Luke’s Place Kingston

One of the joys of being a “retired” priest in our diocese is the opportunity of assisting the bishop in supporting parishes here and there to give full-time incumbents a Sunday break—As an aside, there is no such thing as a retired Anglican clergyperson. One is ordained as deacon, priest or bishop for life; we do not hang up our “shingles” at age 65 or 70. Nor do other baptised Christians – the Baptismal Covenant is for life.

That’s how I discovered Luke’s Place Kingston, centred since its founding in 2018 at historic St. Luke’s Parish, Kingston. That’s when I originally met Greg Westlake, a very active former RCAF pilot and lay leader in the Diocese of Ontario. He is the treasurer now of this newly incorporated not-for-profit registered charity, with its own CRA number.

Luke’s Place Kingston has a dream: An ecumenical group focused on providing affordable places to call home for people with intellectual challenges. The directors, now a board of 17 members, have done their homework well, including research and partnership with consultation with community groups and specialists in the field. This includes, among others, leadership with a community/housing facilitator with Community Living Kingston and District (see website).

The dream, now almost a reality, is to construct and support a building in the Kingston area that will be designed specifically for the overwhelming housing needs of local residents. Initial fund-raising goals of $ 50,000, now well on its way, will cover upfront costs and help to obtain mortgaging for a small apartment building based on a well-designed model: 1/3 tenant pay market rent; 1/3 tenants pay 80 % of market rent; and 1/3 tenants served by Community Living Kingston and District (rents geared to income).

The challenge: People who have an intellectual disability are often discriminated against, suffer from loneliness, and cannot find housing that they can afford. Individuals now on provincial Ontario Disability Support Program only $ 522 per month as their housing allowance. The average Kingston-area monthly one-bedroom rental cost is currently  $1,300-$1,400.

I submit this project should be a priority in the ministry and programme of our diocesan life and deserves our support.

For further information, contact Irene Watt, chair, [email protected] or [email protected] or call (613) 546-5791 and leave a message. Financial support, including monthly contributions, can be arranged with treasurer, Greg Westlake, telephone (613) 536-8811.

Why donate to Luke’s Place Kingston?

People who have an intellectual disability are often discriminated against, suffer from loneliness and cannot find housing that they can afford.

With supports, they have wonderful gifts to share with the community.