PHARA Community Services Launches $7.9M Capital Fundraising Campaign: "SAVE MASSEY – Everyone and Every-Body Deserves a Home"
Today, PHARA Community Services (PHARA) announced the launch of the capital fundraising campaign “SAVE MASSEY: Everyone and Every-Body Deserves a Home” seeking $7.9 million for the immediate structural rebuild of its 48-unit affordable housing complex at 122 Massey Drive, North Bay. The building provides rental options including Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) subsidized rent, market rent, and numerous units designated for Assisted Living services.
“There is a housing crisis, and we know there is a critical shortage of affordable and accessible housing in North Bay,” said Mike Van der Vlist, PHARA CEO. “Our community cannot, and must not, lose 48 units of existing housing due to a funding shortfall. We need everyone to step up, this includes federal, provincial, and municipal governments. It also means the community; we need your help to save Massey.”
Van der Vlist added, “PHARA’s goal is to keep families housed. We are a non-profit organization that puts people first. PHARA must find a way to repair the building without placing the financial burden on our tenants. Our need is immediate—it cannot wait.”
The lack of affordable housing is a significant challenge in Ontario. The 2017 Auditor General’s report highlighted the possible loss of tens of thousands of affordable housing units, and how thousands of units are unused due to the lack of repairs.
To fully assess the scope of repairs needed at Massey, PHARA has been working closely with teams of engineers, architects, and restoration specialists. Committed to open communication and transparency, PHARA continues to provide updates to community partners, tenants, and government officials as new information becomes available.
These conversations have already helped PHARA raise $1.2 million, thanks in part to Ontario Health, which stepped forward immediately, and DNSSAB, which provided funding through multiple grant opportunities.
“We’ve made a strong start on our fundraising campaign, but much more is needed. These funds will help secure housing for generations,” said Van der Vlist. “The numbers may seem overwhelming, but we know that if governments and the community unite to support PHARA, saving Massey is possible.”
Once funding is secured, PHARA plans to begin repairs by early summer, with the hope that all current families can be temporarily relocated to existing PHARA units.
“We understand the need of our families and have a developed a plan, in alignment with DNSSAB’s shared experiences, to house families during the repair period,” shared Van der Vlist, PHARA CEO.
PHARA is an accredited, award-winning, partnership-based non-profit charitable organization who has provided services in North Bay and surrounding area for more then 50 years.
“PHARA is North Bay’s Leader in independent living, affordable housing, and health care services,” said Matt Duquette, PHARA Board Chair. “Saving Massey and affordable housing is a significant challenge, but one that PHARA and North Bay, with government and funder assistance, can overcome. Success will strengthen this city for everyone.”
For more information about PHARA, including how to donate to support the campaign, please visit www.phara.org.
The launch of the PHARA Everyone and Every-Body Deserves a Home campaign is the first significant campaign to target maintaining existing affordable housing stock in the community. Without the essential renovations, not only is North Bay is at risk of losing nearly 50 affordable and accessible rental units but also, of displacing over 40 families.
Westwinds Village is located at 122 Massey Drive, North Bay, Ontario. It is comprised of stacked apartments with a total of forty (40) units. An additional eight (8) units are reserved for PHARA’s Supportive Housing Program. The forty-eight (48) units are comprised of one, two, and three bedrooms. The rental costs for all units are based on Rent Geared to Income (RGI), Subsidized Rent, or Market Rent.