Federal government recognizes Sionito as a model in the fight for housing justice

By John Hamer, President of Sionito

When faced with the scale of seemingly intractable problems in our country and our world, we sometimes can’t help but ask the question, what can a little church like ours do in the face of human suffering?  Wherever we live in Canada, we cannot help but be aware of the housing crisis: from basic affordability to lack of sufficient housing and ultimately the problem of homelessness.  

But for the past half century church members in Toronto and London have worked to be a part of the solution in their communities, founding our social housing charitable affiliates, Sionito and Zerin.  The Sionito Group of Charities broke ground earlier this year on a new development located on Finch Avenue in Toronto that will provide affordable housing to 158 people who might otherwise be in danger of homelessness.

Last month, the Federal government recognized the project as a model and singled out Sionito as a trusted partner.  At a media event held at the construction site, two members of the Federal Parliament announced the launch of the government’s new “Build Canada Homes” program.  Adam van Koeverden, MP for Burlington North/Milton West, and Ali Ehsassi, MP for Willowdale, also share the news that the government would devote an additional $1.5 billion to support projects like the one Sionito is currently building.  The event illustrated the trust and goodwill church members like Bryce Taylor, CEO of Sionito, have built over the years with all levels of government partners, as we have fought together for housing justice.  

The teams at Sionito and Zerin are to be congratulated for continuing to build on the good work started decades ago, addressing one of the greatest challenges our country faces.  When we ask ourselves, “what can a little church like ours do in the face of human suffering?”  Let’s always answer, “we can do our part!”

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