Opinion – Indwell – “Let’s open doors together.”

Burlington has a hidden homeless problem, with many people living in tents along the railway tracks. Social housing is the responsibility of Halton Region. While Halton Community Housing Corporation manages over 2,200 units, shelters are operating at 140% capacity, and the wait time for social housing is over 7 years.

To help with this crisis, Burlington council is moving ahead with Indwell, a not-for-profit organization, approving a six-story, 74-unit building on Waterdown Road between Plains Rd. and Highway 403.

What is Indwell?

Indwell is a Christian charity based in Ontario that provides supportive, affordable housing for people seeking health, wellness, and belonging. For over 50 years, the organization has specialized in creating communities for individuals who have experienced homelessness or face complex barriers such as mental health challenges, physical disabilities, or substance use disorders.

Indwell already operates a facility on Plains Road in Burlington at the site of the former City View Motel.

https://indwell.ca/programs/cityview-apartments

Overview

• Mission Statement: “Hope and Homes for All.”
• Core Values: Dignity (affirming the image of God in every person), Love (caring for neighbours), and Hope (creating foundational communities).
• Scale of Impact: As of 2025, Indwell supports over 1,400 households in 33 housing communities across Southern and Southwestern Ontario, including Hamilton, London, Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Mississauga, and St. Thomas. Including the Burlington project, Indwell has an additional 14 housing communities planned, which are expected to create over 700 more units.

Existing communities: https://indwell.ca/housing-programs/

• Unlike traditional affordable housing, Indwell uses a supportive housing model. This includes:
  • Independent Living: Tenants have their own full-service apartments with formal lease agreements.
  • Wraparound Supports: Interdisciplinary teams providing nursing, psychosocial support, addiction counselling, and medication management.
  • Housing Stability: Indwell maintains a high housing stability rate (typically over 90%), meaning most tenants remain successfully housed for the long-term.

Funding & Financial Model

Indwell is funded through donations and government contributions.

1. Funding for New Building Projects

• Community Donations: Private gifts from individuals, churches, and businesses provide start up capital.
• Government Grants & Loans: Primarily through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the National Housing Strategy.
  • Provincial: Grants from the Ontario government (e.g., Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing).
  • Municipal: Local governments often contribute land donations or capital grants.
• Innovative Financing: Indwell has also raised funds through the Hope & Homes Community Bond, allowing retail and institutional investors to provide “impact loans” that bridge the gap during the early design and pre-construction phases.

2. Funding for Operations & Programs

Ongoing support services are funded through a mix of sources:

• Ministry of Health (Ontario): Provides significant “base funding” for health-related staff and clinical supports.
• Tenant Rent: Most tenants pay rent geared to income (often subsidized through provincial programs or social assistance like ODSP).
• Private Philanthropy: Approximately 12–15% of annual program costs are covered by ongoing donor support, which allows for enhanced services like meal programs and social recreation.

Recent Financial Highlights (2024–2025)

According to recent annual reports, Indwell has seen significant growth:

• Operating Revenue: Reached approximately $35.5 million in the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
• Total Assets: Valued at over $62.7 million, reflecting the organization’s aggressive expansion and property acquisition.
• Development Pipeline: Indwell has roughly 700 units planned or under active construction.

Sustainability & Innovation

Indwell is a leader in Passive House construction. By building to these ultra-high-efficiency standards, they reduce greenhouse gas emissions and utility costs. This environmental strategy ensures that the buildings remain financially sustainable and affordable for the organization to operate over decades.

Long Term Outlook

Indwell is in the business of providing long-term, even permanent, housing with no requirement for residents to graduate.

Indwell has been operating since the 1970s, and its long-term outlook appears strong, but it depends heavily on continued public funding, political support for supportive housing, and the organization’s ability to manage rapid growth.

Consider making a donation: https://indwell.ca/donate

Read more about the Federal government’s contribution to the City of Burlington here:

Opinion – What does Community Housing mean?