United Housing, a division of United Way Perth-Huron, recently purchased a building in downtown Listowel to retrofit into affordable housing.
The building houses two storefronts. A vacant second storey will be turned into a 10-unit affordable apartment building.
United Housing Director Kathy Vassilakos said the 10-unit retrofit will cost $2.5 million, which includes the purchase of the building.
For rents, one third will be significantly below market value, another third will be slightly below market value and the final third will be market price.
If fundraising goes well, construction could start next year, with occupancy in 2026.
Fundraising will include government grants, community fundraising and community bonds.
“Lot’s of positives to it. It’s a ‘small-ish’ project but it still has an impact. It’s an interesting project the community can get behind,” said Vassilakos.
There are more than 300 unhoused persons in Perth and Huron. It is anticipated that the counties will need 900 affordable housing units to meet demand by 2034.
“I see United Way Perth Huron and United Housing as being a small part of the solution to the housing crisis,” said Vassilakos.
Vassilakos said education is important in addressing the housing crisis and shifting the tone of the conversation.
To learn more about United Housing, visit perthhuron.unitedway.ca
