 373 Blossom Park property was transformed into two sets of stacked townhomes with a 3-storey apartment building inserted between the two. The apartment complex, which opened in 2019, includes a large social-sized kitchen, so residents do have dinner supplied daily. The actual apartments are modest in size and are all 1-bedroom layouts. Built to 'passive' standards the mechanical functions of the building far exceed construction codes for utility consumption. 

Overall, there are 61 units in Blossom Park as the townhomes date back to 2008.

At 18 Van Ave, there are 80 apartments as the residences include both 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom styles. The original structure was a Harvey Woods factory which had been vacant for about 20 years. Credit can be assigned to many for re-purposing this brownfield building, but the Mayor at the time Michael Harding along with Sierra Construction principle Cliff Zaluski combined their concentrated efforts on the original renovation and then there was a later brand-new addition. 

Indwell needs a hearty congratulations for its many refurbishments of old churches or schools or factories into residential focus. Another example is their current plans in London to transform two SoHo hospitals on South Street to multi-residential homes, including the building known as the War Memorial Children's Hospital.

Also, a historic Hamilton landmark called Century Manor is receiving a facelift in another dedicated Indwell strategy, 

Indwell has more than 1,250 tenants at present, according to its website.

BACK TO WOODSTOCK

Indwell is celebrating its 50 years since its original inception at all its multiple municipalities (Beginning with Hamilton as noted) and in Woodstock the party will be at Maranatha Church on Juliana on Friday, Nov. 1 at 5:30.  Tickets are $50. Part of the Woodstock Gala will be to update patrons, volunteers and donators on upcoming projects.

Indwell, by the way (hint hint) is a registered charity. Their profile on the website notes that about 15% of their operating funds result from donations -- from individuals or corporations.

Beyond apartments, the Indwell focus has always been more than a roof and meals, as the dedicated association offers services ranging from health and wellness to a strong sense of belonging, and connections to local care to social workers, disability care, and employment assistance. It's defined as integrated wraparound supports.

The province's Roadmap To Wellness plan set aside $5.8 million late last year to assist Indwell and other similar agencies to continue their integral work.

Some may say Indwell is playing an important role in reducing homelessness as transitional living.

Further, earlier this week MPP Ernie Hardeman played a significant role in nominating Indwell for an architectural award as Queen's Park recognized the Harvey Woods Lofts final product. Invizij Architects were the award winners for their ability to draw and design for Indwell in Woodstock.

www.indwell.ca

https://erniehardemanmpp.com/ontario-investing-in-new-supportive-housing-units/

www.invisij.ca

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Material Compiled By:

Mark Schadenberg, Woodstock City Council

(519) 532-2068        Email: mschadenberg@cityofwoodstock.ca   

Me at Indwell - Blossom Park on July 18, 2024.