With construction already underway, a major step toward tackling housing insecurity for women and women-led families in Brantford took place on Saturday as Jaycees Brantford Non-Profit Homes officially marked the groundbreaking of its latest affordable housing initiative.
The development, located at 32 Bridge Street and supported by a $1.5 million subsidy from the City of Brantford, aims to provide stable and secure housing for individuals facing financial and domestic hardships.
For Jaycees Brantford, this project has been years in the making. Executive Director Laurie Macintyre described the event as a defining moment for the organization, which has been working toward this expansion for five years.
“This public announcement marks the final step in launching our long-planned expansion,” Macintyre said. “We’ve been dedicated to providing affordable housing for decades, but with our existing 83 homes now mortgage-free, we finally have the freedom to grow and help more people.”
The timing of the groundbreaking, which coincided with International Women’s Day, carried particular significance. Macintyre noted that over 65% of current JC Homes tenants are women or female-led families, with the most recent move-ins consisting entirely of women.
“Housing for young women, senior women, and women with families is in crisis,” she said. “Announcing this project today isn’t just symbolic—it’s a statement of support for women at all stages of life, including those who have yet to reach their full potential.”
Women escaping abusive relationships or dealing with financial instability often face disproportionate barriers to securing safe housing. The gender wage gap, childcare responsibilities, and limited access to emergency funds make it especially difficult for women to transition into stable living conditions.
Jaycees Brantford has worked closely with Nova Vita, the city’s domestic violence shelter, to provide transitional housing for women and families leaving crisis situations. The new development will add 24 units across three floors, including two-bedroom, one-bedroom, and studio apartments. The project is expected to be completed by early 2026, despite minor setbacks.
Brantford Councillor for Ward 5, Mandy Samwell, who chairs the Social Services Committee, emphasized the development’s significance.
“This will be one of the first buildings in Brantford specifically designed for women and women-led families, with not only housing but a dedicated community space,” Samwell said. “We’re incredibly proud to see this come to life.”
Ward 3 Councillor Dan McCreary echoed the sentiment, stressing the project’s role in Brantford’s broader housing strategy.
“Providing transitional housing for women-led households is a crucial piece of our housing continuum,” McCreary said. “This project helps fill that gap for families struggling to regain stability.”
The Jaycees Brantford Non-Profit Homes project extends beyond traditional affordable housing models. In addition to residential units, the development will feature a multi-use community hub on the main level. The space will include a café, shared workspaces, a community kitchen, an event room, and counseling services, ensuring residents have access to essential support systems.
Macintyre revealed that JC Homes will soon launch a capital fundraising campaign to finance the commercial-level space.
“We don’t want to be commercial landlords,” she explained. “We want to create a space that benefits the community and the people who live here.”
Member of Parliament for Brantford-Brant, Larry Brock, underscored the importance of partnerships in addressing the affordability crisis.
“This project is a bridge for struggling families—from financial insecurity to stability,” Brock said. “With 2.5 million Canadians relying on food banks last year alone, the need for safe, affordable housing has never been greater. This initiative isn’t just a government effort—it’s a community-led solution.”
Founded in the 1980s, Jaycees Brantford Non-Profit Homes has spent decades managing and maintaining affordable housing across the city. Now, with financial independence from past government agreements, the organization is leveraging its assets to expand housing availability in Brantford.
As construction progresses, community leaders and advocates eagerly anticipate the completion of a project that will offer a safe, supportive, and affordable environment for women and families seeking a fresh start.
