St. Paul group seeks fundraising to get people into affordable housing

With the need as high as ever, SPACH is making noise to get more fundraising dollars to increase the supply of low-income housing in St. Paul. Image, left to right: Deputy mayor Ron Boisvert, Vice-chair Guy Laberge, treasurer Louise Severin, and 72 Development’s Pierre Langevin. 

A group of St. Paul area residents and businesspeople are hoping to get two families into owning a home at an affordable price.

The St. Paul Affordable Community Housing Society (SPACH) has been around for multiple decades, dating back to a successful home build in 2003.

Fast forward over 20 years later, and the society is gearing up towards building on two Town lots, but are pushing in fundraising efforts in order to make this a reality.

“We’ve been around for more than 20 years. But this is only our second house that we are going to be able to make come true,” said treasurer Louise Severin. 

“We want to provide affordable housing for one low income family that can give them a hand up — not a handout.” 

SPACH consists or several board members who have experience in finance, general contracting, and business.

They need $70,000 more in order to start the build of one of the houses.

Town council has provided lots at 4721 51 Avenue and 5121 55th Avenue at roughly a $50,000 value each, and 72 Developments, as well as Germain Bros. and Barrett Built have pledged their services at a greatly reduced cost, while looking at the best prices for the costs of materials to build.  

They are actively looking for support from the business community for fundraising and grant opportunities, as their attempts for government funding has been unsuccessful.

“I think it’s great that we have more affordable housing coming into town. Of course, it’s badly needed,” said deputy mayor Ron Boisvert. 

“How this originally started, the Credit Union had given us 7.8 acres at the north end of St. Paul. And one of those conditions was that we give this group four lots at that time. And of course, those haven’t been developed over there. So the Town is looking at buying empty lots in town that are available and passing it on to the group and encouraging them to continue with their project.” 

How it works

One hundred of the money raised go towards reducing the costs of building the homes.

Those who are eligible to receive the home, but show they have the financial means to maintain the mortgage of roughly $200,000, but are not able to receive a mortgage for the median priced houses either. 

They also must contribute a minimum of 500 hours of volunteer time in the community before possession of the house, and the title transfer will occur only after they’ve proven the ability to maintain the property and keep the mortgage current for 10 years.

“We also intend to find our recipient around the time we’re ready to start construction,” Severin said, to give time to fulfill the 500 hours of volunteerism. “They will have the time while the house is under construction to meet that obligation.” 

SPACH’s goal is to get both builds underway in 2024.

If you’re interested in joining their group, or want to help their pursuit, you can reach out to spachsociety@gmail.com.

Their intention is to continue building affordable housing as they meet their fundraising goals.

“It’s good for the whole community because they will be increasing the affordable housing availability in our community.”