There was a happy vibe at Leeward House as County staff, partners and dignitaries met for the official ribbon cutting ceremony marking the opening of the first not-for-profit transitional housing facility in Prince Edward County.
Formerly Maples Retirement Residence, Leeward House is opening its doors to nine homeless, single people later this month.
Although PEC has recognized that homelessness has been an issue for some time, the funding was not there to develop a plan. When the Maples became available for sale, the municipality realized the property would be perfect for transitional housing but without financing, their hands were tied.
Then, PEC Community Partners Inc., commonly known as Base 31, agreed to partner with the County and purchase the property. With the help of Prince Edward Lennox and Addington Social Services and the Ontario Homelessness Prevention Program, this public private partnership successfully came together to create Leeward House.
