​Community Foundation Grey Bruce to incubate new development corporation for local housing

Community Foundation Grey Bruce believes that real change begins with trust. For three decades, the organization has been guided by the principles of trust-based philanthropy — investing in local people and ideas, listening deeply, and collaborating with community for the long haul.

This fall, the foundation is putting that commitment to work through the start up of the Grey Bruce Community Development Corporation (CDC). These corporations operate throughout the world in various forms. They are not-for-profit organizations with primary emphasis on growing economic and community well-being projects. The Grey Bruce CDC will be initially focused on affordable housing throughout the two counties.

“This isn’t about replacing the great work happening in our community,” says foundation executive director Stuart Reid. “It’s about helping housing projects move from idea to reality by providing tools, expertise, and connections.”

The Grey Bruce CDC will:
 

• Offer mentorship and technical support for community housing projects
• Explore social finance tools (such as community bonds) to unlock new local investment
• Initiate the development and/or protection of affordable housing in Grey-Bruce
• Create space for collaboration among governments, developers, and not-for-profit partners

This initiative builds on the sturdy foundation of partnership already laid through the Institute of Southern Georgian Bay’s Housing and Social Finance Learning Circle and the foundation’s Vital Focus on Housing report (2023), both of which emphasize that housing solutions must grow from the community itself. A whole community approach to housing blends community-driven components in collaboration with the region's established players.

“We believe housing solutions should be created in partnership with the community,” said foundation board chairman Rick Hill. “This CDC is about building community resiliency on many fronts, with housing being an immediate priority for new collaboration.”

To guide the development of the CDC, Ryan Deska has joined the foundation as a strategic initiatives consultant on housing. He brings deep experience in rural housing and community development, including his work with Habitat for Humanity Guelph Wellington in the design and implementation of its community bonds program — an initiative the foundation proudly supported.

As it take this next step, the foundation remains dedicated to fostering a region where everyone can thrive. Investing in collaboration and community-driven innovation not only addresses today’s housing challenges, but builds a foundation for tomorrow.