Homestead Christian Care

Jeff Neven, executive director of Homestead Christian Care gave a brief history of this non-profit charity that focuses on providing housing for individuals with developmental disabilities. From its start in 1976 with one 7-bed group home on Locke St. in Hamilton to its present day, 220 units spread through 2 group homes and 6 apartments in Woodstock and Hamilton the organization continues to grow. The old Driftwood Tavern became 46 unit affordable housing and a community development centre called the Prinzen Flats and Perkins Centre. Thirty six of the residents were considered to be homeless, with most suffering from mental health issues and many experiencing addiction issues and physical and mental disabilities. Living under the philosophy of, "What are you good at?" and " How can you contribute?" over 80% of the residents have been in their units more than a year and have become involved with the centre's programs.

Jeff indicated the charity purchased a number of properties on Main St. E. with the intent of developing another 100 or more apartments across from the Perkins Centre. To help finance the cost, over half a million dollars was pledged in the last month as personal loans to help leverage government grants to build the structure. He invited anyone interested in earning 4% on their investment to consider being part of this new project to support affordable housing in downtown Hamilton.