ST. PAUL – At the recent Public Works meeting on May 28, the St. Paul Affordable Community Housing Society (SPACH) asked for the County of St. Paul's support regarding a project to construct two single family homes within the Town of St. Paul.
Louise Severin, SPACH’s treasurer, detailed the project progress and their funding needs.
The Town of St. Paul donated four serviced lots for the project. Local builders have also committed to providing general contracting services for the construction, said Severin.
The overall budget for each home is $77,000. And so far, the Society has secured $16,954 in funding.
They’re asking if the County is willing to provide $20,000 in funding to reach their goal for the first home, as well as a letter of support for a matching grant they will apply for.
Criteria
Severin said the recipient of the house, once completed, will have to stay within the Town for 10 years before the ownership of the home is transferred. If they leave, “They would get the equity that they put in to pay down the mortgage, but we would retain the donation portion and prepare it for a new recipient,” explained Severin.
Reeve Glen Ockerman asked if there are any similar projects going on in the community.
Severin said the project is loosely fashioned after Habitat for Humanity, an organization they previously approached for cooperation. She said Habitat was not interested.
Success
Coun. Dale Hedrick asked when was the last time the group built a house.
Severin said the organization started in 2003 and built a house. A mother and her son moved in, and it was successful.
“And they’ve taken ownership?” asked Hedrick.
“Yes,” said Severin.
While the homeowner has since passed away, the project offered “an amazing transformation for her and her son,” Severin said.
Financial
Council members discussed the request, expressing general support for the initiative but voicing concerns over direct financial contributions. Some councilors were hesitant about using taxpayer money for projects not directly within the County’s jurisdiction.
“I'm not saying I don't support the project,” said Ockerman. “But do our ratepayers want to support the project... take money out of their pockets?” he questioned.
Coun. Darrell Younghans agreed. “I'm 100 per cent for the letter of support. I really struggle with the financial side.”
Following discussions, Younghans motioned to provide SPACH with a letter of support. The motion was carried.
Council also encouraged SPACH to apply for funding under the County’s Community Aggregate Payment (CAP) Levy program, which could offer them financial support in the future.
Council then discussed other potential funding options, including support from the federal government.
“Maybe we could contact our MP [Shannon Stubbs] for a conversation and see if there’s money available for a grant,” said Ockerman.
