L'Arche Stratford held a groundbreaking ceremony on May 28 for its new building in Stratford.
The building, which was the focus of the “Be Belong Become” capital campaign, will be a new 15,000 square foot facility with new office space and 8 affordable, independent living suites for those with developmental disabilities that L'Arche serves.
Executive Director Stephanie Calma says the new building will help them better serve even more people with developmental disabilities, which L'Arche has been doing in Stratford since 1973
"Housing is a crucial part of that and many of our folks don't have the ability to carry rents in the community and other rental type situations. So for us to be able to create the 8 living suites, that's a really big way we can impact the community and create some stability for some folks," shared Calma.
A media release from L'Arche Stratford shares that the new facility will help reduce its waitlist by 56 per cent. A new community kitchen will allow community members to share fellowship and meals, alongside new activity rooms.
"One of the things we've been experiencing, there's a number of folks that are coming through on the waitlists and their housing needs are changing. We have, in our community, it's part of a traditional group home model, and for some folks that's a really important model and it works well for them. But others want more of a sense of independence," Calma noted.
The project is funded in part by the Government of Canada's Enabling Accessibility Fund mid-sized projects component, which is providing $1,979,286, which will provide funding for accessible parking, washrooms, showers and doors. Calma says the support for the project has been amazing.
"It's a sign of hope that inclusion is part of many people's values here and the fact that we've had federal, provincial and private donors, as well as local and municipal support on this project, is really a testament to the Stratford community and the care that we have," added Calma.
The campaign had a $6.5 million dollar goal, and L'Arche is close to achieving that goal. Donations are still being accepted, and you can visit larchestratford.ca to donate or learn more.
L'Arche Stratford noted in the media release that raising all of the the $6.5 million will "allow us to remain mortgage-free and build equity, while continuing to raise funds to purchase or build further affordable housing for people with developmental disabilities in Huron-Perth who require that support."
According to data shared by L'Arche in the media release, in 2021-2022, only three per cent of people with developmental disabilities requiring a supportive living situation could be matched with new or existing supports.
L'Arche Stratford's new building will be located at 426 Britannia Street in Stratford. Construction is hopefully going to be done in the fall of 2026.