Two community groups show they can undertake worthwhile projects without relying on government for capital funding

Abbeyfield Houses of Vernon Society

With the increasing need for seniors’ housing, many communities are looking for innovative ways to provide affordable accommodation. The Abbeyfield Houses of Vernon Society has taken an innovative approach.

Abbeyfield Houses originated in England in 1955, the brainchild of Major Richard Carr-Gomm. The idea is a simple one. An Abbeyfield House is a family style option for those single seniors who want companionship, but who wish to remain independent. In short, an Abbeyfield House offers a “home within a home.”

Elizabeth Seaton, President of the Society, learned of the idea while she was Chairperson of the Affordable Housing Committee for the Social Planning Council of North Okanagan. “We realized there was a great need to address alternative housing options,” she says. The Abbeyfield idea was brought to us by Anne Stewart. In 1993 we formed the Society with the goal of creating a family home for ten single seniors. Ann was the first president.”

In 1995 the Society purchased a duplex in Vernon and began raising funds for a renovation and extension of the property. In February 1997, the Society applied to the Foundation for a grant. The Governors awarded a grant of $30,000 to demolish the old building and build a new one.

Community support has been excellent. “We’re close to our goal,” says Seaton. “We’ve raised $90,000 and have several more fundraisers planned. The plans for the building have been completed.”

One of the strongest features of this project is that the Society intends to establish a sinking fund that will create a pool of equity to be used for future capital projects. In time this fund will help establish another Abbeyfield House in the Vernon area.

Lawrence Avenue Residence

For over twenty years, this group home has provided help for troubled teens in Kelowna, accommodating up to four young people at any one time. During their stay, teens receive counseling and learn a variety of skills. In 1996, the Central Okanagan Child &Family Resources Society concluded that the home needed extensive upgrading and began a fund-raising campaign to pay for renovations.

“We’ve raised $80,000, enough to do the upgrading,” says the Society’s President, Nancy Johnson. “Our real challenge was to raise some initial money. Once we got that, others jumped on board. The Foundation, which We were also one of three beneficiaries of the Heart of Gold Auction, which contributed $18,500 toward the project. The work has been completed and the residence looks great. We’re grateful for all the support we’ve had.