Article content“We’ve really gotten into looking at specific addresses rather than large swaths of zoning that says ‘You can’t do this, you can’t do that,’” Ellsworth said.Article content“For example, developments closer to the university, trade schools and the College of the North Atlantic would get more flexibility for housing. Developments along major transit routes, like Lemarchant Road and Elizabeth Avenue, would get more flexibility. We put a lot of flexibility in the system to allow us to allow housing to happen. If this happened five years ago, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.” Article contentThe development application details the church’s plans to create affordable rental units across two buildings for a total of 22 dwelling units. Article contentBack in April, NL Housing announced that seven projects would be receiving funding through the Newfoundland and Labrador Community Housing Fund, including $50,000 for Eastern Gate Church to add 10 affordable rental units for seniors to its portfolio. The church opened Eastern Gate Manor in 2012 with 12 affordable housing units for seniors.Article contentArticle contentEllsworth explains that funding for the project from Newfoundland and Labrador Housing was a crucial component to the church being able to keep its units affordable. Article content“Their funding component that they have through Newfoundland ad Labrador Housing is what really drives the affordability piece,” Ellsworth said.Article content“From a regulatory point of view, we lean into Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation’s regulatory piece to keep him in line with these being affordable units. His funding is tied to the housing corp, so they are going to make sure it’s affordable. Article content“For us, we don’t have to get our hands involved in what he’s doing on site, who’s living there and what’s going on. That’s the partnership that we lend ourselves to with Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corp.”Article contentArticle content‘You need experience and understanding’Article content Eastern Gate Manor, opened in 2012, is owned and operated by Eastern Gate Church with joint federal and provincial funding of $1.2 million provided and the balance covered by the church. Here, residents Alec and Jenny Parsons cut the ribbon. Photo by Keith Gosse /Keith GosseArticle contentBefore other churches and community groups start churning out housing development applications for approval by council, Ellsworth warns that city councillors will still be exercising caution when approving non-profit housing development requests, as there is a history of well-intentioned community groups stretching themselves a little too thin when trying to create a positive quality of life for those living in their housing units.Article content“It becomes a little bit complex because you need experience and understanding in what you’re offering,”Article content“We’ve seen other organizations and other church groups who have taken on housing over the years, only to find it’s a lot more complicated than they can handle… The reality is, the money has to follow in order to have programs and services that meet the needs of the people that you’re housing. If you’re not meeting the needs of the people you’re housing, you’re going to get into some very systemic issues because programs and services are not at the housing unit that you’re living in.”Article contentWith Young’s strong community-minded track record and prior housing project success, Ellsworth wasn’t exactly surprised that his council colleagues saw the same value and potential that he saw.Article content“Pastor Gord Young is a phenomenal individual,” Ellsworth said.Article content“For decades, he has been advocating and working in our community for the needs of our community. I have a lot of respect for him and what he’s done and his long-term commitment… They will do a phenomenal service to elevate those 22 units where people will live and feel a good quality of life.” Article content
Church stepping up to help solve St. Johns housing crisis, offering affordable units for seniors
