Indwell

Post 32 of 50 Stories of Indwell At Indwell, we don't just provide supportive, permanent homes—we make them functional and beautiful. Through partnerships with talented architects (like Invizij Architects Inc.!) and local artists, we’ve created unique murals and mosaics that bring beauty and meaning to their neighborhoods. But don’t just take our word for it—let these pictures tell the story! Pictured: 1) Artist David Anthony in front of a wall featuring one of three murals on the exterior of Lakeshore Lofts in Mississauga. The art was created in conjunction with Port Credit BIA, Port Credit Community Foundation, and the Mississauga Arts Council. 2) A triptych of mosaic panels, called Hope, Love, Belonging covers 900 square feet on the exterior of the Embassy Commons in London. Created by the London Clay Art Centre, funded by individual donors and organizations, and led by local artist Beth Turnbull Morrish, the mosaic is made of over 10,000 hand-cut and stamped tiles made by community volunteers, Indwell tenants and staff. 3) The quilt graphic on Dogwood Suites in Simcoe, incorporating a stylized depiction of an Eastern Flowering Dogwood from the Norfolk County flag, connects Indwell to the Norfolk County Barn Quilt Trail 4) These colourful painted murals on the side of Railway City Lofts were commissioned by the City of St. Thomas as a tribute to local landmarks. They were completed in the summer of 2022 by artist Denial. 5) This mural on the exterior of London’s Embassy Commons is based ‘Embassy Hotel at nite,’ 1978 copyright by Jamelie Hassan, Collection of Museum London. 2,3,5 - Photo Credit: Industryous Photography #indwell50

We're so thrilled that tenants are finally moving into their brand new homes at Cornerstone Suites in Mississauga. Some of the new tenants previously lived in the run-down care home that Indwell has turned into affordable supportive homes. They definitely appreciated the change! According to staff, one of the new tenants said, "This is kind of healing, you know? This place is totally different but it's my home. It's better this way." Another said “This is way better than I ever thought or expected!“ We can't wait for more homes to be filled! Want to participate in celebrating? Join us at our free Grand Opening and 50th Anniversary Celebration on September 12. Visit indwell.ca/events.

Post 31 of 50 Stories of Indwell Last week, we focussed on Lakeshore Lofts, our very first project in Peel Region – and we couldn’t stop at just one story about this remarkable program! We’re grateful to have The Compass Food Bank & Outreach Centre as our commercial tenant on the ground floor of Lakeshore Lofts. Amazingly, 95% of the tenants moving into Lakeshore Lofts when it first opened had already benefited from The Compass’s services. One of those tenants is Ric. His journey is a powerful story of hope, and we’re honoured to share his story with you in this video: https://lnkd.in/e_G8Yg_r Stay tuned for more inspiring stories like Ric’s in our upcoming Summer/Fall Newsletter! #indwell50

"Supportive housing has proven its value across Ontario as a keystone element of the affordable housing spectrum. But Cambridge faces a critical shortage of supportive housing, leaving many of our most vulnerable citizens without the means to stabilize their lives." Supportive housing isn’t just shelter; it's a lifeline that offers supports for our most vulnerable citizens. We've seen the transformative power of supportive housing, but Ontario needs more. Learn more: https://loom.ly/ZAAw4fQ

Concerned about homelessness in your community? You're not alone, Ontarians. The Ontario Big City Mayors have launched the 'Solve the Crisis' campaign, requesting that our federal and provincial governments take more action and help municipalities enact solutions. One of their requests is that the provincial government commit to funding the appropriate services these individuals need. We’re already providing one of these services: affordable housing that includes mental health, addictions, and other supports that wrap around the tenant. But we need more. Indwell has seven projects with 264 units of supportive housing that are shovel ready, and seven projects with 392 units supportive housing on which we can break ground in the next year. That’s if the provincial government takes immediate action and provides the funding for these projects. Learn more and sign the petition at https://solvethecrisis.ca/ You can also check out this video: https://lnkd.in/eQ_-6SDG (It features London's Thompson Road Apartments run by Indwell in partnership with the City of London, Canada.)

Huge thanks to Christine and Amber, hairstylists who offered up their time and talents to *zhuzh* up some Indwell tenants' hair. What a way to give back! 💇 We're still in need of hairstylists and tailors in all of our regions, so if you or someone you know is interested, visit indwell.ca/volunteers.

Special thanks to the wonderful folks at Graham Scott Enns LLPs in St. Thomas, for running a barbecue for tenants at The Station this week. It was a great turn out and tenants enjoyed good food and great chats with the volunteers. We are so grateful to community volunteers like these, who partner with Indwell to make such a difference in tenants' lives!

"The Norfolk OPP’s visit exemplifies how community partnerships can enhance the well-being of residents, showing that collaboration truly makes a difference. Through efforts like these, Indwell continues to fulfill its mission of providing safe, supportive housing where individuals can build meaningful lives." Thanks again to the Ontario Provincial Police - West Region for their generosity in providing this lovely meal, and for building positive relationships with Indwell tenants. 🥚🥓🥰 https://loom.ly/NezOF5w

Post 30 of 50 Stories of Indwell For our 30th story, we’re moving into Indwell’s sixth region – Mississauga! In 2017, the Region of Peel invited proposals to transform a former auto repair lot on Lakeshore Boulevard into supportive housing. Indwell won the bid and as Graham Cubitt said at the time, “It was amazing to see the kind of support we received from the community for this project…everyone understood the needs and wanted to see new solutions to homelessness challenges.” Despite pandemic delays, Lakeshore Lofts was completed in early 2022. This four-storey building serves as a vibrant gateway to Port Credit, housing 68 units designed for both comfort and convenience with ample gathering space and close access to public transit and local amenities. We’re proud that The Compass Food Bank & Outreach Centre became our commercial tenants on the first floor, as we want our programs to offer more than housing — to provide support and community as well. And of course, this building meets Passive House standards, showcasing top-notch energy efficiency. 🌱 Stay tuned next week for more about hope and homes in Peel Region! And we’d love to see you at the Cornerstone Suites Grand Opening (our second Peel Region project!) on September 12 – see indwell.ca/events for details. Pictured: 1) Lakeshore Lofts, exterior, Credit: Industryous Photography, 2022. 2) Ribbon-cutting ceremony at Lakeshore Lofts Grand Opening, April, 2022. 3) Model unit for Lakeshore Lofts Grand Opening tours, 2022. 4) New entrance for The Compass Food Bank & Outreach Centre, 2022. #indwell50

Post 29 of 50 Stories of Indwell Nothing builds community like getting together over food — specifically during summer barbecues! Across regions and across the years, staff, tenants, friends, family and neighbours have gotten together every summer to eat, play games, listen to music and enjoy each other’s company. What better way to experience health, wellness, and belonging? #indwell50 1) Tenants, staff, friends and family toast marshmallows at the Blossom Park barbecue, Woodstock, 2010. 2) Summer barbecue at Wentworth Program, Hamilton, 2005. 3) Tenants Thelma and Bill dance to live bluegrass music by the Golden Horseshoe Revival at the Perkins Centre barbecue, Hamilton, 2022. 4) Summer barbecue at Parkdale Landing, Hamilton, 2023. 5) Tenants, staff, and community members play “cornhole” at the Blossom Park barbecue, Woodstock, 2023.