A group of non-profit organizations and businesses based in British Columbia has injected new hope into the quest for affordable housing in Renfrew County.
In December, Keith Gordon of Anhart Solutions in Vancouver contacted Brian Abdallah, Deputy Mayor of Pembroke and a member of the Affordable Housing Alliance of the Ottawa Valley (AHAOV) with an offer of help that rapidly led to discussions with municipalities and non-profit organizations from across the County.
Keith Weibe Gordon of Anhart Solutions of Vancouver says his organization can help Renfrew County municipalities and non-profits launch affordable housing. (Photo submitted)
“This appears to be a great opportunity for all of us who have been struggling to find solutions to the housing crisis,” said Mr. Abdallah. “Anhart has decades of experience in launching affordable housing projects both in Canada and internationally. Now they are reaching out to groups like ours across Canada, and they found us through a Web search.”
Anhart Affordable Housing Corporation describes itself as “one non-profit ready to demonstrate how other non-profits can partner with Impact investors and governmental bodies in Canada to initiate privately-sponsored housing development. Anhart operates through subsidiaries in all 10 provinces and three territories and collaborates with development-minded non-profits, impact investors, community-minded consultants, innovative builders, and all levels of government to create affordable housing.”
About Impact investing
“Impact investing” is a key element of Anhart’s approach. It signifies raising about 20 percent of project costs up front through low-interest loans or donations, which can include property, tax concessions and other in-kind supports. With that kind of boost and a solid business plan, project proponents can usually raise the rest of the needed development money through credit unions, CMHC (federal) financing, and other sources.
“We have been meeting and trying to figure out how to get things going for three years, but it’s very discouraging, with building costs so high and so little support from the federal or provincial governments,” said AHAOV’s organizer, Ish Theilheimer.
“Keith Gordon contacting us was like a breath of fresh air. It has become clear that without private financing and a well-organized approach, nothing much will happpen. Anhart has fund-raising experience and connections and they are willing to offer municipalities and non-profit groups all manner of expertise, including design, feasibility studies and organizational help.”
Mr. Gordon is pleased with the response he received. “We really appreciate the opportunity to work with people in Renfrew County, and we believe, based on our experience elsewhere in Canada, that we can help them make important gains,” he said. “I am very impressed with the cohesiveness of the community and the dedication of the members of the group I spoke with.”
On Monday, February 10, AHAOV held the third in a series of Zoom sessions with Anhart in which project proponents from all over Renfrew County discussed their projects and projects they are hoping to develop, and Mr. Gordon responded with advice, directions and reflections based on his organization’s experience. The next step is for the proponents to work directly with Anhart on making their dreams reality and getting affordable homes for people.
Represented at the meeting were Bonnechere Valley Inn, City of Pembroke, County of Renfrew, Killaloe Hagarty Richards Township, Killaloe & District Housing, Madawaska Valley Township, North Algona Wilberforce Township, St. Joseph’s Non-Profit Housing, the Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce and Whitewater Region.
Affordable Housing Alliance of Ottawa Valley(2025,Feb.10) BC group could help boost affordable housing in Renfrew County [media release]