Name change reflects widening MennoHomes’ priorities

Leah Gerber Observer Staff

ELMIRA-BASED

The Elmira-based organization will now be known as Beyond Housing to reflect its expanding mandate to affordable housing, we also provide other things that are beyond or more than what’s required.”

MENNOHOMES IS NOW

KNOWN as Beyond Housing.

“Our values haven’t changed, just the name of the organization,” said executive director Dan Driedger.

“It was something the board has been considering for a while. We wanted to be more reflective not only of the community that we serve, but the people that support our work and are involved in our work as well.”

He said that while the organization started out with strong Mennonite roots and continues to be supported by the Mennonite community, there are other groups coming alongside that are not Mennonite.

“That was part of the impetus. As we were thinking about what that name change might look like, we wanted something that was a bit more of a mission statement around what we’re doing, as opposed to a simple name. With Beyond Housing, our hope is that that communicates that in addition

He is referring to some initiatives the organization has that, well, go beyond housing. That includes hiring a community service worker, and also expanding the role of a community nurse they work with, along with exceeding building code expectations for reducing their buildings’ footprints and also regarding accessibility standards.

“What we’re trying to do is more than just housing, we’re trying to create places for people that they can call home.”

The organization’s most recently completed build is 48-unit affordable apartment building in Kitchener at 544 Bridgeport Rd. E.

It was built in partnership with St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and Parents for Community Living.

The organization is also working on an addition to the Sprucelawn Apartments for Seniors in St. Jacobs. The project is coming along, says Laverne Brubacher, chair of the Sprucelawn committee for Beyond Housing.

“The building is now out of the ground, and we’re expecting the concrete slab floor pieces to come this week,” he said. Construction is expected to be complete in fall 2023.

The group is still looking for an additional $1 million in community fundraising for the capital campaign fund.

The Sprucelawn build will add 28 more affordable units for seniors, including 20 one-bedroom apartments and eight two-bedroom units. The entire building will be barrier-free. The new addition will include a room big enough for 100 people where residents can host get-togethers, as well as post-boxes so they don’t need to walk into town to get their mail. There will also be