A neighbourhood eyesore will see new life as a home for refugee claimants.
Private investors bought the former ALPHA House at 3185 Forest Glade Dr. It will become the new Matthew House Refugee Centre through a partnership with local non-profit organizations.
"Matthew House has needed to grow for a long time and was looking for the right opportunity," said Executive Director Mike Morency.
The organization has housed more than 600 men, women and children in its three-bedroom home on Drouillard Road near Milloy Street. Unfortunately, it has also had to turn away 1,100 refugee claimants because it did not have room for them.
Despite being vacant the past six years, and being the target of vandalism and break-ins, Morency said the building in Forest Glade is in "remarkably good shape." However, it will need significant renovations before it can welcome its first family.
The location will provide refugees claimants with nine one-bedroom apartments, and two two-bedroom apartments. There will be a dedicated children's playroom, on-site laundry facilities, meeting space, and almost half-an-acre of outdoor space. Staff will also be on-site 24 hours a day to help residents.
It is located steps away from a bus stop and is next-door to the Forest Glade Library, Forest Glade Arena and the Forest Glade Community Centre.
That work will begin this month thanks to the teamwork of volunteers and materials donated by Habitat for Humanity. Other materials will still be needed from the community including drywall, flooring, paint, bathroom vanities, and kitchen cabinets.
"This housing product gives Habitat the opportunity to invest in building a stronger community and improve the lives of both the people who will live at the property as well as their neighbours," said Fiona Coughlin, the executive director at Habitat.
Matthew House is also putting out the call for volunteers from the broader community, those who can clean, paint, do drywall repairs, and basic electrical and plumbing work.
Anyone interested in donating materials, providing meals for volunteers, or volunteering their time and labour can reach Morency at 519-945-7627 ext. 4 or email donate@matthewhousewindsor.org.
