Information Update - May 25, 2023

UPDATE AT EBENEZER'S CONGREGATIONAL MEETING - MAY 25, 2023

FROM: Affordable Housing Sub-Committee

COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Anita C, Eric D, Christine C, Mike D, Jen K, Spencer H, Dave D, Doug J and Ben D

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Supportive and Affordable Housing in Quinte West: Discerning Ebenezer’s Role

Over the past number of years our community has seen a dramatic increase in the number of unhoused individuals and those struggling to have their core housing needs met. To address this issue, the affordable housing sub-committee was formed in March of this year with a mandate to develop an affordable or supportive housing strategic direction for Ebenezer church. The mandate includes conducting a feasibility study to develop and evaluate potential affordable housing initiatives, updating the congregation and seeking their input and suggestions, and preparing a recommendation to council after reviewing all data and feedback. The committee intends to have this recommendation completed by the end of June.

In the past three months, the Affordable Housing Sub-Committee has met together 5 times, also attended workshops, and engaged with several organizations and individuals in the affordable housing development sector. Committee members have met with Quinte West Mayor Jim Harrison and Planning Director Brian Jardine to discuss potential opportunities within the city. The committee has also toured a recently constructed affordable housing development in Belleville and met with the developers Phil Spry and Bob Cottrell. Last week the committee met with members of the Pinecrest Housing Development, which is a project supported by Emmanuel Baptist Church in Bloomfield.

These meetings have allowed us to identify and analyze how the Ebenezer Church family can reach out to those in our community struggling to have their housing needs met and let them know they are not alone. 

We want to share some of the main topics and themes the committee has discussed over the past 3 months:

• The first is what’s called Social Capital - The subcommittee has been impressed by the potential to build community within an affordable/supportive housing initiative and we have been considering how Ebenezer’s gifts could be used to build what’s called social capital.  Social capital is the value derived from positive connections between people.  Meaningful human connections are essential for people to really flourish in their community.  Unfortunately, vulnerable individuals often lack the same connections, family/friend supports and informal networks that we typically enjoy and take for granted.  Meaningful connections are vital for health and well-being and are an important component of any holistic housing strategy. 

• The second main topic we’ve covered is the different Types of Affordable/Supportive Housing - There are different types of projects that can assist in alleviating housing insecurity, such as transitional housing, non-profit, supportive housing, and so on.  We’ve been thinking about these different types and which ones resonate, and considering how to establish a sustainable affordable housing ministry which empowers Ebenezer to reach out in tangible ways, while also partnering with appropriate agencies.
  
  

• Third is Funding and Partnerships – The subcommittee has been learning about and connecting with other churches, government agencies and non-profit organizations that have already established affordable/supportive housing initiatives.  We’re continuing to network with others whose experience and insight can help inform our strategic direction.  We have also compiled a list of different funding options that are available.  Discussions are ongoing with various organizations, and possible resources and partnerships are being explored as needed. 

• And finally, our fourth main item that we’ve worked on is Finding Consensus – Our subcommittee includes people with various perspectives, and has sought to listen to each other and discern God’s leading to find consensus on a bold and feasible action plan that reflects Ebenezer’s missional identity.  One of the aims is that the Ebenezer family will have opportunities to reach out with God’s love to vulnerable people in our community to communicate that they are not alone.  Discussion is ongoing about how we can best reach out in love to people who lack fundamental aspects of health and well-being, such as appropriate housing and social connectedness.   

This committee still has three meetings scheduled before June 30th when a report will be submitted to the Church Council.

We ask for your prayers leading up to that date, and trust the Lord to direct us in His Way for the future. As followers of Christ, we are required to use the gifts God has given us to care for those around us. Having safe and adequate shelter is one way we can help ensure that a person can flourish in this community by offering hope, dignity, health, and a sense of belonging. Your affordable / supportive housing sub-committee eagerly looks forward to how we, and our church, can reach out and show God's love in our community.