Chelsey St. Pierre – The Suburban LJI Reporter
A new housing project comprising 18 units is being built on the corner of 6th Avenue and William-Macdonald Street in Lachine. The project is expected to be complete by next fall and will be run by the Old Brewery Mission.
The Tenaquip Foundation donated $5 million to construct the 18-unit building. President and CEO of the Old Brewery Mission James Hughes said that this is one of the largest donations the Mission has ever received. Tenaquip has offered ongoing support to the Old Brewery’s existing services over the years. The large donation was made to assist with an additional step to help the city’s homeless population with a more permanent solution.
According to Hughes, it is expected that the project will help approximately 100 individuals transition out of homelessness on a more permanent basis over the course of a decade.
The project has been in the works for three years, while a viable location was being sought out.
Lachine borough officials approved the project, with the Old Brewery Mission in charge of managing services.
Hughes said that 180 units would be required to respond to the overall need for this type of housing. This project makes up 10% of the overall need.
“This is an example of what can happen when the private sector joins forces with non-profits,” Hughes stated. n