The goal is to raise $7.9 million to save Massey.
So explained Mike Van der Vlist, the CEO of PHARA Community Services, which operates Westwinds Village, a 48-unit housing complex which is mostly geared to tenants’ income. Some units are designated for Assisted Living services. The buildings are located at 122 Massey Drive in North Bay.
That’s where Van der Vlist and others from PHARA met this morning to announce the “Save Massey – Everyone and Everybody Deserves a Home” fundraising campaign. The goal is to raise $7.9 million to repair the units and ensure tenants continue to have a place to call home. Already, $1.2 million has been raised, money provided by Ontario Health and the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board.
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Ven der Vlist added, “We’ve made a strong start on our fundraising campaign, but much more is needed. These funds will help secure housing for generations. The numbers may seem overwhelming, but we know that if governments and the community unite to support PHARA, saving Massey is possible.”
Van der Vlist explained, “Last fall we became aware of structural concerns across the entire site. We’ve been working with architects and engineers, restoration companies, the Fire Department, city building officials and Ontario health.”
Further, Van der Vlist noted, “A lot of the concerns are structural, with the building envelop, and we also have key infrastructure needs that we have to address.”
Some work has already been done, but much more is needed. Tenants are able to stay where they are, and when construction begins – PHARA is planning to begin in late spring or summer – most of the work will be done without tenants having to move out. If temporary relocations are required, PHARA will provide that to tenants.
PHARA made clear in a letter to tenants, “The work will not result in increased rental costs for residents of 122 Massey Drive.”
There are around 80 people who call Westwinds Village home.
Van der Vlist emphasized, “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.”
To that end, expect to see Save Massey posters appear around town, and for more information, or to donate, visit PHARA’s website at phara.org.
As outlined on PHARA's site, "PHARA is an accredited, award-winning, partnership-based non-profit charitable organization who has provided services in North Bay and surrounding area for more than 50 years."
David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of BayToday, a publication of Village Media. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.