The significant lack of affordable housing for people with low incomes in Perth and Lanark County has been well documented. Last September, 58 people were identified as absolutely homeless, a number that indicates the crisis is growing. The waitlist for affordable housing in the County is many times this figure. Even with financial assistance available, our neighbours can’t find housing because of high rents and a lack of housing stock in our community.

In response, a group of community members has created the Caring Community Housing Initiative Perth (CCHIP). They are looking to raise funds and gather more members to initiate a Discovery project to create new units of safe, affordable, and secure housing each year for 3 years in Perth. There is already discussion underway with a local builder, architect and community support groups. The Perth and District Community Foundation has opened an envelope for donations to the CCHIP fund.

The timing may well be auspicious: the Town of Perth is identifying land that could be used for public housing. The development services department was asked to return with a report in March with options for suitable public land.

If you wish to donate, click the DONATE BUTTON below. If you are interested in being on the committee to get the CCHIP off the ground, contact Canon Kenneth Davis or David Kroetsch, Chair of the St. James Outreach Committee, at stjamesperth@gmail.com