Waterloo Mennonite Homes

Waterloo Mennonite Homes came about by the vision and determination of members of Waterloo-Kitchener United Mennonite Church. In 1975, a group of senior members of the church wanted to explore the possibility of building a senior’s apartment near the church. The land next to the church was purchased in 1976 and 1977. Waterloo Mennonite Homes was incorporated in 1977 as a non-profit to provide homes for people with low incomes. The new non-profit quickly began to investigate funding opportunities through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). After some initial delays, the building was completed in October 1980.

Ongoing operation and oversight of the building were carried out by a volunteer board of directors. In 2019, the board began exploring opportunities to develop new affordable housing in Waterloo. They were aware that Beyond Housing was in the midst of developing a new project at 544 Bridgeport Road East in Kitchener and inquired about a potential partnership. In conversation with the Beyond Housing, both organizations realized that bringing the two like-minded organizations together would help to ensure the long-term viability of all their housing. It would also allow them to combine their resources more effectively to create even more affordable housing in Waterloo Region.

On November 30th, 2020 the property was transferred to Beyond Housing but the legacy of Waterloo Mennonite Homes remains. The apartment building continues to be referred to as Waterloo Mennonite Homes, and a number of plaques within the building honour that history. Beyond Housing is humbled by the confidence that the board of Waterloo Mennonite Homes placed in them to be good caretakers of this property. It is a responsibility they take seriously and will do their utmost to honour.

History of Waterloo Mennonite Homes