The need for homes for our senior Brethren and Sisters has been felt for a long time in Western Canada. With this purpose in mind, the Ecclesia in Victoria, British Columbia has purchased a piece of land adjacent to and at the rear of the Meeting Hall. This, we feel, is an ideal site for residences for our elderly members, being about ¼ mile to shops, a library, health and business services, yet situated on a quiet residential street and, most important, so close to the Meeting Hall. Bus service along a major arterial road is about a 100 yard walk over level ground through the Meeting property. A pedestrian overpass allows safe access to the bus in either direction.
Because of its mild climate, Victoria has become a retirement center for Western Canada. As a result, affordable housing for seniors is in short supply. For many years, this Meeting has had to help elderly members find accommodation when maintaining a private residence became too burdensome. Many of them have few family members in this area. We are familiar with the various retirement homes, rest homes, etc. run by the government, service clubs and churches; their advantages and disadvantages. For the elderly, moving into a home, if one can be found, is to give up independence. This is a big and traumatic step. As an alternative the elderly are encouraged to stay in their homes, and take advantage of home care, or home help services. These are also worthy community services but they do not remove the loneliness and worry that many elderly experience when left alone. Each of these services is good in its own way but social agencies now recognize that something between these two extremes is better. However, our experience has been that self contained apartment complexes for seniors provide few compatible neighbors for our members. Our meeting is now convinced that elderly Brethren and Sisters would be much happier and better served living near one another and would further benefit from the daily association with those of like faith.
After a general meeting of the Ecclesia, it was decided to have plans drawn up for eleven independent units within one single story building, with no steps anywhere in the complex. The design finally agreed upon incorporates the features most frequently asked for by our elderly in apartment style accommodation. Each suite has a living room, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and closets and additional storage areas. Each has a separate entrance but all are connected by a central hall. The suites are bright and all have private outdoor space. There is a central lounge for the use of residents and their guests. Self contained accommodation of this type encourages independence yet removes the worry associated with maintaining property and provides neighbors who can give help when necessary. As a consequence, living in this type of accommodation prolongs the active and productive life of the residents.
In the Victoria Ecclesia, we feel that by providing this accommodation for our elderly members adjacent to the meeting, we shall all gain in three important respects. Firstly, the elderly residents will be able to increase their participation in meeting activities. Secondly, our elderly should remain productive in Ecclesial work longer. Thirdly, the feeling that our fellowship is one family should be enhanced. For us as a community to provide for our elderly is in the tradition of the early Ecclesias as recorded in Acts Chapter 6.
We are now at the stage where land has been purchased, rezoned for multiple unit dwellings, the plans approved by the municipality and we are now awaiting a building permit. The estimated cost for this project including land is in the neighborhood of $575,000. Of this the Victoria Ecclesia has already raised over $120,000 to pay for the land and architect fees, etc. With further funds available for this project from the Victoria Meeting we expect to raise almost half the necessary money locally. We cannot apply for financial assistance from the government for this project because the conditions attached to the acceptance of government funds are unacceptable. In consequence, we are making an appeal to the Brotherhood for help to complete this necessary building project. No contribution, either from individuals or Ecclesias will be considered too small. Contributions should be payable to the “Victoria Christadelphian Ecclesia” and be forwarded to the Recording Brother, R. W. Stodel at 1396 McKenzie Ave., Victoria, B.C., V8P 2M3. Canada.
A prospectus describing the complex and giving details of the costs involved is being printed. Copies will be sent to each Recording Brother. If anyone wishes extra copies or more detailed information please contact the undersigned. Our progress will be made known through this magazine.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One