Edmond Place: “There is a place in the world for me"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) November 24, 2009 -- Edmond Place has been made possible by funding contributions from all 3 levels of government. We expect to have the media, as well as members of the Parkdale community on-hand to help us celebrate.

Edmond Place: “There is a place in the world for me"

Although Edmond Place is the name for the bricks, boards and mortar at 194 Dowling Avenue that is being transformed into 29 self-contained units, Edmond place is really about people. It is about people like Edmond Yu who used to live in the building, once one of the largest rooming houses in Parkdale. It is about being labeled and fighting the stigma of those labels; it is also about people who believe in a better place, a better way to live. Development of Edmond place is underway, and tenants are scheduled to move in by the end of 2010. We imagine that Edmond Place will be the kind of home Edmond could have called his own.

The development of Edmond place has been guided by the following principles: Prudent use of public funds; Durable and sustainable design; Respect for community context; Design excellence; Meeting community needs; Safety and Security of the building and its tenants; Enhancing accessibility; A consultative process.

Project essentials: A derelict building is transformed into a renewed property by keeping and restoring the Georgian heritage exterior; with 29 units of permanent, affordable, self-contained apartments; an innovative and accessible model of housing; 50-year lease from the City of Toronto; partnership with Habitat Services; interior of units designed by committee of survivor/tenants who have experienced similar barriers; $6.9 million price tag.

The Edmond Place Capital Challenge Goal is $ 500,000. We cannot raise this without your support! Individuals have already committed the first $1000 CHEQUES to our Challenge. Will yours be next? Challenge homelessness! Your support creates HOMEs.

For information or questions, please contact Charmaine Frado, Resource Development Director: cfrado@parc.on.ca or 416-738-6845 or 416-537-2262, ext. 244.

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