South Huron businesses support United Housing initiative

By Exeter Examiner Staff

Two local businesses have stepped up to support future affordable housing in South Huron.

Jayden’s Mechanical and the McCann Group each donated $25,000 to United Way Perth-Huron’s (UWPH) efforts to create housing solutions through the United Housing initiative, UWPH’s non-profit housing organization.

Jayden’s Mechanical president Jayden DesJardine said he’s proud to support the work done by the initiative.

“Access to stable housing is fundamental to strong communities, and we’re committed to helping make that a reality for families in South Huron,” he said. 

UWPH and United Housing executive director Ryan Erb thanked the businesses for “taking the lead” on the project that aims to bring affordable housing to Exeter and the surrounding area.

“We’d also like to thank Lipman Farms and MacLean’s Home Hardware in Grand Bend for coming to the table after hearing more about this community-building project and lending their support,” said Erb. “Building affordable and attainable housing requires the collective effort of so many local individuals and companies. We invite anyone who wants to help UWPH and United Housing make this project a reality to connect with us. Help us reach our land campaign goal of $150,000 by March 31.”

According to United Way Perth-Huron, the future build aligns with recent developments in the municipality, including the Ontario government’s $5 million investment in water infrastructure to enable housing growth and a recent boundary adjustment by South Huron council, setting the stage for new housing opportunities while the need is urgent.

A key piece of advancing a housing initiative in South Huron is the land offered to United Housing at a reduced cost by the Exeter Pentecostal Tabernacle church. The church already hosts UWPH’s Southern Huron Connection Centre, providing supports and services for vulnerable people experiencing homelessness.

Connection centre volunteer co-ordinator Andrea Loohuizen said affordable and attainable housing is about more than bricks and mortar.

“It’s about creating spaces where people can come together and really feel part of the community,” she said. “The Connection Centre already provides that, and we want to see the same spirit guide local housing development. That’s why the church chose to really get behind this idea.”

Those interested in making a capital donation can contact UWPH community development manager Michelle Millar at mmillar@perthhuron.unitedway.ca.