News release - Redwood Park Communities
Redwood Park Communities’ Hope Through Housing Capital Campaign just received a massive boost from TD Bank Group (TD) – $250,000 to realize the goal of building the first family-focused short-term supportive housing facility in the city of Barrie, in a unique partnership with The Salvation Army.
“We are thrilled to have TD Bank as a collaborator on this project, working together to build community for families,” states Tim Kent, Redwood co-founder and CEO. “This supportive short-term housing will help a housing crisis be just a brief speed bump for the families who come here, avoiding long-term homelessness and all the harm that comes with that. The impacts will ripple through generations of each family who stays with us and in our community as a whole.”
Founded in 2009, Redwood Park Communities has been working to respond to the need for safe, affordable, hopeful housing in their community through partnerships with other organizations and supporters.
Homelessness is not a reflection of the individuals experiencing it. It is a reflection of a breakdown in our community – and every member of our community has a role to play in repairing it. When this shift happens, we will end homelessness together.
The Family Short-term Housing & Support Centre will provide 12 furnished apartments for families in housing crisis needing a place to stay for a few months to get back on their feet. Support services will include family reunification support, connection to community resources such as housing, mental health, addiction services, childcare, dental and doctor services, after-school programming, education and training assistance, legal and medical appointment supports and transportation, employment service connection, fresh food support, and more.
"The Salvation Army is deeply grateful to TD for their support on this life-changing housing initiative for families experiencing homelessness in our community," shared Glenn van Gulik, Divisional Secretary for Public Relations with The Salvation Army in Ontario. "When we come together as community partners to make housing possible, lives are transformed and the futures of families and children are made brighter."
"Today, in cities and towns across the country, TD recognizes the urgent need for access to affordable, stable housing," says Hamida Sachedina, AVP, Corporate Citizenship, Social Strategy and Advice. "That's why through the TD Ready Commitment, the Bank's corporate citizenship platform, we are proud to support Redwood Park Communities whose work is focused on providing key services and resources to help those in vulnerable housing situations transition to stable housing and independent living. Our support for Redwood Park Communities is one way we can help create more equitable and accessible housing opportunities within the communities we serve."
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