Doorways to Dreams campaign launches to support newcomer affordable housing

Artist renderings of high-rise and low-rise buildings that are part of Doorways to Dreams project. (Source: CCLC)

The London Cross-Cultural Learner Centre (CCLC) officially launched its Doorways to Dreams capital campaign on Wednesday.

They held a community celebration at Aeolian Hall and revealed a $250,000 contribution from community supporter Canada Life.

The Doorways to Dreams development aims to be a transformative addition to London’s housing landscape: an inclusive, mixed-use property in the heart of Old East Village that will provide safe, affordable, and accessible housing for newcomers and others from equity-deserving communities.

“Canada Life is proud to support Doorways to Dreams and the CCLC’s efforts to help new Canadians settle into homes where they can thrive and contribute to a strong, vibrant community” said Amy Metzger, senior vice president and Chief Compliance Officer, Canada Life. “This project also helps address one of our region’s most pressing challenges - housing - and provides much-needed safe, accessible, affordable homes for the London community.”

Located at 763-773 Dundas Street, the CCLC’s Doorways to Dreams development will feature 247 one-, two- and three-bedroom units in a six-storey low-rise and 24-storey high-rise tower. With at least 30 per cent (approx. 75) affordable units, including 22 per cent (approx. 54) accessible units, this energy-efficient development will be open to newcomer families and other Londoners who need safe, barrier-free and affordable homes.

“This estimated $100 million+ development is supported by government funding, and will add more housing stock and availability to the local market at a time when it is desperately needed,” said Valy Marochko, executive director of CCLC. “But we need local community dollars as the catalyst to leverage government funding - and support London’s commitment to building more homes, quickly.”

CCLC client Iryna came to London pregnant with an 8-year-old son and her husband was able to join them in their new home one year later.

“Right now, all of our family is together. It makes me feel safe. It makes me feel happy. I feel like Canada is my home now. All my life / will be grateful for CCLC, for all the information, all the knowledge that they share with me, but also for all of the support that I received from them.”

More information and donation opportunities can be found at: doorwaystodreams.ca.